https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Untitled-design-2025-12-10T154546.916-1.png900900Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2025-12-10 15:11:332025-12-10 15:11:33EPIC Hosts Roundtable with Sen. Hickenlooper on Child Care Access
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.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Untitled-design-2025-11-24T141757.256-compressed-pdf.jpg14971058Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2025-11-24 13:19:232025-11-24 13:19:55Investing in America Child Care Partnership: Building a Stronger Future for Families and Employers
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.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Untitled-design-2025-09-04T151524.579.png10801080Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2025-09-04 14:18:332025-09-04 15:27:27Solving Our Child Care Crisis: Real Estate’s Next Frontier
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 […]
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Untitled-design-50.png10801080Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2025-05-21 11:00:222025-06-12 14:35:49Colorado Sets National Standard with Employer-Based Child Care Innovation
EPIC Hosts Roundtable with Sen. Hickenlooper on Child Care Access
/in Blog, NewsInvesting in America Child Care Partnership: Building a Stronger Future for Families and Employers
/in NewsThe 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.
Solving Our Child Care Crisis: Real Estate’s Next Frontier
/in Blog, NewsDenver’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.
2025 Colorado Legislative Progress Report
/in Blog, News, PolicyColorado Sets National Standard with Employer-Based Child Care Innovation
/in NewsColorado’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 […]