Business Investments in Early Learning

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Business & Employer Resources Financial Assistance & Scholarships Opening a Child Care Business

Action Steps for Business Investment in Child Care

You may have seen first-hand how lack of access to quality child care has a direct impact on your employees, and, therefore, your business. Issues with child care can affect recruiting, retention, and employee productivity. So, what can you to help solve these issues? Take a look at our tips below and let us know how we can walk alongside you!

Make an Impact on

Your Workplace

Workplaces’ care and benefits policies can improve work-life balance for parents, helping them support their families and, in turn, be better employees. Consider implementing these family-friendly benefits and policies. We’re happy to walk alongside you every step of the way – our services are free to all employers in Marion, Hamilton, and Hendricks counties.

Benefits for Working Parents

Dependent Care Assistance Plans

Employers typically pay a service fee for these plans, also called dependent care flexible spending accounts, and employees use them to help pay for the care of dependents.

Benefits for Working Parents

Child Care Services

Employers can partner with local programs to have reserved seats at local programs, choose offices with near-site care locations, or, for large employers with a concentrated workforce, provide on-site care.

Family-Friendly Policies

Supportive Scheduling Policies

Parental leave, “bring your baby to work” programs, flextime, flexible scheduling or working from home can allow parents to reduce child care costs or manage unexpected breaks in care due to illness or other factors.

Family-Friendly Culture

Understand Staff Needs

Many businesses turn to staff surveys to understand their current employees’ needs prior to updating policies. Child Care Answers offers free support to build, distribute, and evaluate these surveys.

Benefits for Working Parents

Tuition Support

Through scholarships or direct reimbursement, businesses can alleviate some of the cost of care.

Benefits for Working Parents

Back-up Child Care

Employers provide financial help for backup care or establish partnerships with backup care providers.

Benefits for Working Parents

Child Care Search Support

Through human resources staff, families receive free help finding child care, through our services here at Child Care Answers.

Make an impact

The Community and Beyond

Here are some ways you can get involved as an employer to help raise awareness of the importance of early childhood education.

Advocate

Join a local, statewide or local coalition dedicated to early childhood education, or start one by talking to your employees who are parents.

Corporate Philanthropy

As a company, consider your corporate philanthropy or volunteer options.

Host an Expert

Host a speaker or training — such as a lunch and learn — about the link between early childhood education and economic growth.

Serve on a Board

Donate to or join an early childhood education organization near you — or become part of the board of directors.

Share Your Opinion

Write an op-ed or blog post in support of early childhood education as a way to boost economic growth and encourage other employers. Use research to build your case.

Model and Share

In an industry group or in your community, share your workplace’s family-friendly practices and offer to mentor other employers looking to implement their own policies.

Market Yourself as a Family-Friendly Employer

Share your family-friendly practices as an employer on your website and in your marketing when appropriate.

Featured Resource

Early Learning Matters

Get more insights into how child care impacts your bottom line and your employees. Learn how to make an impact. Hear from other employers leading the way. Find out your next steps. Act today!

Educating Business Leaders on Being Supportive in the Workplace with Child Concerns & Issues

This four-part series gives business leaders the background on why child care is so important to both employees and businesses sustainability.

Understanding the Concerns of Child Care in Central Indiana: Watch.
Mental & Emotional Impact on Families Dealing with Child Care Related Concerns/Issues: Watch.
Connecting Employers to Vital Resources to Support and Aid Employees: January 20, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Register.
Workplace Success and Support from your Employer: February 17, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Register.

For business outside of Marion, Hendricks, and Hamilton counties

Indiana Child Care Resource & Referral Network Partners

the child care resource and referral network

Employer Engagement Team

We grow with your business

Our team of specialists are in your corner, every step of the way. If you need help understanding your workforce’s child care needs, implementing family-friendly policies and benefits, or advocating for child care in the corporate community, call on one of these caring experts. Fill out our Community Information Form in English or Spanish or call 317.636.5727 to get connected.