The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a challenge that was becoming increasingly more difficult even before the public health crisis - finding affordable, quality childcare for working parents throughout the country. Throughout the pandemic, hundreds of employers have reached out to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation seeking solutions to support working parents.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation has developed Childcare Roadmap Videos to provide a visual representation of the Employer Roadmap: Childcare Solutions for Working Parents. This roadmap is for senior leaders to understand what options are available to address childcare needs for working parents, primarily those working shifts during non-traditional hours. It also includes information about what to expect on the journey and how to put strategies into action for their business.
Better Communities Collaborative
This video features the multidisciplinary firm, Better Communities Collaborative (BC Collaborative), discussing BC Collaborative's holistic approach to organizational work policies. Through implementing working parent support and flexible scheduling, BC Collaborative experienced increased recruitment, and retention. In June 2020, the firm had 26 employees. The firm now has 150 employees, recently hiring four more female engineers. Allowing for flexibility gives parents more control and the ability to find care that fits their schedules.
Black Hills Energy
This video features diversified energy company, Black Hills Energy, discussing Black Hills Energy’s on-site childcare development center. This on-site childcare center is available at the market rate to the 750 employees at Black Hills Energy’s headquarters. On-site childcare addresses the access, affordability, and quality needs for working parents looking for care. Employers can operate the on-site care themselves or partner with an external childcare provider to manage the operation.
Dick's Drive-In
This video features family-owned company, Dick’s Drive-In, discussing Dick’s early childhood education scholarship program. This program is available to 300 employees offering $28,000 over four years. This program begins with an employee receiving $5,000 a year for the first two years, and $9,000 a year for the following two years. Childcare affordability is often a high barrier for families. Through vouchers or subsidies, employers can help offset the cost of care and incentivize quality options.
Guild Education
This video features the career opportunity platform, Guild Education, discussing Guild’s on-site childcare center benefit, The Beehive. The Beehive is available to Guild’s 1,400 employees. This center is licensed for 82 children and 54 children are currently attending. On-site childcare addresses the access, affordability, and quality needs for working parents who are looking for care. Employers can operate the on-site care themselves or partner with an external childcare provider to manage the operation.
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
This video features joint venture automobile manufacturing company, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), discussing MTM’s childcare benefit for employees. Through connecting with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, MTM’s HR General Manager, Tony Dillon, found TOOTRiS. MTM partnered with TOOTRiS, a turn-key technology platform built for employers, to help employees find childcare that fits their needs and process and manage employer subsides. TOOTRiS works with families to locate available care and licensing support to local childcare providers.
Employer Roadmap
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a challenge that was becoming increasingly more difficult even before the public health crisis—finding affordable, quality childcare for working parents throughout the country. Throughout the pandemic, hundreds of employers have reached out to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation seeking solutions to support working parents.
This employer roadmap is for senior leaders to understand what options are available to address childcare needs for working parents, primarily those working shifts during non-traditional hours. It also includes information about what to expect on the journey and how to put strategies into action for their business.