Children thrive when their families thrive.

That’s the mantra behind First 5 Fresno County’s Child-Friendly Business Awards, which began in 2006.

“When parents work for an employer that understands the role they have at home with their children, it’s a win-win for everyone, because happy parents make better employees,” says Fabiola González, executive director of First 5 Fresno County.

This year’s awards are more meaningful perhaps because of the demands put on businesses, employees, and families by the pandemic.

“We salute this year’s Child-Friendly Business Award winners for being flexible and creative as they figured out new ways to support their parent employees through a very challenging year,” said Fresno County Supervisor Brian Pacheco, who chairs the First 5 Fresno County Commission.

“These businesses went above and beyond and deserve praise and recognition.”

A committee of community reviewers chose the award recipients.

A Look at the 2021 Honorees

Anderson Striping & Construction

The woman-owned and operated construction company has created a culture of putting employees and families first by providing flexible work schedules. This includes time off for parents to attend school functions or just to have some valuable one-on-one time with their children. The firm also allows children at the workplace.

Brighten Academy Preschool

A family-owned business that provides flexible work schedules and onsite care for children of their parent employees at a discounted rate — one employee touted that as a first-time parent, Brighten also
supported them by extending their leave beyond what’s required by law so she could spend more time with her new son.

Down Syndrome Association of Central California

This small business has created a culture of putting families first by providing flexible work schedules and a safe space for parents to bring their children to work and even setting up a napping and desk area for distance learners.

EYE-Q Vision Care

The company found creative ways to support their parent employees, like raffling off desk and chair sets to help provide a more “school like” environment at home while distance learning and providing resources to navigate the pandemic.

Olam International

The global agriculture company created a culture that allows employees to balance family and work by providing flexible work schedules. It prioritizes the wellness of its employees and their families by providing regular access to resources through a free and confidential employee assistance program supporting families.

Where to Learn More

To learn more about the benefits of being child-friendly or how companies can become more child-friendly, click on this link.