Organization says businesses can help parents overcome childcare challenges [Video]

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News)—First Things First, an organization dedicated to early childhood development, says childcare impacts more than just families in the state. They also say that businesses can work with families to help find a solution.

In Arizona, employers lose over $950 million a year due to employee calls and turnover—the root cause is that they can’t find appropriate and affordable childcare.

The problem was made worse when the Department of Economic Security started a waitlist for people to receive financial assistance for their childcare needs—families can expect to wait a minimum of two months, if not longer before help arrives.

With that in mind, First Things First created a toolkit that shares practices and policies businesses use to help employees overcome the hurdle.

“It’s a win-win,” said senior regional director Jessica Harrington.

“Our economy benefits more when more can be part of the workforce and contributing, and we also recognize the importance of young …