In the News:

• Enhancing Workplace Flexibilities and Work-Life Programs
• Office of Child Care - Parent Survey
• In the Spotlight
• Board Business

Be Ready...  

September is Emergency Preparedness month. 

It's a great time to review and update OEPs.  Visit the GSA Child Care Emergency Management  webpage for a toolbox of guidance and tips.

Quote of the Month:

"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."

 -Nelson Mandela

Find out more about GSA Child Care:

Enhancing Workplace Flexibilities and Work-Life Programs

A Presidential Memorandum  On June 23, 2014, President Barack Obama signed a memorandum directing Federal agencies to better utilize existing and develop new work life programs. “To attract, empower, and retain a talented and productive workforce in the 21st century, the Federal Government must continue to make progress in enabling employees to balance their responsibilities at work and at home.”  In part the memorandum encourages “Agency heads to take steps to increase the availability and use of the following work-life programs to the maximum extent practicable:  dependent care programs, including the availability of on-site child care, child care subsidies, emergency child care, and elder care.”

Office of Child Care - Parent Survey

The results are in from the national parent surveys. Overall satisfaction (those questions scored 4 or 5) was 93%.  Even though telework participation increased from 2012, 82% of families still use the centers 5 days a week.    

Thanks to all who participated, return rates were between 24% and 88% regionally. Regional and individual center results, including action plans can be discussed with your Regional Child Care Coordinator. 

In the Spotlight

Region 3

The Mid-Atlantic Region's Little Eagle Center in Martinsburg, WV was awarded the "Best of the Best Child Care Center by the Reader's Choice Award."  The award is sponsored by the local newspaper, Martinsburg Journal. This is the second consecutive year the Little Eagle Child Care Center has received outstanding   recognition. Congratulations to all the staff for a job Well Done!!!

Board Business

Did you know that GSA now has a Linked In Group for Boards of Directors of Child Care Centers?  

The GSA Child Care Board of Directors Exchange is now up and running!

This is your opportunity to connect with other Child Care Board members from around the country. Ask questions, share best practices, let us know about problems you may be having.

To join go to the Linked In link below and request to be a member!  

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/GSA-Child-Care-Board-Directors-8160127/about