- Economic Development is tied directly to workforce
development.
- Up to 35% of the current workforce will be retiring in the
next twenty years. Their replacements are learning how to walk
and talk right now.
- Brain research tells us that cognitive and social
development is at it's peak while the child is still in diapers.
- 60% of the current workforce have children under 6 years
of age. Their productivity is directly linked to the safety
and health of their children.
- A community's business climate is tied to prosperity of
the community. People choose to work, shop and play in a
community that is compatible to their lifestyle and supportive of
their families' well-being.
Investment in Early Childhood Development is a good deal. The
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis presented a cost/benefit analysis
on early childhood development interventions such as well staffed
pre-kindergarten programs, early literacy programs, parent education and
support, and home visitation show a remarkable return on investment.
Carolina Abecdarian Project: For every $1
invested in Early Childhood, $4 is the return.
Elmira Prenatal Home Visitation: $1 invested
returns $5
Chicago Child Parent Centers: Every $1 invested
returns $7
High Scope/Perry Preschool Project: For every
$1 invested, the return is $17!
Business can invest in early childhood development in many ways that
will enhance their operation instead of distracting from it.
- Employee Assistance Programs - include referrals to Early
Childhood Development Specialists.
- Consider flexible work schedules for parents of small
children.
- Offer pre-tax child-care benefits.
- Deliver child development information to employees
through company newsletters, pay envelopes, or break-room speakers.
- Support public policy initiatives to support early
childhood development.
- Join our Great Start Initiative
Planning for the future of our children now and making the investment
in preschool and child care programs will realize the immediate gain of
better work attendance and quality of work performance by the parents of
these children.
We urge the Mecosta and Osceola Business
Community to join the Great Start Effort by:
- Understanding this important issue - ask questions!
- Support the initiative - Contact us and get involved
- Assisting with the development of a long-term strategic
plan for Mecosta and Osceola Counties.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
WORKPLACE
2010 Award Nomination
Form
An Employer that
is Family Friendly has a wide range of benefits that can make a
big difference in the life of a working parent:
-
Employee
Assistance Programs
-
Maternity/Paternity leave policy as an option for Both
parents
-
Flexible work
schedule options for parents of small children
-
Pre-tax child
care benefits
-
Child
development information provided to employees through
newsletters, pay envelopes, break rooms, etc.
-
Wellness
programs. Healthy employees are more productive
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