The National Employer-Sponsored Child Care Project conducted a survey of various employer-supported child care programs in a variety of industries. An analysis of that survey found that the most successful employer-supported programs shared several characteristics.

High-Quality Programs

Companies report that high quality programs-those with well-educated staff, low staff-child ratios, and age-appropriate educational programs-have a greater potential to attract and retain workers and to maintain high morale.

Comprehensive Programs Serving a Variety of Child Care Needs

Programs that address a wide range of child care needs are more likely to be successful attracting workers and reducing turnover and absenteeism. For instance, programs that make child care more affordable, accessible, and available affect the workforce more than those accomplishing only one of those goals.

Programs Adequately Supported by the Company

Support by the company takes several forms, including financial contributions and in-kind donations of services, space, or products. In many cases a higher level of support from the company provides more benefits to parents, improves the quality of programs, and expands the supply of available care.

Programs Designed to Compliment Community Resources

Programs that fill the gaps in community care services, rather than duplicating existing services, offer the greatest benefit to employees.

Programs Designed According to Employee Preference and With Employee Involvement

Tailoring programs to accommodate employee preferences generally improves their utilization rates. Employee involvement in the planning process often reduces the risk of unrealistic expectations about the scope of the program and enhances its value for labor-management relations.

Source:Child Care Partnership Project