Common Cents: Government “Landlord” Also a Superior Child Care Provider

By Lurita Doan

High quality child care isn’t generally associated with the U.S. General Services Administration. Most know GSA as the federal government’s landlord and lead procurement agency, responsible for providing thousands of goods and services at best value to all the other agencies.

But GSA also manages more than 110 child care centers in 31 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The centers serve 8,000 kids daily. And these centers routinely out-perform their private sector counterparts.

“Tundra Tykes” in Anchorage, AK is among our newest centers. It serves up to 80 children and – like the courthouses and federal buildings we construct – is environmentally friendly. Tundra Tykes features motion sensor faucets, cabinetry made from recycled materials and a playground built from recycled plastics and recycled wood fibers.

You might wonder why it’s important for the government to provide superior child care. One reason is that as baby boomers in the federal workforce retire, the government will have to compete with the private sector to attract and keep younger workers. High quality child care is a big draw – just ask any new parent.

The Rainforest Kids Child Development Center in Puerto Rico is another GSA facility. Last April, I was proud to preside over the opening of a new wing for the center, which can now accommodate 120 children. Parents of Rainforest kids aren’t the only ones who like our service, by the way.

According to the 2006 GSA Child Care Center parent customer survey:

• 91 % of families were highly satisfied overall;

• 94% were highly satisfied with their center’s safety and security;

• And 85% of parents said their centers were very important with regard to remaining at their agency.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children provides the “Good Housekeeping” seal of approval for childcare centers. Accreditation hinges on key factors such as curriculum, administration, professional development, staffing, and proper attention to health and safety.

As of July 1, 92% of eligible GSA child care centers were accredited. That compares to 8-10% in the private sector!

One way we stay current, share best practices, and reward the top performers in our centers is with an annual conference. The theme of this year’s event, our 18th Annual GSA Child Care Conference – was, “Become Inspired.”

GSA is planning more child care centers in the future, though parents should understand that children of federal employees have priority; any remaining spaces are open to the public.

We’d like to see as many children as possible in our facilities. It’s good for the children, good for their parents, and good for a government workforce that will need to attract the best and brightest in the coming decades.

Lurita Doan is Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration

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