ERIC Number: EJ1470489
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jun
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1082-3301
EISSN: EISSN-1573-1707
Available Date: 2024-05-14
The Working Conditions and Well-Being of Early Childhood Leaders in the United States
Early Childhood Education Journal, v53 n5 p1435-1450 2025
There has been a marked increase in attention to educators' well-being since the pandemic. The majority of this research activity, however, has been focused on the well-being of early childhood teachers while the challenges of early childhood leaders have gone largely undocumented. Using a holistic conceptualization of leader well-being along with the Job-Demands-Resources (JD-R) framework, the purpose of this study was to examine the well-being and working conditions of early childhood leaders in the U.S. To this end, we examine descriptive data on various aspects of the working conditions and physical, psychological, and professional well-being of 547 leaders (directors and associate directors) in center-based settings (ECE) as well as 667 elementary/primary principals nationwide. Overall, we found that ECE center-based leaders were paid 60% less than their K-12 counterparts but reported significantly longer tenure in the profession and in their current school. Both groups reported high workloads, working hours well above the standard 40-h workweek, and few opportunities for professional growth, coaching, and mentoring opportunities. The physical health of both groups was poor; obesity, sedentary behavior, and low physical activity were prevalent. A significant proportion of leaders (40%) were at high risk for depression and exhibited moderate burnout. Despite high demands and poor physical and psychological well-being, both groups had high job satisfaction, but also low intent-to-leave and feelings of isolation.
Descriptors: Work Environment, Early Childhood Education, Administrator Attitudes, Administrators, Well Being, Principals, Child Care Centers, Tenure, Management Development, Physical Health, Mental Health, Depression (Psychology), Burnout, Social Isolation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA; 2Utah State University, Logan, USA; 3University of Tulsa, Tulsa, USA