FFW Application and Certification Matrix

The Family Friendly Workplaces (FFW) Certification Program shines a positive light on employers that place a premium on supporting families and children by providing Family Friendly Workplace Policies and Practices.

The FFW Certification Program ascribes participating employers a level of Gold, Silver, or Bronze based on their performance in our Certification Matrix. The certification levels and the minimum required matrix point values are outlined below.

• Gold: Distinguished employer, providing a very high level of family-friendly employment conditions and financial support of Family Supporting Nonprofits. Required matrix points: 100.
• Silver: Strongly supportive employer, providing well above-average level of family-friendly employment conditions and financial support of Family Supporting Nonprofits. Required matrix points: 75
• Bronze: Supportive employer, providing above average levels of family-friendly employment conditions and financial support of Family Supporting Nonprofits. Required matrix points: 50

Point values for each matrix item are outlined on the application form. Once certified, employers may then use the trademarked FFW logo in their recruiting and marketing materials. Employers are re-certified every three years with the stipulation that they provide annual financial support through the Family Friendly Workplaces contribution conduit, explained below.

Conduit Contribution

Through the FFW Conduit, employers direct an annual donation to a community nonprofit that supports families. These nonprofit recipients can be Family Resource Centers, Community Programs, Food Shelves, and any other family supporting organization. The only requirement is that they are a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Family Friendly Workplaces does not retain any part of the Conduit Contribution – 100% of the amount is received by the designated nonprofit.

Instructions

Employers complete the application by self-scoring their companies for each criteria. Once the employer has submitted their application, FFW will meet or confer with the applicants to review the scores, and assign the appropriate Certification level.

To be eligible to be counted in the application, practices must be written company policy or consistently-implemented practice. Supported child care facilities, if any, must be licensed to obtain points, and at the minimum must be a three-star provider. The annual conduit contribution serves as the Certified Company’s annual dues to FFW, and re-certification occurs every three years.

Jackson County Child Care Network (JCCCN) Affiliation

Employers applying under the JCCCN Affiliation should select the corresponding application below. Additionally, the conduit donation for employers applying under the Affiliation will be automatically directed to the JCCCN.