Launchpad meet the teams: CareEd4

Penelope James, Cheryl Tocher, and Amanda Tolley of CarEd4. Photo / Mark Tantrum

Rosie Bosworth talks to Lisa Watkins from CarEd4 - one of the 11 teams taking part in the Launchpad incubator programme.

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Rosie Bosworth: Describe what CareEd4 is?

Lisa Watkins: CareEd4 is a new childcare model designed to help young, solo and disadvantaged parents to move from the benefit into the workforce. CareEd4 will provide centre-based childcare that is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week as tailored, individual support services and related childcare solutions in order to help break the beneficiary cycle and transition young and vulnerable parents back into paid employment.

Lisa Watkins

RB: Tell us about the brains behind CareEd4?

LW: CareEd4 is a partnership between the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Barnados, so there's a breath of complementary skills from both organisations.
From the Barnados side, the programme is leveraging expertise and knowledge within the Barnados KidStart Childcare programme.

The SBC catalyses the New Zealand business community to have a leading role in creating a sustainable future for business, society and the environment.

RB: Tell us about the "aha" moment that bought CareEd4 to life?

LW: The concept evolved through an idea developed by the SBC focused on the social role of business. We recognised that a major barrier for young solo parents being able to participate in the workforce was the lack of quality childcare that provides care out of normal business hours. The Council then approached Barnados to create an innovative solution.

RB: What gaps does CareEd4 fill?

LW: During the development of the CareEd4 model we spoke with a lot of young solo parents to gauge exactly what the service would need to provide and cover. The general consensus was that currently there is no flexible childcare service and system they can access and trust. It was clear that childcare services that accommodate diverse ages, work hours and locations is something young parents don't have access to. Our feedback also highlighted the need for a range of additional tailored supports such as money and debt management, obtaining a driver's licence and building resilience.

RB: What will society look like 10 years from now because of CareEd4?

LW: In ten years from now lives across NZ will be improved because of CareEd4. The rates of NZ youth unemployment and beneficiary dependancy would have also significantly reduced. Many more young solo parents be in work, reducing long-term welfare dependency and child poverty.

RB: Do you see CareEd4 evolving into something bigger?

LW: Yes, we believe there is great potential to provide the service in communities across the country, tailoring those services to meet local needs. For example, in rural communities, a service could be adapted for young families working in the dairy industry. So as we roll out the programme we will continue to look at opportunities where we can refine, and expand the model to ensure as many parents and children as possible can benefit from the programme and its visions.

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Check out Te Radar's interview with CarEd4.

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