Employer Supported Child Care Options

Dependent Care Assistance Plans:
Some companies offer a DCAP program, which allows employees to set aside up to $5,000 of their pre-tax salary per year to pay for dependent care expenses. There are certain restrictions that apply -- e.g., unspent funds are usually not refundable to the employee. Speak with the benefits coordinator at your workplace for more details on the plan.

Employer-Sponsored Assistance:
Many employers now offer some form of employer-sponsored child care assistance to their employees. Some examples of assistance include:

• Matching funds or subsidy programs that are paid for by the employer for employees' child care needs. This is offered as an employee benefit.
• Work and family resources, offered through the HR department, that may include enhanced child care referral services, elder care, and work/life issues.
• Employer funding for camp programs for employees' children during school and summer vacations.
• Some employers offer on-site care for mildly ill children and emergency back-up care.

Investing in Early Care and Education
Early Care and Education plays a critical role in economic development by supporting workers, attracting businesses and providing an education foundation for the community.  Early care and education is recognized, based on recent research, as the critical foundation for a child's future learning.  Quality early care prepares children for school by fostering their social, intellectual, emotional and physical development.  Investment in quality early care doesn't just benefit the work force today - it is an investment in the work force of tomorrow.

There are various ways in which an employer can provide early care assistance:

• Host work place seminars to inform parents about available child care resources and parenting supports. 
• Disseminate information through bulletin boards, website postings, newsletters or resource libraries.
• Develop or support on-site or near-site early care and education center.
• Participate in early care and education coalitions and task forces to help meet the early care needs of communities.
• Offer family oriented personnel policies such as flextime, job sharing, telecommuting, etc.

For more information please contact Resource Development Center
1-800-834-4378 or 207-667-2467,
Fax 207-667-2212 or judithn@childandfamilyopp.com

Child Care Opportunities, Resource Development Center
18 Avery Lane Ellsworth, Maine •  667-2467
1-800-834-4378
judithn@childandfamilyopp.com