Employers - Businesses

This section offers key resources to help employers support child care for their workforce, including funding opportunities and practical best practices for creating family friendly policies.

Funding Options to Support Childcare

45F - Federal tax credit

Company philanthropic opportunities - volunteering, funding

Donation - time, services (accounting, HR, legal, snow removal, mowing, plumbing, mentorship), equipment, supplies

Free or low cost space for child care training to take place

Letters of support for grants

Naming Rights - childcare facility room, playground, child care center needs.

Opportunity Zones Eligible Zones Map

Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs)

Provide stipends of up to $3,600 per child per year

Reserved or discounted slots with providers

Predictable work schedules
Best Practices

In Minnesota

Digi-Key – Supporting New Childcare Facility in Thief River Falls

Fergus Falls – Childcare Pod (SFCC) model next to assisted living facility

Fosston – local businesses and organization help fund new childcare center

Marvin Windows – Flexible scheduling of staff for parents working opposite schedules to hand off children without attendance issues

Mystic Lake Casino - On-site childcare facility available to employees

Wadena – Community remodels vacant hospital wing for 4 childcare business incubator.

Warren – Local sales tax to fund child care.

Other States

Iowa – Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program. Funds have supported local Infrastructure investments and arrangements between employers and child care facilities to expand child care options.