Information for Businesses
Quality care affects the businesses community
Quality child care is also a major factor in the skill level of future workers.
"Over 20 percent of US workers are functionally illiterate and innumerate, a much higher percentage than in leading European countries. This is a major drag on U.S. competitiveness and a source of social problems. If current trends continue, the annual rate of productivity growth attributable to education will decline by half or more in the next two decades. Enriched preschool centers available to disadvantaged children on a voluntary basis coupled with home visitation programs have a strong track record of promoting achievement for disadvantaged children, improving labor market outcomes and reducing involvement with crime." ("The Productivity Argument for Investing in Young Children," James Heckman, 2000 Nobel Laureate, and Dimitriy Masterov, University of Chicago, December 2004)
Quality child care saves communities tax dollars.
A landmark, long-term study of the effects of high-quality early care and education on low-income three- and four-year-olds shows that adults at age 40 who participated in a preschool program in their early years have higher earnings, are more likely to hold a job, have committed fewer crimes, and are more likely to have graduated from high school. Overall, the study documented a return to society of more than a $17 for every tax dollar invested in the early care and education program. ("The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study Through Age 40," November 2004)
Employers' Questions
1) Why should I worry about providing child care for my employees?
Since 1.2 million of Pennsylvania's children under 13 have a working parent or parents1, it is likely that one or more of your employees requires child care. According to Child Care Works, "the average parent loses eight days of work every year because of child care problems." By providing child care for your employees, you can reduce absenteeism and turnover, thus increasing employee morale and productivity. When your employees do not have to worry about child care, they can more effectively focus on their jobs.
Early Childhood Education: A Call to Action from the Business Community (PDF) (the Business Roundtable)
Employer Options for Child Care: Effective Strategies for Recruitment and Retention, Pennsylvania State University, 2001 (PDF)
1 "Child Care in Pennsylvania: A Short Report on Subsidies, Affordability and Supply," US Department of Health and Human Services, 1999.
2) I don't have the capability to start up a child care program at my office. What else can I do to help my employees receive adequate child care?
By helping your employees get good information on child care in your area, and by creating a supportive environment in which they can take the time to find child care that meets their needs, you are providing and invaluable service to working parents. For information on child care providers in your area, contact your local Child Care Information Services agency. See a list of some of the CCIS agencies that are PACCA members.
3) I am interested in starting a program at my office. How do I begin?
The following PACCA articles will be helpful:
The Work and Family Connection web site provides information and resources on how to start a child care program at your business. Included in these resources is a 54 page report on employer supported childcare available for purchase.
If you have additional questions, please contact PACCA at info@pacca.org or by calling (717) 657-9000.
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