The intimacy paradox of early childhood education: while close relationships create developmental magic for children, they threaten the sustainability of those providing it. Research reveals 45-72% burnout rates across settings, with professional isolation emerging as the dominant risk in intensive care. Evidence shows the first three years as the critical vulnerability window, with compensation as the strongest retention predictor—yet organizational climate and collegial support remain the most potent modifiable factors. This episode examines the ratio threshold effect (7.5:1), the homeschooling paradox (flexibility protects, rigidity depletes), and why Communities of Practice function as the "silver bullet" for isolated practitioners. Full research report: https://research.yuda.me/podcast/episodes/kindergarten-first-principles/ep5-sustaining-excellence/report.md
