A full version of this article was originally published by Ed Sealover on The Sum & Substance on February 18, 2026. Over the past four legislative sessions, Colorado lawmakers have advanced policies intended to improve child care access and affordability. Despite these efforts, survey data indicates that many parents still report high costs and difficulty finding available providers.
Media Contact Brooke Flower brooke@epicimpact.org Tucson, AZ (February 26, 2026) — With Arizona families spending an average of $15,625 per year for infant child care—and nearly half of centers statewide reporting no available infant care slots—business and community leaders are stepping forward to create solutions that make care more accessible, affordable and sustainable for working families.
The Investing in America Child Care Partnership is tackling the national child care supply crisis by bringing together public and private funders, government agencies, employers and child care providers to develop sustainable, community-centered solutions. EPIC is proud to collaborate with IFF and the Detroit Regional Workforce Partnership as part of this initiative — helping employers understand how strategic investments in child care can strengthen their workforce and support long-term economic growth. “Child care really is an economic imperative to ensuring a robust workforce, both today and in terms of early childhood investments,” says Steph Itelman, chief impact officer at EPIC. “Communities can’t thrive if there aren’t places for young children to be cared for and educated.” Model D Media has more on how the Investing in America Child Care Partnership is linking child care and economic development to strengthen communities nationwide. Read the full article.
Denver’s shortage of accessible, affordable child care continues to be one of the biggest barriers to economic growth and workforce participation. An estimated 20% to 25% of workers depend on child care to participate in the labor force, yet supply continues to fall short. In a recent Colorado Real Estate Journal article, EPIC President and CEO Nicole Riehl and EPIC Member Neil Oberfeld, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig LLP, highlight how real estate leaders can help address this challenge — through creative leasing strategies, employer-sponsored and shared-use models, integrating child care centers into commercial developments, and more. Read the full article.
Colorado’s leadership in early childhood innovation continues to gain national recognition as the state expands access to employer-based child care through a high-impact partnership between Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Created through a partnership between EPIC and CDEC, the employer-based child care Design Lab was developed and launched in 2021 to help address child care supply challenges within Colorado communities. EPIC’s Design Lab is a first-of-its-kind workshop that supports cohorts of employers in planning and implementing child care solutions for their workforce. Through customized technical assistance, guided research and strategic partnerships, the EPIC team draws on deep experience in the field to deliver practical, actionable pathways for employers. To date, three cohorts have completed the program, generating national interest from employers and leaders in other states looking to replicate its success. As part of the third Design Lab cohort, three employers will open new child care facilities, creating up to 332 new child care slots, including 60 for infants and toddlers, with support from CDEC’s Employer-Based Child Care (EBCC) grant program. Each site received up to $800,000 in state funding. Participating sites include: Buena Vista School District (Chaffee County) – Opening fall 2025 The Powerhouse (La Plata County) – Opening fall 2026 Colorado Mountain College (Garfield County) – Opening fall 2026 In addition, a former Design Lab participant, the Town of Cripple Creek, recently announced the launch of a $3.4 million facility — A Place for Kids Daycare Center and Exploratorium — to serve up to 106 children. “Colorado’s nationally recognized early childhood governance model allowed us to make bold investments through federal stimulus funding that demonstrated the long-term value of public-private partnerships,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, executive director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. “The success of the Design Lab and employer-based child care model is proof that when businesses and government collaborate around family-focused solutions, we create lasting impact. These are the types of investments that strengthen Colorado’s economy and child care community, now and into the future.” Through the Design Lab, EPIC provides planning support, peer learning, and technical assistance to employers interested in launching on-site or near-site child care in Colorado. Since the program began in 2021, 29 employers or employer coalitions have participated, resulting in more than 1,200 new child care slots statewide. “The Design Lab gives employers the tools to act and the confidence to lead,” said Nicole Riehl, president and CEO of EPIC. “Together with CDEC, we’re showing what’s possible when innovation is paired with strategic funding and strong state leadership. This partnership is changing the child care landscape in Colorado and serving as a model for other states.” Design Lab 3.0 outcomes: 3 projects awarded EBCC grants 332 child care slots to be created, including 60 for infants and toddlers 10 of 11 participants plan to implement employer-based child care 100% of participants said the program was essential to advancing their plans “Our work with CDEC proves that public-private partnerships are […]
Colorado’s child care sector is at a breaking point. In the past year, 54 centers have shut their doors, eliminating more than than 4,300 spots for children. Rising costs and burdensome regulations are forcing providers out. Industry leaders argue that while the intent behind universal preschool is positive, its implementation has left many private providers unable to stay afloat. As a result, more parents are being pushed out of the workforce due to a lack of care options. Leaders like EPIC President and CEO Nicole Riehl are urging state agencies and providers to come together to find balanced, long-term solutions that support both families’ needs and the sustainability of the childcare workforce. Riehl was recently interviewed as an expert for an article published by the Sum & Substance, an online news site from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. Read the full article to learn more about what’s needed to keep child care businesses open.
On behalf of our members and staff, we are pleased to announce Michael Kehoe, Vice President of Finance at PCL Construction has been named the Board Chair of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC). Kehoe will serve a two-year term beginning February 2025. “Good child care and early childhood education is the best way for our kids to get a head start in life, and is a big part of a young family’s overall wellness,” Kehoe said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to partner with other business leaders to advocate for parents and ensure every child in Colorado has the care they need.” Kehoe has been involved with EPIC since 2015. As Board Chair, he will lead the Board of Directors in raising awareness of the importance of early child care and education, championing new policy solutions and providing tools and innovative strategies to help businesses support the development, recruitment and retention of employees. “On behalf of EPIC’s Board of Directors, members and staff, I’m eager to welcome Mike Kehoe as our new Board President,” said Nicole Riehl, President and CEO of EPIC. “Mike is the perfect leader to help usher EPIC into the next two years of growth with a keen eye for initiatives like our national expansion, a new membership framework and ongoing policy and advocacy. I look forward to his leadership and partnership as we work together to create family-friendly change for employers, employees and families.” Kehoe is a lifelong advocate for Colorado families. He served on the Mile High United Way Board of Trustees from 2016-2019, is the former Board Chair of Florence Crittenton Services of Colorado helping to lead their campus redevelopment program and served 19 seasons as a youth sports coach in Golden, Colorado. Learn more about our Board of Directors and how to become an EPIC member here.
As a nonprofit organization founded by business leaders to engage with the business community on child care efforts, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) helps employers understand the child care needs of their current and prospective workforce and identify and implement solutions that support their employees and their business. EPIC’s impartial resources and expertise help organizations to find the best way for business to support their employees and their bottom line. With industry partners and employers in many states expressing interest in EPIC’s work and services, the EPIC Board of Directors made a strategic decision to begin planning for expansion in 2023. After operating solely in Colorado for 15 years, EPIC is excited to announce the official launch of our collaboration with employers and business community partners in Arizona and New Hampshire in 2025. These two states were strategically selected to align with the Investing in America Child Care Partnership‘s goal of leveraging federal infrastructure funding efforts to enhance local child care systems. Below are our latest developments in each state: NEW HAMPSHIRE: Through partnership and funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and Couch Family Foundation, EPIC is launching two key projects in early 2025: Upper Valley (Lebanon) Employer Engagement: Conducting a series of workshops, modeled after our Design Lab, to help local businesses assess employee needs and develop targeted child care solutions. Manchester Initiative: Collaborating with established child care, community, and business leaders to identify employer engagement strategies. ARIZONA: A powerful coalition of state partners are motivated to work with EPIC in engaging the business community on child care solutions in 2025 and beyond including: First Things First (FTF) Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry Three regional United Way partners (Valley of the Sun, Tucson & Southern Arizona and Northern Arizona) These expansions represent valuable growth and learning opportunities, enhancing our capacity to serve communities both within Colorado and beyond. EPIC will share our progress and insights as these initiatives unfold. Learn more about our Workplace Support and Client Services.