Denver’s shortage of accessible, affordable childcare continues to be one of the biggest barriers to economic growth and workforce participation. An estimated 20% to 25% of workers depend on childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare Design Lab was developed and launched in 2021 to help address childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare facilities, creating up to 332 new childcare slots, including 60 for infants and toddlers, with support from CDEC’s Employer-Based Childcare (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 childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare in Colorado. Since the program began in 2021, 29 employers or employer coalitions have participated, resulting in more than 1,200 new childcare 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 childcare landscape in Colorado and serving as a model for other states.” Design Lab 3.0 outcomes: 3 projects awarded EBCC grants 332 childcare slots to be created, including 60 for infants and toddlers 10 of 11 participants plan to implement employer-based childcare 100% of participants said the program was essential to advancing their plans “Our work with CDEC proves that public-private partnerships are essential to successful efforts,” said Alethea Gomez, EPIC’s Colorado Executive Director. “Especially in rural […]
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 Childcare Innovation
Colorado’s childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare 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.
https://www.epicimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ryan-Beiser-6.png500500Colorado EPIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/epic-logo-sm.pngColorado EPIC2025-01-31 10:00:092025-06-12 14:35:03Solving Colorado’s Childcare Crisis Through Executive Advocacy: Michael Kehoe Named Board Chair of EPIC
Solving Our Childcare Crisis: Real Estate’s Next Frontier
/in Blog, NewsDenver’s shortage of accessible, affordable childcare continues to be one of the biggest barriers to economic growth and workforce participation. An estimated 20% to 25% of workers depend on childcare 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 childcare 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 Childcare Innovation
/in NewsColorado’s leadership in early childhood innovation continues to gain national recognition as the state expands access to employer-based childcare 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 childcare Design Lab was developed and launched in 2021 to help address childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare facilities, creating up to 332 new childcare slots, including 60 for infants and toddlers, with support from CDEC’s Employer-Based Childcare (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 childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare in Colorado. Since the program began in 2021, 29 employers or employer coalitions have participated, resulting in more than 1,200 new childcare 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 childcare landscape in Colorado and serving as a model for other states.” Design Lab 3.0 outcomes: 3 projects awarded EBCC grants 332 childcare slots to be created, including 60 for infants and toddlers 10 of 11 participants plan to implement employer-based childcare 100% of participants said the program was essential to advancing their plans “Our work with CDEC proves that public-private partnerships are essential to successful efforts,” said Alethea Gomez, EPIC’s Colorado Executive Director. “Especially in rural […]
Understanding the Challenges Facing Colorado’s Childcare Providers
/in NewsColorado’s childcare 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 childcare businesses open.
Solving Colorado’s Childcare Crisis Through Executive Advocacy: Michael Kehoe Named Board Chair of EPIC
/in NewsOn 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 childcare 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 childcare 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.