Challenges
Scalability, Worker Issues
Location
California
Stakeholders
Businesses
Beneficiaries
Children, Parents
Overview
Disneyland Resort launched a large-scale childcare assistance fund for its employees beginning in Fall 2019. The company committed $10 million per year to subsidize licensed childcare for workers’ kids (ages 0–12).
Key Impact Metrics
-
$10M
budget allocated for childcare
-
1,900
children reached
Problem
In 2019, Disneyland Resort faced significant childcare challenges for its 30,000 cast members, 70% of whom were hourly workers (e.g., park attendants, retail staff). For example, cast member Christian Olano-Bartlett experienced the challenge of being a working mother firsthand, which often includes busy mornings, getting herself and her children ready for the day ahead, and importantly, struggling to find the necessary daycare for her child. Consequently, Disney found that unpredictable childcare was a leading reason employees took time off or left their jobs.
Solution
The Disneyland Childcare Program, launched in Fall 2019, provides subsidized childcare access for its employees at more than 70 childcare centers, in addition to back-up care, homework help, and several parenting educational resources. Employees apply to access the benefit and the amount of financial assistance for each child is determined by a variety of factors including household size, gross annual household income and space availability in program.
Results
- Beneficiary Impact1,800 children reached
- Employee Impact5% increase in job applications attributed to the childcare program
- Financial Results~4 million in financial returns due to the initiative
Replication Tips
- Pre-fund employer subsidies: Allocate a consistent annual budget dedicated exclusively to childcare subsidies, integrating seamlessly into existing employee benefit structures.
- Combine multiple benefits: Bundle subsidies with backup care options and flexible care arrangements for comprehensive employee support.
- Measurement and transparency: Track and share clear metrics on program usage, cost savings, and employee retention impacts to maintain executive and stakeholder support.
Suggested Implementation Timeline
~8-12 months
