The University Record, April 16, 1996
U-M child care programs get ‘Best on the Block’ award
The U-M has received the Michigan Child Care Challenge’s Best on the Block Award for its innovative child-care programs. The award from the House Republican Task Force on Child Care recognizes organizations across the state that have responded to the child-care needs of their employees.
“This award underscores the importance of having high-quality child care on or near the workplace so that our employees can work productively and have peace of mind, knowing their children are well cared for,” says Leslie de Pietro, coor dinator of the Family Care Resources Program (FCRP).
The FCRP is one of five U-M programs and policies that de Pietro says makes the University a “leader in family -friendly policies.” Others include:
- Flexible scheduling for employees.
- Parental leave. Faculty and staff are eligible for up to 12 months leave with approval. Health benefits are paid for three months. Faculty may postpone the tenure clock for one year following the birth of a child.
- On- or near-site child care centers. There are six on- or near-site child care centers; five are nationally accredited and the sixth is working on the accreditation.
- Health insurance for family members.
De Pietro, who accepted the award on behalf of the University’s program, says “I accepted the award in the name of the U-M child care teachers who work so very hard, so very creatively and whose contributions are not generally recognized or appreciated by our society.”
The U-M was one of five Michigan organizations to receive the Best on the Block Award.
