Published

November 25, 2024

Share

Over the last few years, there’s been a recognizable shift of perspective. The continuance of the care crisis has impacted America’s workforce, families and communities, threatening our economic competitiveness and opening the door to a need for innovative solutions for employers and working parents alike. We’ve witnessed this shift firsthand as child care emerges as critical infrastructure for communities across the globe.  

At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, we believe in harnessing the power of business to solve pressing challenges like the care crisis. We recognize early childhood education as a catalyst for a successful and prosperous life for many and a stronger workforce in the future. 

This summer, we were honored to host the first-of-its-kind National Child Care Innovation Summit, a collaboration between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Commerce. This December, we hosted a continuation of those crucial cross-sector conversations at the National Child Care Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action.  

This invite-only event, in partnership with Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) and presented by the David and Laura Merage Foundation, brought together business leaders in Washington, D.C. for an intimate, engaging environment of workshops, panels, and networking—designed to turn inspiration into action in their own communities. 

Explore key insights and actions from the National Child Care Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action, below.  

a man standing at a podium
1/8
a group of people sitting in chairs
2/8
a woman standing at a podium
3/8
a group of people sitting in chairs
4/8
a group of people sitting at a round table
5/8
a woman standing at a podium with a microphone
6/8
a group of people sitting in chairs
7/8
a woman with red hair speaking in front of a blue background
8/8
  • Employer investments in child care are crucial for community development and economic growth. Addressing this issue proactively positively impacts employee well-being and enhances workforce productivity, creating stronger communities in return. 
  • Successful child care initiatives are fueled by partnerships rooted in trust and shared purpose between employers, child care providers, and governments. These relationships help integrate business objectives and strengthen the overall child care continuum, ensuring long-term success. 
  • Employers must adopt flexible and tailored approaches to meet the diverse child care needs of their employees. This includes offering a variety of child care options, such as on-site centers and financial assistance programs, to accommodate different family situations and preferences.  
  • Companies need to actively seek input from employees about their child care needs. As key stakeholders, employees' insights help businesses develop comprehensive solutions that benefit everyone and share best practices across organizations. 
  • It's essential that employers continue to recognize child care as a critical economic issue rather than just a personal problem for families. New challenges from health to economic crises have highlighted the flaws in our child care system. It's crucial for businesses to continue prioritizing effective solutions to support their workforce and drive future economic growth. 
- Gina Raimondo, U.S. Commerce Secretary

Introducing the Employer Child Care Navigator 

During the Summit, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation unveiled the Employer Child Care Navigator, a groundbreaking tool for business leaders.  

This easy-to-use platform provides employers with impartial expertise and data-driven guidance to develop effective child care solutions for their workforce, including support for employees working non-traditional hours. 

Key features of the Employer Child Care Navigator include: 

  • Quick Assessment: A three-minute survey that analyzes employee needs and generates tailored, data-led recommendations. 
  • Planning Tools: A comprehensive library of resources for planning and implementing effective child care initiatives. 
  • Nationwide Vendor Network: A curated directory of verified child care solution providers across the country. 
  • Success Stories: A collection of real-world case studies showcasing successful employer-based child care programs. 

ECE Insights 

Explore recent content and expert insights on the role of business in solving the child care crisis:

Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor

a blue text on a black background

Thank You to Our Trailblazer Sponsors

  • a logo with a purple arrow
  • a black background with blue text

Thank You to Our Program Sponsors

  • a black and green sign with text
  • a black and green letters
  • a black and white logo
  • a black and red text with a black background
  • a black background with pink letters

Thank You to Our Innovator Sponsors

  • a logo with a sun and green leaves
  • a blue and black logo
  • a blue number on a black background
  • a purple circle with black text
  • a blue text on a black background
  • a red sign with white text
  • a black and white logo
  • a black and grey logo
  • 01 TOOT Ri S Tagline Default Logo Black
  • a black background with a black square
  • a close up of a logo

Be sure to follow us on our social media channels for insights and updates from this event:

Twitter (X): @USCCFoundation

LinkedIn: @U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation​ 

Facebook: @U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation​ 

Instagram: @usccfoundation

Topics