Supporting Our Employees Through Quality Childcare

Reliable, affordable childcare for working parents has become one of the more challenging aspects of parenthood. According to recent research, almost half of parents with children five and younger believe child care is difficult to find. And more than half of parents with children five and under believe the availability of high quality and affordable child care has gotten worse over the last few years.

This simply shouldn’t be the case. And rather than empathizing with our employees, we decided to do something about it.  

Twelve years ago, recognizing the growing need for quality childcare, we partnered with Bright Horizons, a leading provider of innovative early education, to launch the Smucker Child Development Center. Located on our Orrville, Ohio campus, the Center offers a world-class experience – from sensory learning and play and hands-on activities with our head chef, to outdoor adventures and nutritious meals.  

The staff at Bright Horizons are professional, certified, and passionate. Their progressive approach to early education truly helps the kids thrive from day one and shape a bright future as they continue to learn, grow, and develop.  

“Having the center has given me that peace of mind, that reassurance, that my child is receiving the best care while she’s here. The teacher team has been a part of our village and a part of our family.” says Hilary Mika, Manager, Smucker Experience. “To see her thrive here enables me to feel supported that I can also thrive in my career.”

While offering working parents the reassurance that their children are well cared for is incredibly rewarding, we do have to confess that seeing the smiling faces of the youngest members of the Smucker Fam brings a whole new sense of joy. With each smiling face, we are helping to make our Company, our communities, and our world a better place.