Agenda - 11-02-2006-10a - Laserfiche WebLink

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~o Scholarshi~i Frrnds/Matching Firrrds: Employers set up scholarship funds so that their employees get help to pay for child care. This is similar to the government run subsidy program, but the funds are private, and are earmarked for the employees of a specific business. These programs can be managed by the same groups that manage regular subsidy funds; Orange County Social Services and Child Care Services Association. The amount of money committed by the employer may also be matched by Orange County under the Department of Social Services scholarship plan. UNC works with Child Care Services Association to fund scholarships for students and university employees. Students give to their own scholarship fund via activity fees, and the university donates money to directly subsidize eligible employees. Direct Donations: Direct donations can be made to subsidy •programs to help alleviate the waiting by all families. This method is used more often by public entities. The Town of Chapel Hill donates $10,000 annually to Child Care Services Association to support child care in Orange County. The Town of Carrboro donates $5,000 annually to Child Care Services Association to support child care in Orange County. Undenvrzting: Costs of starting up or running a child care program can be underwritten by donating space, utilities, etc. to help lower costs of care. Orange County currently donates space utilized by several child care centers in the county, including Cedar Grove Day Care Center and Community School for People Under 6. Benefit Options: Many employers in Orange County, including Orange County Government, offer flexible spending accounts and/or other benefit plans to their employees that aid families in meeting their child care needs. POSSIBLE STRATEGIES Based on the information above provided to the Task Force, the following possible strategies were identified. 1. Seek additional funds for subsidy including requests to government entities and private funding organizations. 2. Develop partnerships with employers to create additional opportunities to maximize resources. This may include sponsorships, matching funds,, benefit packages, direct contributions for subsidies or direct provision of child care. 3. Identify alternative incentives available for employers to provide to their employees that will not adversely impact any subsidy payments. Provide information to all employers on subsidy rules and these alternatives. 4. Continue to explore other child care models that may work for local employers. 5. Initiate a marketing campaign to inform employers of the role that child care plays in their workplace and educate employers regarding options to assist their employees in securing affordable, quality care. 6. Plan for child care sites at new large developments. .