Iowa is in a child care crisis. This crisis is a family issue, a workforce issue, a business issue and most importantly, a community issue. Parents throughout the state miss work, drop shifts, are less engaged on the job, switch employers or leave the workforce because child care is in crisis. It is either unaffordable, inaccessible or nonexistent in many Iowa communities.
Child care-related work benefits can be valuable for businesses looking to develop, grow and retain their workforce. Employers protect their bottom line by increasing employee access to quality, affordable child care options. Educating employees about quality child care isn’t just a great perk for the employees. It can play a critical role in your workforce retention strategy and give your employees much-needed peace of mind on the job.
Increase your productivity - Lack of quality child care options results in chronic employee tardiness and absenteeism.
Increase employee retention - Employees cannot remain on the job in the face of ongoing child care problems.
Strengthen your community & future workforce - Investments in high-quality early learning programs has long-term benefits such as:
Increased tax revenue
More effective public schools
Improved personal and public health
Less crime
Increased educated, skilled workers
Higher wages later in life
Read the report "Why Child Care Matters to Iowa Businesses" here.
Ask employees about their child care arrangements.
If you need assistance with surveying employees, CCR&R can help!
Ensure all employees know about of CCR&R services for families by including resources in new hire packets and links to the CCR&R website.
Utilize tax benefits available for employers to help employees with child care costs.
Support community initiatives to further early childhood efforts.
Advocate for employees and the need for high-quality child care and early learning settings within your community.
Convey your support for public investment in early education to policymakers.
Read the flyer "What Can Business and Economic Leaders Do?" here.
Today's Workforce - Families and employers depend on quality child care for more stability of today's employees.
Tomorrow's Workforce - Investing in early learning and development is the best foundation for human capital. These investments have immediate and long-term benefits to the individual child and society.
View the Committee for Economic Development report on child care in Iowa here.
Child care is an essential part of a community's critical infrastructure. When creating strategies for your community's economic development, don't forget to include planning around child care. CCR&R can help facilitate discussions and solutions in your community, think of us as your conversation guide.
Iowa Workforce Development - Videos of Success