Examining the Associations between Teacher Job Satisfaction, Workplace Climate, and Well-Being Resources within Head Start Programs

Research Findings: Teachers in early care and education (ECE) face tremendous challenges, which can lead to poor well-being, low job satisfaction, and high turnover rates. Thus, it is essential to understand the factors related to job satisfaction as well as the well-being resources that teachers need. The study used multilevel modeling to examine the associations between organizational factors and teachers’ job satisfaction among 166 Head Start teachers. Results indicate that organizational climate and diversity climate within the centers were positively associated with teachers’ job satisfaction. However, the availability of well-being resources was not significantly related to teachers’ satisfaction with their job. Teachers identified higher wages, less paperwork, and support for managing children’s behaviors as the most needed resources for their well-being. Practice or Policy: The study addresses the importance of a positive work climate for policymakers and program leaders to consider as a way of improving ECE teachers’ job satisfaction. It also emphasizes the most needed well-being resources identified by teachers, especially those working with children in poverty.