Tennessee Department of Human Services Develops Innovative Partnership with Tyson Foods to Expand Access to Affordable Childcare in Humboldt, TN

Tennessee Department of Human Services Partners with Tyson Foods to Provide On-Site Child Care

NASHVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) celebrated that the department has partnered with Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies, to provide employees at their Humboldt, TN location with employer-sponsored on-site child care. In collaboration with TDHS and KinderCare, a provider in early childhood and school-age education and care, Tyson Foods will provide access to child care to eligible employees through development of their new Tyson Learning Center. For eligible employees, they can receive financial assistance through TDHS Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance program, contribute a small copayment based on their income and family size and Tyson will pay the difference of up to $125 per week. Today was the grand opening of the new learning center, which will have the capacity to accept approximately 100 children ages six weeks to preschool offered exclusively to Tyson employees.

Public-Private Partnership Supporting the Tennessee Workforce

This collaboration demonstrates an innovative public and private partnership that will support the Tennessee workforce by providing access to much-needed affordable childcare. By joining forces with Tyson Foods and KinderCare, we are empowering working families to thrive while creating opportunities for their children’s early development. We applaud Tyson Foods for their commitment to their employees and for serving as a model for other employers in the region.

Investing in Quality Child Care

This innovative model of employer-sponsored child care reflects several years of planning and implementation, including guidance through the licensing and subsidy processes, a payment assistance eligibility fair for Tyson employees, and a $150,000 establishment grant. TDHS is eager to have these types of creative conversations with more employers across Tennessee. TDHS fully supports Tyson Learning Center and the grand opening represents a significant milestone in our mission to expand access to quality childcare which is essential in our efforts to strengthen Tennessee families for a brighter future.

Supporting Early Childhood Environments

On an ongoing basis, the Tyson Learning Center will have access to quality supports such as WAGE$, a salary supplement program tied to continuing education, enhancement grants, professional development opportunities for child care agency staff, technical assistance and training resources. These types of supports are available to all TDHS licensed child care providers as important investments in promoting early childhood environments that are safe, healthy, and educationally rich.

Expanding Tennessee’s Child Care System

TDHS aims to extend support to additional employer-led initiatives that can enhance and expand Tennessee’s child care system through the department’s Establishment Grant Program. The Establishment Grant Program supports the creation of quality on-site child care facilities, and employers can apply for up to $1,000 per slot of licensed capacity to support start-up costs such as furniture, equipment, supplies, materials, and curriculum. The grant program is open for employers to apply after completing designated phases of the pre-licensure process. To learn more about TDHS Establishment Grant Program and other resources to assist child care providers, please visit the TDHS website.

About the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS)

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) consists of multiple divisions with a unified mission to build strong families by connecting Tennesseans to employment, education, and supportive services. Led by governor-appointed Commissioner Clarence H. Carter, TDHS serves nearly two million Tennesseans to ensure that all state residents have an opportunity to reach their full potential as contributing members of their community. Among the many services and programs provided by TDHS, some of the leading programs include the Child Support Program, Child and Adult Day Services Licensing, Families First (the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Rehabilitation Services for people with disabilities, and Adult Protective Services, along with many others. TDHS is an organization committed to connecting people to resources that help individuals, families and communities thrive towards long-term economic freedom and prosperity. For more information, please visit: Tennessee Department of Human Services.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the provision of affordable childcare to support working families.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – The article mentions the Tyson Learning Center providing early childhood education and care.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article highlights the importance of supporting working families, which can contribute to gender equality by enabling women to participate in the workforce.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article emphasizes the collaboration between TDHS, Tyson Foods, and KinderCare to support the Tennessee workforce through affordable childcare.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article mentions the financial assistance provided to eligible employees based on their income and family size, aiming to reduce inequalities in accessing childcare.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable – This target aligns with the provision of financial assistance through TDHS Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance program.
• Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education – This target is supported by the establishment of the Tyson Learning Center for children aged six weeks to preschool.
• Target 5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family – This target is indirectly addressed by providing employer-sponsored childcare, which can alleviate the burden of unpaid care work for working parents, particularly women.
• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value – This target is connected to the collaboration between TDHS, Tyson Foods, and KinderCare to support the Tennessee workforce through affordable childcare.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status – This target is supported by providing financial assistance to eligible employees based on their income and family size, aiming to reduce inequalities in accessing childcare.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and vulnerable – This indicator can be used to measure the coverage of the poor and vulnerable population through TDHS Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance program.
• Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex – This indicator can be used to assess the impact of the Tyson Learning Center in promoting early childhood development and readiness for primary education.
• Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age group and persons with disabilities – This indicator can be used to monitor the progress in achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all, including women and men benefiting from the employer-sponsored childcare.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age group and persons with disabilities – This indicator can be used to measure the reduction in inequalities in accessing childcare by assessing the proportion of eligible employees receiving financial assistance based on their income and family size.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table