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, and the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs), the strategic rollout of The Business Navigator will connect businesses with child care services and focus on understanding the needs of both businesses and employees, navigating economic and logistical considerations, accessing tax benefits, and delivering resources that can be meaningful in a variety of circumstances across the state.

The Business Navigator will provide business leaders with key strategies that they can use to support caregivers, along with tools to support 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 will be an invaluable resource for businesses across the state to better support their employees in aligning 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 is designed to help employers understand their employees’ child care needs and connect them with employee benefits, HR services, other child care resources, and relevant tax credits. The Toolkit provides data to child care providers on where the areas of child care needs are the greatest. Additionally, it will support parents in guiding them to find available child care.