Roane General Hospital Innovates Child Care Accessibility
Roane General Hospital is leading the way in enhancing child care affordability by participating in the impactful "Tri-Share" program, powered by Wonderschool. This innovative initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of child care by dividing costs among parents, employers, and the state.
Tri-Share Program: Making Child Care Affordable
In a significant move for working families, Roane General Hospital has become the first hospital system in the state to join this unique program that focuses on improving child care accessibility. This initiative marks a pivotal advancement in addressing the challenges faced by parents in Roane and nearby areas.
During the announcement, the CEO of Roane General Hospital, Doug Bentz, highlighted the importance of employee retention. He expressed how crucial it is to incorporate child care into conversations about maintaining a robust workforce. By participating in the Tri-Share program, the hospital is helping employees balance their work and family commitments, thereby strengthening the overall community.
As the program is managed by both the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and Wonderschool, it offers a practical solution to a pressing issue. By sharing the costs of child care, families can significantly reduce their financial burden, making it easier for them to manage their expenses.
Community Impact and Support
The onset of this initiative is particularly timely, as West Virginia faces a shortage of child care options. Community leader David McCutcheon emphasized this point, stating that the Tri-Share program not only ensures the safety of children but also supports parents, showing them that their employers are genuinely invested in their well-being. This commitment is becoming increasingly rare yet is making a significant impact in the region.
Community discussions led by local leaders such as Delegates Erica Moore and Kathie Hess Crouse underscored how critical this program is in reducing barriers for working parents. They are thrilled at the momentum the Tri-Share program is gaining and its potential for broader implementation across the state.
Benefits of the Tri-Share Program
The Tri-Share program offers a multitude of advantages not only for the employees but also for the employers involved. As Jason Moss, who leads new government initiatives for Wonderschool, noted, this program represents a win for all parties involved: employers gain the ability to retain talented personnel, child care providers receive the necessary financial support, and employees enjoy substantial reductions in their child care expenses—potentially by 50% to 70%.
Employees enrolled in the Tri-Share initiative are empowered to use the Wonderschool platform to identify and select licensed or registered child care programs that suit their needs. Simultaneously, Wonderschool provides child care providers with crucial back-end technology, business coaching, and operational assistance. This support allows providers to focus more on high-quality care that benefits both children and parents.
Growing Participation Across the State
With Roane General Hospital's involvement, a growing number of employers across the state are recognizing the importance of the Tri-Share program. Currently, several organizations, including Ellis Insurance and Fort Hill Child Development Center, are also waving the flag for this collaborative effort to make child care more accessible.
According to Amy Downey, CFO of Roane General Hospital, the initiative has already shown promising results. The hospital has successfully approved its first two employee families for the program and anticipates many more to follow. She noted that the Wonderschool platform is designed for ease of use and flexibility, enabling employees to select their child care providers without being restricted to specific centers.
Conclusion: A Community-Centric Approach
The Tri-Share initiative exemplifies a community-centric approach to solving child care challenges faced by working families. Through shared costs, Roane General Hospital and other participating employers are actively contributing to the solution and fostering a more supportive environment for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tri-Share program?
The Tri-Share program is an initiative designed to split child care costs among parents, employers, and the state, making it more affordable for working families.
How does the program benefit employers?
Employers can retain talent while showing genuine investment in their employees' work-life balance, making them more attractive workplaces.
Who manages the Tri-Share program?
The program is managed by the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and Wonderschool, which provide support and resources for child care providers.
Can employees choose their child care providers?
Yes, employees can select any licensed or registered child care provider through the Wonderschool platform, offering them flexibility and choice.
Which organizations are involved in the Tri-Share program?
Aside from Roane General Hospital, organizations like Ellis Insurance and Fort Hill Child Development Center are also participating in the Tri-Share initiative, among others.
