Business Navigator

Child care is an economic issue. Through the collaborative efforts of Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC), the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) network, the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs), and funding provided by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), the Business Navigator toolkit connects businesses with child care services. The needs of both businesses and employees are addressed in the toolkit, including: navigating economic and logistical considerations, accessing tax benefits, and delivering quick wins and other resources that can be meaningful in a variety of circumstances across the state.

The Business Navigator provides business leaders with key strategies they can use to support caregivers, along with tools to guide implementation. Employers in New York State who are seeking to deliver a child care strategy that focuses on the specific needs of their employees, and provides a strong return on their investments, will find the essential resources, case studies, and regional contacts to begin this process, or augment a plan already in place.

Employer-sponsored child care is an investment in the workforce that can yield significant returns. Providing employer-sponsored child care solutions can reduce turnover, increase productivity, attract talent, reduce absenteeism, and enhance the overall workplace culture.

The Business Navigator is proving to be an invaluable resource for businesses across the state by supporting their employees to align their work responsibilities and caregiving needs. This alignment is essential for businesses to stay strong and competitive, while also safeguarding equitable economic opportunities for employees.

The Business Navigator helps employers to understand their employees’ child care needs and connect them with their local child care expert (their Child Care Resource and Referral Center), identify and implement employee benefits, HR services, other child care resources, and relevant tax credits. Additionally, the Toolkit provides data on where the areas of child care needs are the greatest, and support for parents in guiding them to find available child care near them.

Visit the Business Navigator Website to Request a Digital Guidebook

Connect with your local Child Care Resource and Referral Center to receive your print copy of the guidebook, presentations from our team, and opportunities to learn from our child care experts. Can’t wait? You can still access the information digitally on the Business Navigator website. You can even download a digital version of the guidebook instantly.