Challenges

Scalability, Worker Issues

Location

New Mexico

Stakeholders

Businesses, Nonprofits

Beneficiaries

Children, Parents

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Overview

The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Child Care Partnership is a public-private initiative launched to address childcare shortages in Los Alamos, New Mexico, critical for supporting the laboratory’s 17,000 employees and the surrounding community.

Key Impact Metrics

  • $2M
    capital investment
  • 150
    person childcare capacity
  • 17,000
    employees served

Problem

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), a defense research organization, noticed that more employees than ever were claiming young children as dependents on their insurance. This development was occurring while the city of Los Alamos was experiencing a severe childcare shortage, posing challenges for LANL’s 17,000-person workforce. For example, Emily Schulze, a project manager and mother of two, rejoined LANL with her husband in 2016. Anticipating childcare needs during her first pregnancy, they immediately joined a local center’s waitlist. The lack of accessible, high-quality childcare threatened LANL’s ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce for its mission of solving national security challenges through excellence.

Solution

LANL partnered with the Bilingual Montessori School (BMS) to operate a new childcare center in Los Alamos. The facility, comprising four age-based buildings, was expanded with $2 million grant from the University of California for infrastructure development, with LANL pledging ongoing operational support. The center is intended to serve approximately 150 children, with priority given to LANL employees, especially those with inadequate care.

Results

  • Beneficiary Impact150-person childcare facility and ~6,000-12,000 hours saved annually in beneficiary commuter time in using the childcare center
  • Employee Impact25 staff hired for childcare center and 2-year certificate program in early education provided
  • Financial Results~3.5 million in financial returns in 2024 (from lower turnover, absenteeism, higher productivity etc.)

Replication Tips

  • Obtain diverse financial resources: Mobilize financial resources from different stakeholders—LANL’s $2 million grant from the University of California was instrumental in realizing the solution.
  • Track employer satisfaction: Document reductions in turnover or hiring delays tied to the childcare investment.
  • Recruit quality provider Partners: Select experienced providers to ensure operational excellence and staffing.

Suggested Implementation Timeline

~18-24 months

Sources