LifeCare^® Poll Reveals Most Parents on Top of Before- and After-School Care Arrangements

Work/life program a great help—but what about parents who don't have access to a quality program, asks LifeCare CEO

WESTPORT, Conn., September 26, 2005 – When asked whether they planned to arrange for before- and after-school child care for the new school year, 44 percent of respondents to a LifeCare^® poll conducted during the month of August said that they had already done so, while 16 percent said that they planned on making arrangements but hadn't yet. Other responses were: 15 percent said “no, my child stays home alone;” 13 percent said, “no, but I would if a program was available/affordable;” and 12 percent said, “no, a family member helps me out.”

“It's gratifying to see that the large majority of respondents already had before- and after-school arrangements in place by August but I can't help thinking about the millions of American families who don't have access to a work/life program such as LifeCare,” said LifeCare CEO and co-founder Peter G. Burki. “Remember, we provide parents with detailed educational information and customized referrals to before- and after-school care programs. So all of the respondents to this poll know that they can count on us 24/7 to help them find local providers and make arrangements. But many families don't have a company like LifeCare to rely on.”

Safety Tips for Latchkey Kids   Post emergency numbers by every phone in the house (911, police and fire departments, Poison Control Center, co-workers, family, friends).   Your child should know how to properly lock/unlock doors and use the alarm system.   If your child stays home alone in the mornings, notify the school of the situation and ask that you be contacted immediately if your child does not arrive on time.   Have your child call you at an assigned time each day (i.e., as soon as he or she gets home) so you know he or she has gotten into the house safely.   Alert trusted neighbors when your child will be alone and ask them to keep an eye on your home from time to time.   Instruct your child on how to respond to phone calls and visitors. (Ask “Who is it?” and never tell anyone she/he is home alone or give out personal or family information.)   Set rules on whether friends—male and female, and how many—can visit while you are not home.   Establish rules for homework, pet care and household chores. Source: LifeCare, Inc. 2005

Burki noted that LifeCare is an active member of Corporate Voices for Working Families, which is calling for federal, state and local efforts to develop an improved after-school system that benefits all American children. “Clearly, every child deserves to be safe and given access to programs that will help them maximize their talents and gifts,” he said. “That's why we're proud to be a part of the childhood education and after-school efforts of Corporate Voices for Working Families.”

15 Million Children at Risk

According to the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) as many as 15 million American children have nowhere to go after school and are at significant risk of getting poor grades, abusing drugs or alcohol, engaging in risky behavior, and becoming the victims of crime. These children are missing out on extended learning opportunities and positive relationships with caring adults in safe environments. The National PTA points out that children who participate in comprehensive after-school programs are less likely to commit crimes or be victimized, and are less likely to engage in risky behavior such as use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

“These are some of the most compelling reasons that LifeCare counselors are available to parents around the clock,” said Burki. “Our call center and web site are available 24/7 so that we can help our members find solutions quickly that that will meet their unique needs. We're helping to safeguard our children and our nation's future. What could be more important?”

LifeCare refers members to a wide variety of programs including those offered by schools, nonprofit groups (such as the YMCA and Boys' and Girls' Clubs), religious groups, community centers, traditional child care providers (e.g., child care centers, family child care homes, in-home caregivers) and employer-sponsored programs. LifeCare also helps parents carefully evaluate all of their care options by providing them with helpful educational materials, including evaluation checklists that help parents interview potential providers. For parents of older children, LifeCare counsels employees on age-appropriate options and provides a wide range of safety education and information.

Each month, LifeCare posts a poll on its private members' web site asking individuals to share their thoughts and opinions on the latest issues and work/life trends. Past polls have addressed topics such as family caregiving challenges, flexible work arrangements, workplace safety, barriers to on-the-job productivity, and the reasons workers would like to reduce their hours or quit their jobs.

Notes to Editors

Peter G. Burki is available for interview.

About LifeCare^®, Inc.
LifeCare is the exclusive provider of Life Event Management^® Services. With more than 21 years of experience in delivering highly personalized counseling, education and referral services, LifeCare helps employees manage the day-to-day challenges of their lives. In turn, LifeCare helps employers improve employee commitment, recruitment, retention and workplace productivity. LifeCare currently serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals within health plans, governmental agencies, unions and corporations. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.

Media contact: Michael Civiello
LifeCare, Inc.
pr1@lifecare.com
203-291-4170