In Colorado, the childcare crisis has reached a critical point, impacting not just families but also the broader economy. As business leaders, we have a unique opportunity and a profound responsibility to address this challenge head-on. At Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), we are committed to catalyzing this movement by fostering partnerships and advocating for policies that support accessible and affordable childcare solutions. Here, we summarize insights and initiatives discussed in recent Denver Business Journal articles that can help guide our collective efforts. The Need for Integrated Childcare Solutions Our advocacy group has always emphasized the necessity of integrating childcare facilities within larger community developments, especially affordable housing projects. By doing so, we not only address the childcare shortage but also enhance family well-being and community stability. Developers are encouraged to incorporate childcare centers into their projects, leveraging financial incentives like tax credits to offset the high costs associated with these facilities. Business Leadership in Advocacy EPIC has long championed the role of executives in using their influence to advocate for better childcare policies. Recently, Colorado saw legislative successes with laws that incentivize the creation of childcare facilities through property tax credits and rebates. Business leaders are encouraged to engage actively with legislative processes like those for HB24-1237, advocate for increased funding and better policies, and collaborate on initiatives like the building of new childcare centers. On-Site Childcare: A Win for Employers and Employees On-site childcare is proving to be a beneficial strategy for businesses, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention while addressing childcare needs directly. Companies like Guild and Mile High United Way have developed on-site childcare facilities, substantially reducing childcare costs for employees and setting a valuable example for other organizations. The success stories from these companies highlight the dual benefits of employee welfare and enhanced business performance through such investments. Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities Building childcare facilities, whether on-site or within community developments, involves navigating complex regulatory and financial challenges. EPIC supports businesses by connecting them with the necessary resources and expertise to overcome these barriers. Moreover, financial tools like new market tax credits and low-income housing tax credits are vital for making these projects feasible. The path towards solving Colorado’s childcare crisis requires a concerted effort from all sectors, especially from business leaders who can leverage their resources and influence for greater good. By investing in childcare, businesses are not just supporting their employees but are also contributing to the economic and social health of our communities. At EPIC, we remain dedicated to supporting these efforts, ensuring that every child and family in Colorado has access to quality, affordable childcare. Together, we can transform the landscape of childcare in Colorado, creating a model for others to follow and building a brighter future for our children and our state.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image001.jpg637519Brooke Flower/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngBrooke Flower2024-04-24 18:52:572025-06-12 14:30:23Leveraging Business Leadership for Childcare Solutions in Colorado
Through many conversations with childcare providers, businesses, and developers, EPIC has heard about the challenges communities face in trying to create new childcare supply. These conversations led us to the development of a white paper: Clearing the Path for New Childcare Supply: Solutions for Child-Friendly Planning, Housing, and Community Development (read the executive summary here). We talked to many different partners who are interested in creating new childcare, and learned more about what gets in their way. We also looked at existing models of support in Colorado and across the country. Through this work, we identified many opportunities to leverage the existing spaces in communities for childcare facilities while reducing costs and regulatory challenges for new operators, including the following recommendations: Establish community value by explicitly recognizing and supporting childcare within planning efforts and committing to policies that elevate this value. Mitigate regulatory barriers by identifying opportunities to streamline and align the various regulations that a potential childcare provider is subject to. Provide support for facility development with technical assistance and access to capital. EPIC is excited to champion 2024 legislation at the Colorado State Capitol that will create a pilot program to support the development of childcare facilities and make Colorado a leader in implementing these solutions to pave the way for new childcare supply. HB 24-1237 Programs for the Development of Childcare Facilities creates 3 programs in the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA): Childcare Facility Development Toolkit and Technical Assistance This program will provide technical assistance from consultants and related professionals to enable interested community partners, developers, and local governments to understand the technical aspects of planning, developing, building, and co-locating childcare facilities. This program is important because the people who understand childcare requirements and the people who specialize in building and development are often two separate groups. This program will help to bring these two specialized areas of knowledge together. Childcare Facility Development Planning Grant This program will help to incentivize and support local governments in identifying and making regulatory updates or improvements to community planning, development, building, zoning, and other regulatory processes to support the development of childcare facilities. Many local governments understand and recognize the importance of childcare for their communities, and this grant will enable them to investigate and implement policy and regulatory tools to make it easier to create new childcare facilities. Childcare Facility Development Capital Grant This grant program will provide local governments or public-private partnerships with money to construct, remodel, renovate, or retrofit a residential or commercial childcare facility to meet a demonstrated need for childcare in the community. This program provides much-needed access to capital funding, which is a significant challenge for communities. Why Facilities? EPIC developed the Building Up initiative to change the childcare business model in a way that supports a healthy, sustainable bottom line while ensuring access to high-quality early learning experiences for children and the ability for families to work. This initiative is focused on decreasing operating expenses, increasing revenue, and eliminating barriers to entry […]
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Your-paragraph-text.png10801080Brooke Flower/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngBrooke Flower2024-02-28 11:03:282025-06-12 14:30:18EPIC Champions Bill to Support Child-Friendly Communities and the Development of Childcare Facilities in Colorado
As the Presenting Sponsor of the National Business Leaders in Action Summit, the David and Laura Merage Foundation led the way for this critical national work, cementing their vision and commitment to affordable and accessible high-quality childcare for all children across the nation. For the past 18 years, the David and Laura Merage Foundation has been a steadfast champion of early childhood care and education (ECE). Their philanthropic efforts, policy advocacy, and innovative initiatives have not only transformed the landscape of ECE in Colorado but have also had a significant national impact. The David and Laura Merage Foundation’s journey in the realm of ECE is driven by their deep understanding of the critical role early childhood education plays in a child’s development. Their commitment to this cause has only grown stronger over the years. Early childhood education is not just a priority; it’s a passion for the Foundation. While the Foundation’s roots are in Colorado, its impact reaches far beyond state lines. Through a combination of philanthropic support and direct engagement, the Foundation has become a national force. Their initiatives have been models for similar efforts across the United States. A key strategy is advocating for policy reform at both the state and federal levels. They have been instrumental in pushing for changes that benefit children and families. Their efforts have contributed to significant advancements in early care and education policies, making quality childcare more accessible to all. The Foundation’s initiatives, like Early Learning Ventures, have made a discernable impact on early childhood care and education. Early Learning Ventures is dedicated to supporting childcare entrepreneurs, ensuring that they have the tools and resources needed to provide high-quality childcare services. This innovative initiative has not only created a network of support for childcare providers but has also improved the overall quality of early education programs. As with other issues, David and Laura have applied their entrepreneurial experience and innovative thinking to the issue of early care and education. Their advocacy and commitment to the cause are evident through numerous sponsorships, speaking engagements, and contributions to articles and publications. They understand that the future of our nation depends on our ability to support the earliest developmental years of our children. Additionally, as a founding member of EPIC, David has been at the forefront of advocating for the business community’s commitment to family-friendly solutions. Together, David and Laura have brought together leaders from various sectors to prioritize early care and education as a crucial investment for our nation’s future. With leaders like David and Laura Merage at the helm and their continued support of EPIC, their commitment to the well-being of our nation’s youngest citizens remains unwavering, and the Foundation’s impact will continue to resonate for generations to come.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Summit-PPt-Header-scaled.jpg14222560Brooke Flower/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngBrooke Flower2023-11-15 16:36:562025-06-12 14:30:03The David and Laura Merage Foundation Spearheads National Impact as Presenting Sponsor of the National Business Leaders in Action Summit
We are ecstatic to bring Cassie Leyva on board as EPIC’s new Senior Director of Business Development and Communications! While you can read Cassie’s bio here, we also wanted to share a Q&A between Cassie and our President & CEO, Nicole Riehl. Enjoy! Nicole: Why are you excited to join EPIC? Cassie: Seeing the momentum that you, your team, and EPIC’s members have been able to create is nothing short of impressive and vital for the future of this nation. I have seen numerous efforts to address the childcare crisis and although important, none have made me feel as hopeful as harnessing the power of business leaders. Nicole: What is one thing you’ve done in your work that makes you hopeful for change? Cassie: My work nationally in building bridges across political lines to benefit our economy has shown me that working together to solve the childcare crisis could serve as a unifying issue for our nation when we need it most. Whether it’s in DC or here in Colorado, the drain this crisis is causing is increasingly evident and I want to continue to be a part of the solution. Nicole: Why do you think the business community should play a role in solving for the childcare crisis? Cassie: I have worked on this issue from multiple angles and I’m more convinced than ever that business leaders hold the power to be some of our greatest agents of change. The best part is, when it comes to childcare, what is good for American families is good for business. Prioritizing childcare not only demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, it leads to a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce while also benefiting the company’s bottom line and overall reputation. Additionally, the future of our society depends on us creating solutions now ensuring we have a skilled and engaged workforce in the future.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cassie-Leyva_May-2021-scaled.jpg25601709Brooke Flower/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngBrooke Flower2023-11-15 16:14:402025-06-12 14:30:01Meet EPIC’s New Senior Director of Business Development and Communications!
When it comes to working parents, flexibility is key. That’s why Delta Dental of Colorado is proud to support EPIC in its mission to provide solutions that meet parents’ needs for early childhood care and education. Our company has a history of helping our team members find the flexibility to support not just the workforce of today but the development of the workforce of tomorrow. From the first day they join Delta Dental of Colorado, employees know they have become part of an organization that values them as individuals and as team members. Child care can cost families up to 19% of their income or more, and that’s not a sustainable solution to keep parents in the career talent pool. What is sustainable are the solutions businesses are developing and implementing to support working parents. For working mothers, especially, these solutions are key to keeping them in the workforce. According to Time magazine, “About 78.2% of female college graduates aged 25 to 34 who had children participated in the labor force in the fall of 2021, compared to 77.2% in the fall of 2018.” They’re able to return to work because of flexible work schedules and their ability to find the kind of childcare that works for their families. Businesses today are creating solutions to keep not just mothers, but all working parents, growing in their careers. Through solutions like flexible work schedules, remote work, or even working with EPIC’s design lab to provide on-site childcare, businesses make real impact for working parents. In fact, The Wall Street Journal notes that, “Among women who dropped out of the workforce in the Covid-19 era, one-third said the lack or expense of childcare was a top reason, while 20% of men who left said so.” Flexibility isn’t just developing remote work positions. It’s also allowing parents to create schedules that fit their childcare needs. It’s the development of on- or near-site childcare programs and other creative family benefits that aim to offer access, flexibility, and affordability for their employees. It’s in building the infrastructure and advancing policies friendly to both business and working parents. Delta Dental of Colorado works with EPIC because its network of business leaders is committed to a future where childcare and workforce preparedness are not roadblocks to business success and economic growth. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We know that: An investment in early childcare and education can produce an $8.60 return for each $1 invested. Investments in early childcare and education have substantial impact on educational success, as well as health, poverty, workforce development, and the economy. Children participating in quality childcare and education are more likely to stay away from teen pregnancy, drugs, and criminal activity. Parents in the current workforce are more productive when they are not concerned about their children during the workday. Flexibility in the workforce leads to better outcomes because children are cared for and their learning is enriched. When employees’ children are cared for, our society thrives and companies can […]
Leveraging Business Leadership for Childcare Solutions in Colorado
/in BlogIn Colorado, the childcare crisis has reached a critical point, impacting not just families but also the broader economy. As business leaders, we have a unique opportunity and a profound responsibility to address this challenge head-on. At Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), we are committed to catalyzing this movement by fostering partnerships and advocating for policies that support accessible and affordable childcare solutions. Here, we summarize insights and initiatives discussed in recent Denver Business Journal articles that can help guide our collective efforts. The Need for Integrated Childcare Solutions Our advocacy group has always emphasized the necessity of integrating childcare facilities within larger community developments, especially affordable housing projects. By doing so, we not only address the childcare shortage but also enhance family well-being and community stability. Developers are encouraged to incorporate childcare centers into their projects, leveraging financial incentives like tax credits to offset the high costs associated with these facilities. Business Leadership in Advocacy EPIC has long championed the role of executives in using their influence to advocate for better childcare policies. Recently, Colorado saw legislative successes with laws that incentivize the creation of childcare facilities through property tax credits and rebates. Business leaders are encouraged to engage actively with legislative processes like those for HB24-1237, advocate for increased funding and better policies, and collaborate on initiatives like the building of new childcare centers. On-Site Childcare: A Win for Employers and Employees On-site childcare is proving to be a beneficial strategy for businesses, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention while addressing childcare needs directly. Companies like Guild and Mile High United Way have developed on-site childcare facilities, substantially reducing childcare costs for employees and setting a valuable example for other organizations. The success stories from these companies highlight the dual benefits of employee welfare and enhanced business performance through such investments. Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities Building childcare facilities, whether on-site or within community developments, involves navigating complex regulatory and financial challenges. EPIC supports businesses by connecting them with the necessary resources and expertise to overcome these barriers. Moreover, financial tools like new market tax credits and low-income housing tax credits are vital for making these projects feasible. The path towards solving Colorado’s childcare crisis requires a concerted effort from all sectors, especially from business leaders who can leverage their resources and influence for greater good. By investing in childcare, businesses are not just supporting their employees but are also contributing to the economic and social health of our communities. At EPIC, we remain dedicated to supporting these efforts, ensuring that every child and family in Colorado has access to quality, affordable childcare. Together, we can transform the landscape of childcare in Colorado, creating a model for others to follow and building a brighter future for our children and our state.
EPIC Champions Bill to Support Child-Friendly Communities and the Development of Childcare Facilities in Colorado
/in BlogThrough many conversations with childcare providers, businesses, and developers, EPIC has heard about the challenges communities face in trying to create new childcare supply. These conversations led us to the development of a white paper: Clearing the Path for New Childcare Supply: Solutions for Child-Friendly Planning, Housing, and Community Development (read the executive summary here). We talked to many different partners who are interested in creating new childcare, and learned more about what gets in their way. We also looked at existing models of support in Colorado and across the country. Through this work, we identified many opportunities to leverage the existing spaces in communities for childcare facilities while reducing costs and regulatory challenges for new operators, including the following recommendations: Establish community value by explicitly recognizing and supporting childcare within planning efforts and committing to policies that elevate this value. Mitigate regulatory barriers by identifying opportunities to streamline and align the various regulations that a potential childcare provider is subject to. Provide support for facility development with technical assistance and access to capital. EPIC is excited to champion 2024 legislation at the Colorado State Capitol that will create a pilot program to support the development of childcare facilities and make Colorado a leader in implementing these solutions to pave the way for new childcare supply. HB 24-1237 Programs for the Development of Childcare Facilities creates 3 programs in the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA): Childcare Facility Development Toolkit and Technical Assistance This program will provide technical assistance from consultants and related professionals to enable interested community partners, developers, and local governments to understand the technical aspects of planning, developing, building, and co-locating childcare facilities. This program is important because the people who understand childcare requirements and the people who specialize in building and development are often two separate groups. This program will help to bring these two specialized areas of knowledge together. Childcare Facility Development Planning Grant This program will help to incentivize and support local governments in identifying and making regulatory updates or improvements to community planning, development, building, zoning, and other regulatory processes to support the development of childcare facilities. Many local governments understand and recognize the importance of childcare for their communities, and this grant will enable them to investigate and implement policy and regulatory tools to make it easier to create new childcare facilities. Childcare Facility Development Capital Grant This grant program will provide local governments or public-private partnerships with money to construct, remodel, renovate, or retrofit a residential or commercial childcare facility to meet a demonstrated need for childcare in the community. This program provides much-needed access to capital funding, which is a significant challenge for communities. Why Facilities? EPIC developed the Building Up initiative to change the childcare business model in a way that supports a healthy, sustainable bottom line while ensuring access to high-quality early learning experiences for children and the ability for families to work. This initiative is focused on decreasing operating expenses, increasing revenue, and eliminating barriers to entry […]
The David and Laura Merage Foundation Spearheads National Impact as Presenting Sponsor of the National Business Leaders in Action Summit
/in BlogAs the Presenting Sponsor of the National Business Leaders in Action Summit, the David and Laura Merage Foundation led the way for this critical national work, cementing their vision and commitment to affordable and accessible high-quality childcare for all children across the nation. For the past 18 years, the David and Laura Merage Foundation has been a steadfast champion of early childhood care and education (ECE). Their philanthropic efforts, policy advocacy, and innovative initiatives have not only transformed the landscape of ECE in Colorado but have also had a significant national impact. The David and Laura Merage Foundation’s journey in the realm of ECE is driven by their deep understanding of the critical role early childhood education plays in a child’s development. Their commitment to this cause has only grown stronger over the years. Early childhood education is not just a priority; it’s a passion for the Foundation. While the Foundation’s roots are in Colorado, its impact reaches far beyond state lines. Through a combination of philanthropic support and direct engagement, the Foundation has become a national force. Their initiatives have been models for similar efforts across the United States. A key strategy is advocating for policy reform at both the state and federal levels. They have been instrumental in pushing for changes that benefit children and families. Their efforts have contributed to significant advancements in early care and education policies, making quality childcare more accessible to all. The Foundation’s initiatives, like Early Learning Ventures, have made a discernable impact on early childhood care and education. Early Learning Ventures is dedicated to supporting childcare entrepreneurs, ensuring that they have the tools and resources needed to provide high-quality childcare services. This innovative initiative has not only created a network of support for childcare providers but has also improved the overall quality of early education programs. As with other issues, David and Laura have applied their entrepreneurial experience and innovative thinking to the issue of early care and education. Their advocacy and commitment to the cause are evident through numerous sponsorships, speaking engagements, and contributions to articles and publications. They understand that the future of our nation depends on our ability to support the earliest developmental years of our children. Additionally, as a founding member of EPIC, David has been at the forefront of advocating for the business community’s commitment to family-friendly solutions. Together, David and Laura have brought together leaders from various sectors to prioritize early care and education as a crucial investment for our nation’s future. With leaders like David and Laura Merage at the helm and their continued support of EPIC, their commitment to the well-being of our nation’s youngest citizens remains unwavering, and the Foundation’s impact will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Meet EPIC’s New Senior Director of Business Development and Communications!
/in BlogWe are ecstatic to bring Cassie Leyva on board as EPIC’s new Senior Director of Business Development and Communications! While you can read Cassie’s bio here, we also wanted to share a Q&A between Cassie and our President & CEO, Nicole Riehl. Enjoy! Nicole: Why are you excited to join EPIC? Cassie: Seeing the momentum that you, your team, and EPIC’s members have been able to create is nothing short of impressive and vital for the future of this nation. I have seen numerous efforts to address the childcare crisis and although important, none have made me feel as hopeful as harnessing the power of business leaders. Nicole: What is one thing you’ve done in your work that makes you hopeful for change? Cassie: My work nationally in building bridges across political lines to benefit our economy has shown me that working together to solve the childcare crisis could serve as a unifying issue for our nation when we need it most. Whether it’s in DC or here in Colorado, the drain this crisis is causing is increasingly evident and I want to continue to be a part of the solution. Nicole: Why do you think the business community should play a role in solving for the childcare crisis? Cassie: I have worked on this issue from multiple angles and I’m more convinced than ever that business leaders hold the power to be some of our greatest agents of change. The best part is, when it comes to childcare, what is good for American families is good for business. Prioritizing childcare not only demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, it leads to a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce while also benefiting the company’s bottom line and overall reputation. Additionally, the future of our society depends on us creating solutions now ensuring we have a skilled and engaged workforce in the future.
Delta Dental of Colorado Supports Flexibility for Better Outcomes
/in BlogWhen it comes to working parents, flexibility is key. That’s why Delta Dental of Colorado is proud to support EPIC in its mission to provide solutions that meet parents’ needs for early childhood care and education. Our company has a history of helping our team members find the flexibility to support not just the workforce of today but the development of the workforce of tomorrow. From the first day they join Delta Dental of Colorado, employees know they have become part of an organization that values them as individuals and as team members. Child care can cost families up to 19% of their income or more, and that’s not a sustainable solution to keep parents in the career talent pool. What is sustainable are the solutions businesses are developing and implementing to support working parents. For working mothers, especially, these solutions are key to keeping them in the workforce. According to Time magazine, “About 78.2% of female college graduates aged 25 to 34 who had children participated in the labor force in the fall of 2021, compared to 77.2% in the fall of 2018.” They’re able to return to work because of flexible work schedules and their ability to find the kind of childcare that works for their families. Businesses today are creating solutions to keep not just mothers, but all working parents, growing in their careers. Through solutions like flexible work schedules, remote work, or even working with EPIC’s design lab to provide on-site childcare, businesses make real impact for working parents. In fact, The Wall Street Journal notes that, “Among women who dropped out of the workforce in the Covid-19 era, one-third said the lack or expense of childcare was a top reason, while 20% of men who left said so.” Flexibility isn’t just developing remote work positions. It’s also allowing parents to create schedules that fit their childcare needs. It’s the development of on- or near-site childcare programs and other creative family benefits that aim to offer access, flexibility, and affordability for their employees. It’s in building the infrastructure and advancing policies friendly to both business and working parents. Delta Dental of Colorado works with EPIC because its network of business leaders is committed to a future where childcare and workforce preparedness are not roadblocks to business success and economic growth. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We know that: An investment in early childcare and education can produce an $8.60 return for each $1 invested. Investments in early childcare and education have substantial impact on educational success, as well as health, poverty, workforce development, and the economy. Children participating in quality childcare and education are more likely to stay away from teen pregnancy, drugs, and criminal activity. Parents in the current workforce are more productive when they are not concerned about their children during the workday. Flexibility in the workforce leads to better outcomes because children are cared for and their learning is enriched. When employees’ children are cared for, our society thrives and companies can […]