The goal for the data collection effort is to better inform OPM and employing agencies regarding workforce childcare needs. Image: Colin Woods/Shutterstock.com
OPM has called on agencies to report on child care subsidies they provide to employees for a report to be released next spring and “refreshed” guidance and criteria for agencies to make those payments.
Longstanding law allows agencies to pay subsidies for childcare to employees with incomes below certain levels; agencies determine both the thresholds and the amounts paid. However, “relatively small numbers of federal employees are benefiting from these programs, resulting in a need to review and retool workplace offerings,” says a memo on chcoc.gov.
A Biden administration executive order “directs employing agencies to consider methods of expanding employee access to childcare services through use of enhanced childcare subsidies, as well as through improved access to federal childcare centers or contracted care providers,” it notes.
Agencies are to designate a point of contact by September 28 and are to complete the data call survey by October 18.
“The goal for the data collection effort is to better inform OPM and employing agencies regarding workforce childcare needs, priorities and value propositions, allowing senior leaders and program managers to make evidence-based decisions when determining talent management and budgetary investments in childcare subsidy programs. Furthermore, OPM will analyze the government-wide results to identify opportunities for increasing access to affordable childcare,” it says.
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