Partnering for Business Navigator Toolkit

November 4, 2024

The Business Navigator Toolkit Project

Child Care Council, Inc. is partnering with the Early Care & Learning Council and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council as part of a statewide project to build and launch a Child Care Business Navigator Toolkit. The Business Navigator Toolkit 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 will be launched in early 2025.

The Business Navigator Project surveyed businesses of all sizes and types to understand their benefits, child care challenges for their workforce, and current knowledge of available tax credits and incentives. Businesses interested in more information about the project, who would like to learn about being a Child Care Champion, or would like to request child care information or referral services for employees, can reach out to Child Care Council CEO Jeff Pier.

Upcoming Toolkit activities include free webinars and Live Launch Events in each Economic Region.

Get Involved

Finger Lakes Region Live Launch

Date: January 22, 2025
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Child Care Council, Inc. is hosting a Live Launch of the NYS Business Navigator Child Care Toolkit on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Register for the Live Launch

Business Navigator Toolkit Webinar

Date: November 20, 2024
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This webinar is an informational session to introduce the toolkit, presented by the Early Care & Learning Center.

Register for the webinar >

Overview of Business Navigator Toolkit Project

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 Toolkit will provide business leaders with key strategies that they can use to support caregivers, along with tools to support implementation. New York State employers 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.

The Business Navigator Toolkit is funded by the Office of Children and Family Services, created by Early Care & Learning Council, and supported by 10 leading Child Care Resource Centers.

Project Timeline

June – August 2024:  Awareness Campaign; Employer Surveys; Identification of Child Care Champions
September – November 2024:  Pre-Launch Webinars
December 2024 – February 2025:  Live Launch Events in all 10 Economic Regions

Statewide Webinars

Solutions to child care challenges faced by both employers and employees are multi-faceted. The Business Navigator Toolkit is intended to reduce the overwhelm that employers may experience as they seek to solve this critical workforce and economic problem. By providing a clear outline of options, coupled with actionable steps for decision making, this toolkit is designed to meet business leaders where they are today, and provide impactful child care solutions to keep their businesses and employees growing tomorrow. 

The Webinars are informational sessions to introduce the toolkit. Learn more and register here.

Regional Live Launch Events

The Business Navigator Child Care Toolkit is a pioneering resource developed by Early Care & Learning Council, funded by the Office of Children and Family Services. This statewide initiative provides crucial strategies and tools for New York State employers dedicated to enhancing workplace support for caregivers.

What You Will Gain:
  • Insightful Strategies: Learn how to tailor child care solutions that meet the specific needs of your employees and provide a substantial return on investment.
  • Implementation Tools: Access practical tools that facilitate the implementation of effective child care strategies within your business.
  • Resource Connections: Discover essential case studies, regional contacts, and additional resources to kickstart or enhance your child care programs.
  • Data-Driven Solutions: Understand the critical areas of child care needs through comprehensive data available to employers and child care providers.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other business leaders, HR professionals, and policymakers committed to fostering family-friendly work environments.

This toolkit not only aims to align work responsibilities with caregiving needs but also enhances your company’s competitiveness by ensuring equitable economic opportunities for all employees.

Who Should Attend:
  • Business owners
  • Human Resources professionals
  • Policy makers
  • Anyone interested in creating a supportive and productive workplace

For information on Live Launch Events throughout New York State, click here.