| Child Care Option | Description | Benefits | Considerations | Cost | Where to Go for Help |
|
Information • Work Site Seminars • Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) |
Workshops provide information and resources at the work site. CCR&R contracts assist employees with finding child care. |
• Low cost • Addresses a variety of child care needs • Appropriate for any size company • Can be provided in a variety of locations |
• Depends on ample child care services in the community • Offers no assistance in paying for care |
• Seminars are very inexpensive ranging from free to a nominal presenter's fee • CCR&R fees are based on workforce size |
• Local CCR&R agency • University Outreach and Extension • Community and human service agencies • Educational institutions |
|
Work Place Policies • Flexible Work Schedules • Time-Off and Leave Policies |
These options give employees more control over work time and time off. |
• Minimal financial investment • Can reduce absenteeism, improve morale and productivity • May expand pool of potential employees • May enhance recruitment and retention |
• May require greater planning on the part of managers and work teams • May disrupt work flow if not carefully planned • May require manager training to effectively implement |
Biggest cost factors are: • Benefits offered to less than full-time workers • Wages paid to employees during a leave • Hiring a replacement worker during a leave |
• Private consultants • US Department of Labor • Human resources and benefits firms |
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Financial Support • Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAP) • Voucher or Reimbursement System • Purchase of Space/Discount Program |
These options offer employees direct financial support, discounted fees, or pre-tax savings to reduce the cost of child care. |
• Provides a potential tax advantage for employer and employee (DCAP) • Utilizes existing com- munity child care resources • Can be used by a wide range of employees at different sites and different salary levels |
• Cost and record keeping can be significant • Only directly impacts the cost of care; not a solution for low supply or poor quality |
Will vary depending on type of program chosen |
• Legal consultants • Tax advisors • Benefits consultants |
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Creating and Supporting Child Care Services • On-Site/Near-Site Child Care Centers • Improving Child Care in the Community • Partnerships |
These options offer the opportunity to improve or expand child care through direct provision of child care services or investment in existing community programs. |
• Can address specific needs and/or shortages in the community • Builds community resources for families and positive PR for the company • Can be a very effective recruitment tool • Can cut absenteeism and improve morale and productivity • Can adapt hours and programs to meet specific workforce needs |
• Initial start-up costs can be significant • May require a long-term financial commitment • Demand may fluctuate or be difficult to predict |
Will vary depending on type of program chosen and/or level of investment |
• Local CCR&R agency • University Outreach and Extension • United Way • Private consultants • Other community experts |