With survey, leaders aim to assess employer-based childcare support for LI workforce

Seeking to assess employer-based childcare support-options in the region, the Long Island Association, and the Child Care Council of Suffolk and Child Care Council of Nassau are conducting a survey . The deadline to complete the survey has been extended to July 13.

“Safe and affordable childcare results in a demonstrated return on investment, allowing parents and caregivers to fully participate in the economy and employers to find solutions to their workplace challenges,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said in a statement to Long Island Business News.

“This survey will help inform the LIA’s advocacy in championing more support and increased access to childcare,” said Cohen, who chair the board of the Child Care Council of Suffolk .

Across the state, two out of five New Yorkers with children report that either they, or an adult member of their household, forgo employment outside the home largely because of the high cost and availability of childcare, according to Cornell University’s 2023 Empire State Poll.

“Access to reliable and affordable childcare is essential to working families,” Jennifer Rojas, executive director of the Child Care Council of Suffolk, said in a statement to LIBN.

“Employees that have reliable childcare arrangements are likely to be more productive and remain in their jobs for longer periods of time,” Rojas added. “This survey will help us gain a better understanding of the benefits and supports currently provided to help parents with caregiving needs, and to develop useful resources for employers to support their workforce.”

The LIA states that childcare is a business and economic development issue that “allows parents and caregivers to work while accessing safe, quality and affordable care for their children. The results of this survey will help inform the LIA's advocacy on this issue.”

This effort is also part of the Regional Economic Development Council's "Child Care Toolkit for New York State Employers," an initiative launched by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Officials say that the survey should take eight to 10 minutes to complete.

The survey results will help state and local policymakers as well as economic development staff better understand parent access to employer benefits, “particularly those that support working families with caregiving needs,” according to New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Employers that offer childcare solutions can help reduce turnover, increase productivity, attract talent, reduce absenteeism and enhance workplace culture, the Office of Children and Family Services said.

 

 

 

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