Referral service has childcare answers, seminars

By Yvonne Klinnert

Kathy Kacher knew parents needed help in finding the right childcare provider and lessons in parenting.  She just wasn’t sure how to go about delivering it.

The Burnsville woman’s vehicle has become her own non-profit corporation called Minnesota Child Care Innovations Inc., which begins business in June 20. 

The firm serves as a referral service to corporations that wish to offer that benefit to its employees.  Corporations that sign a contract with Kacher’s firm open up a computer bank of childcare referrals, as well as the opportunity to offer parenting workshops to their employees.

When Kacher became a parent four years ago, she realized it was going to be tough to find reliable childcare when the six weeks of her parental leave were up.

Kacher could also see that she was not alone in her search for childcare.  The idea of a referral service was planted.

But with a background in marketing, Kacher knew she needed to know more, and through a telemarketing survey, she found that individuals were not willing to pay for a referral service.

Her sight turned to corporation, and the idea began to germinate.

Corporations throughout the metropolitan area have bought a corporate membership program to add to their employee benefit package, Kacher said.  Many are becoming aware how crucial good childcare is to the peace of mind their employees, making them more productive and reducing absenteeism, she said.

It is helpful for new parents who are returning to work, and for parents who are changing childcare providers because of a move or other reasons.  “(Corporations) are using it as a recruiting tool,” she said.

Kacher’s company has 6,000 childcare listings in a five county area.  When Kacher receives a request for a childcare provider in a particular area, she retrieves possibilities from her listings and calls the provider to be sure there is an openings.  Clients are given three names at the time, so it doesn’t become overwhelming, Kacher said.

Employees of corporations in the program may use the service as often as they wish, Kacher said.

A person from Minnesota Child Care Innovations will visit the childcare provider before making the referral, Kacher said.

In addition to the referrals, the company offers parenting programs.  Ruth Hovland, a childcare specialist, conducts parenting seminars at corporations.  Topics for the seminars range from children and television to communication to disciplining with respect.

They will be conducted for the corporation whenever and wherever it is convenient, such as during a lunch break, Hovland said.

Hovland is also available to provide names and telephone numbers for questions or concerns parents may have.  The women may also explain the childcare tax credit laws, and how to apply for subsidized childcare.

They provide tips in maintaining a good relationship with childcare providers, reminding parents that they have the right and the responsibility to be informed about their child’s care.

The response from corporations has been good, Kacher said.  An example of a Burnsville corporation that has added the benefit is Skyline Displays, she said.

For those corporations that are not sure there is a need, Kacher will do a childcare survey, which defines the childcare needs of employees.  At the same time, Kacher provides a semi-annual use report, so the employers know what they are paying for, she said.

The emphasis, however, is childcare, Hovland said.  “The bottom line, the primary concern, is the kids, the welfare of our future,” she said.