A new nonprofit organization, oneCOMMUNITY, is making strides to tackle the pressing day care challenges faced by families in Sedgwick County. By collaborating with local employers, the initiative aims to provide affordable child care solutions that enhance employee retention and attendance, ultimately benefiting the local economy.
Key Takeaways
- oneCOMMUNITY is a startup nonprofit focused on affordable child care.
- The initiative seeks partnerships with local businesses to create child care solutions.
- Two primary models are proposed: cost-sharing and customized on-site care.
- The goal is to reduce employee absenteeism related to child care issues.
The Need for Affordable Child Care
In Sedgwick County, many families struggle with the high costs and limited availability of child care services. This issue not only affects parents but also impacts local businesses, as employees often miss work due to child care challenges. Brent Lewis, the executive director of oneCOMMUNITY, emphasizes that addressing these issues can lead to significant benefits for employers.
Proposed Solutions
oneCOMMUNITY is currently in the prospecting phase, seeking businesses interested in participating in the child care program. The organization proposes two main models for child care solutions:
- Cost-Sharing Model: Multiple businesses contribute to a single child care facility, allowing for shared costs and resources.
- Customized On-Site Care: Companies can establish their own child care facilities on-site, tailored to their employees’ needs.
These models aim to alleviate the financial burden on parents, with employers potentially covering 50-70% of child care costs.
Economic Benefits for Employers
Lewis highlights the economic advantages of investing in child care solutions. He notes that employees dealing with child care issues may miss up to two weeks of work annually. By providing support, employers can expect a return on investment that exceeds 100%, factoring in:
- Reduced absenteeism
- Increased employee satisfaction and retention
- Potential tax credits for providing child care assistance
Future Outlook
As oneCOMMUNITY continues to develop its program, the focus remains on building partnerships with local businesses. The goal is to keep child care costs manageable for employees, ideally ranging from $300 to $750 per month per child. By fostering collaboration between employers and the nonprofit, Sedgwick County hopes to create a sustainable solution to its day care woes, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for families and the local workforce.
In conclusion, oneCOMMUNITY’s initiative represents a proactive approach to a longstanding issue in Sedgwick County. By addressing child care challenges through innovative partnerships, the nonprofit aims to create a supportive environment for families and businesses alike.
Sources
- Sedgwick County nonprofit aims to address day care woes, Yahoo.
- Sedgwick County nonprofit aims to address day care woes, KSN.com.
