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

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

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has announced a partnership with Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies, to offer employer-sponsored on-site child care for employees at their Humboldt, TN location. This collaboration aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting access to affordable and quality child care, contributing to the well-being and development of children and supporting working families.

Tyson Learning Center: Providing Accessible Child Care

Through the development of the new Tyson Learning Center, eligible employees will have access to child care services. The center, which opened today, has the capacity to accommodate approximately 100 children aged six weeks to preschool, exclusively for Tyson employees. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing early childhood and school-age education and care.

Financial Assistance and Employer Contribution

Eligible employees can receive financial assistance through TDHS’s Smart Steps Child Care Payment Assistance program. They will contribute a small copayment based on their income and family size, while Tyson Foods will cover the remaining cost, up to $125 per week. This approach promotes SDG 1 (No Poverty) by ensuring that child care remains affordable for working families.

A Model Partnership for the Tennessee Workforce

TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter commended the collaboration, stating that it demonstrates an innovative public and private partnership that supports the Tennessee workforce. By joining forces with Tyson Foods and KinderCare, TDHS empowers working families to thrive while creating opportunities for their children’s early development. This partnership serves as a model for other employers in the region, contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Supporting Child Care Providers and Early Childhood Environments

The Tyson Learning Center will have access to quality supports, including WAGE$ (a salary supplement program tied to continuing education), enhancement grants, professional development opportunities, technical assistance, and training resources. These supports are available to all TDHS licensed child care providers, promoting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by ensuring safe, healthy, and educationally rich early childhood environments.

Expanding Support through the Establishment Grant Program

TDHS aims to extend support to additional employer-led initiatives that enhance and expand Tennessee’s child care system through the Establishment Grant Program. 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. This program aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting equal access to quality child care facilities.

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 Commissioner Clarence H. Carter, TDHS serves nearly two million Tennesseans, ensuring that all state residents have an opportunity to reach their full potential as contributing members of their community. TDHS offers various programs and services, including the Child Support Program, Child and Adult Day Services Licensing, Families First, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Rehabilitation Services for people with disabilities, and Adult Protective Services. TDHS is committed to connecting people to resources that promote long-term economic freedom and prosperity.

For more information, please visit the TDHS website.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 as nationally appropriate.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:

• 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.
• 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.
• Indicator 5.4.1: Proportion of time spent on unpaid domestic and care work, by sex, age, and location.
• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: tntribune.com

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