Our team is buzzing after participating in yesterday’s historic National Child Care Innovation Summit organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Secretary Gina Raimondo’s appreciation that child care is an economic issue – and an innovation opportunity – is inspiring. As a team on the front lines of the child care system, Care is proud to stand alongside the leaders and stakeholders who convened yesterday, as well as our clients with whom we partner to deliver real impact for working families.
A very special thank you to our client partners at Suffolk Construction, and especially Suffolk Chairman and CEO John F. Fish, for being true champions of child care for their workforce. They see first-hand the difference that child care support makes for their team and we are proud to stand with John and Suffolk as they advocate for child care solutions that support all workers, including those in the trades and other industries with non-traditional hours and needs. More to come on our work together in this space.
Key takeaways:
- Child care is infrastructure. If roads are broken or in disrepair, we work to fix them. Child care is broken, and we must work to fix it.
- Child care isn’t a women’s issue, or even a parents’ issue. It’s an economic issue and the public, private and government sectors have a responsibility to work together.
- Child care workers are the “workforce behind the workforce,” and they deserve respect, living wages, and systems that support their career trajectories. Without them, no other work is possible.
- Child care is literally good for business. Those that provide child care benefits to their workforce consistently report positive ROI when it comes to their bottom line, retention, and productivity.
Congratulations to all involved in this terrific summit. I’ve never been more optimistic about the possibilities for child care, and Care is proud to be part of the conversation and the solutions.
Pictured from Left to Right:
Jonathan Simon
Rebecca Hunter
Shannon McKay
Colleen Sokolik
John Fish
Olivia Petzy
Bryan Jamele