Child care remains a critical need of working parents. Parents are looking beyond traditional daycare centers for caregivers and resources who can accommodate flexible care routines. And parents of school-aged children are seeking help finding schools, tutors, enrichment programs, and even support with college planning. More than one in four families with children under the age of five struggle to find and afford consistent child care.
Employers can help. The Care Specialist program is an employee benefit that provides 1:1 support to help parents find child care and educational programs for their children.
Madeline Smith, a Care Specialist with over five years of experience and a B.A. in psychology, brings her previous work experience in early childhood education to her role as a Care Specialist. Everyday she provides parents with 1:1 support, expert guidance, and pre-screened referrals to child care and educational resources that meet each family’s unique budget, location, and care needs.
“Every case is unique when looking for child care,” says Madeline. “It’s my job to learn the family’s story and provide customized support to help them. I work with families on parenting throughout all stages of life—from birth through college.”
“I help families find affordable child care in remote areas, locate special needs resources, research college scholarships, find college coaches, and even help families evaluate undergraduate college options.”
Madeline Smith, Care Specialist
Case Study: The impact of helping working parents find care
While Madeline has helped hundreds of working parents, one case she will never forget. A mother who was living in temporary housing with her three children called with a desperate need. She was scheduled to go to work that night and could not find child care. If she didn’t go to work, she’d lose her job. And if she lost her job, she could no longer afford her temporary housing and would be homeless.
Madeline went to work right away researching child care options and was able to find an affordable child care provider that same day so the mother was able to get to work. “That was one of those ‘ah-ha’ moments where I saw how Care truly changes lives,” Madeline recalls. “My job is a gift that keeps on giving. When I work with parents, I know the end result will make a positive impact on their lives.”
The business case for child care benefits
Helping people find care is a personal matter and a universal concern. When people have child care, they can work. When people work, everyone wins. As illustrated in the case study above, child care benefits can have life-changing impacts on families.
Similarly, child care benefits can have significant impacts on a business. Research by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation found that when companies provide child care assistance to their employees, absences can decrease by 30% and job turnover can decline by 60%.
Further, in surveys completed by employees who used Care Specialists, 80% said the benefit decreased their stress, 73% said it made them more productive, and 80% said they felt more loyal to their employer.
