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Child Care Solutions for Employers

Child Care Benefits Models and Options

There's no single right answer when it comes to supporting employees with child care. The best solution depends on your workforce, your budget, and your operating model.

Here's an overview of the most common approaches and how to think about which ones fit your organization.

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Flexible Support Options

Simple Ways to Support Employees with Child Care

Not every employer has the resources or need to create an on-site child care program. These practical strategies can help working families access reliable care, reduce scheduling challenges, and improve employee retention—often with minimal investment and operational complexity.

Explore options that align with your workforce needs, budget, and business goals.

  • Partner with Local Providers

    Identify a local child care provider and purchase or reserve a set number of slots for your employees. This approach expands access without the overhead of running your own program. Requires research, outreach, and an agreement with a local provider.

  • Backup Child Care

    Offer employees access to a vetted backup care option for days when their regular child care falls through. Reduces unplanned absences and gives working parents a meaningful safety net.

  • Flexible Scheduling

    Adjust employee schedules through tools like staggered start times, compressed workweeks, or remote flexibility to better accommodate child care drop-off and pickup. Low cost, high impact, and highly valued by working parents.

Convenience for Working Families

On-Site or Near-Site Child Care

Build, purchase, or lease space at or near your facility to operate a licensed child care center. Employees receive priority access and often discounted tuition.

Best for larger employers with the physical space and volume to sustain it. Requires working with a Licensing Specialist from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to meet regulatory requirements.

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Direct Financial Support

Employee Child Care Assistance

Provide direct financial assistance to employees to help cover child care expenses through stipends, reimbursements, or dependent care benefits. This approach offers flexibility for employers while helping families manage one of their largest household costs.

Businesses that invest in child care solutions may qualify for Kansas tax credits covering up to 75% of eligible expenses. Senate Bill 82 expanded these incentives to support employer-sponsored child care assistance, child care program development, and contributions that increase community child care capacity.

Expert Guidance

Child Care Referral Services

Connect employees with CCAKS's free Resource Center, where specialists can help them find licensed child care options in their area.

Not Sure Which Model Fits?

Talk to our team. We work with Kansas businesses of all sizes and can help you think through the options that make the most sense for your workforce and budget.