‘Working Mother’ Cites G.T. Water, Patagonia

Two Ventura County companies--G.T. Water Products Inc. of Moorpark and Patagonia Inc. of Ventura--are among 100 firms cited by Working Mother magazine as the most hospitable in the nation for women workers.

G.T., a producer of plumbing products, claims to be the only company in the United States with an on-site school that offers full-time, accredited classes for employees’ children beyond preschool age. The school, which is free to offspring of G.T.’s 30 employees, has two credentialed teachers, said administrator Kristi Moore. She said 17 students are currently enrolled through the 10th grade.

Moore said the school was founded in 1987 after company President George Tash became dissatisfied with public education. “In addition to our full-time teachers, we bring in specialists who conduct classes in self-defense, piano and other subjects,” Moore added.

Patagonia, a worldwide producer of outdoor clothing, has 87 children enrolled in its on-site Great Pacific Child Development Center. In addition, the company sponsors a family-care network that places 37 youngsters in private homes. Employees’ children as well as those from the community are accepted in both programs, said company spokeswoman Megan Montgomery.

The annual Working Mother report also cited G.T. and Patagonia for their workers’ leave programs. G.T. allows employees up to six months maternity leave. Patagonia allows up to four months maternity leave and also grants time off for new fathers and parents of newly adopted children.