Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC

When employers invest in childcare, the results extend far beyond the workplace.

In 2025, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC completed the third cohort of the Employer-Based Childcare Design Lab, helping Colorado employers develop solutions that contributed to the creation of more than 1,000 new childcare slots across the state.

These efforts are helping working families access the care they need while strengthening workforce recruitment, retention and productivity. This is just one example of the impact highlighted in EPIC's 2025 Impact Report.

⬇️ Download the full report to learn how we're working alongside employers and communities to advance innovative childcare solutions that create lasting change.

https://ow.ly/GT3N50Zegwi

What inspires leaders to join Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC

In our latest Member Minute, Center for Work Education and Employment (CWEE) CEO Kate Horle shares why she supports EPIC's mission and the important role business and community leaders play in advancing childcare solutions.

🎥 Hear Kate's perspective on how investing in children and families helps strengthen the workforce, support employers and create lasting impact. 👇

Member Minute: Kate Horle EPIC's impact is driven by the leaders, innovators and changemakers...

Behind every policy win, employer partnership and innovative childcare solution are the leaders who make this work possible.

Representing organizations of all sizes and industries, EPIC members share a commitment to advancing childcare solutions that strengthen families, support employers and drive economic growth. Their leadership, expertise and investment continue to fuel meaningful progress in Colorado and across the country.

Our 2025 Impact Report recognizes the members and board leaders whose vision and commitment help drive this work forward.

⬇️ Download the report to learn more about the people and partnerships creating lasting impact for families, employers and communities.

https://www.epicimpact.org/epic-2025-impact-report/

Colorado's 2026 legislative session delivered meaningful progress for childcare, working families and employers across the state. Last month, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC President and CEO Nicole Riehl and Colorado Executive Director Alethea Gomez joined Governor Jared Polis, policymakers and advocates to celebrate the signing of several impactful bills, including the 10-year extension of the Childcare Contribution Tax Credit (HB26-1004).

The extension helps ensure continued investment in Colorado's childcare system by encouraging contributions to eligible childcare programs and facilities. In turn, these investments can help providers expand services, increase capacity and support affordability for families. Taxpayers who make qualifying contributions may receive a tax credit of up to 50% of their donation.

We're proud to have supported these efforts alongside partners across the state. Together, we're helping advance policies that strengthen Colorado's economy, support working families and create lasting benefits for communities.

👇 Learn more from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce about these important legislative wins and their impact across Colorado.

New laws extend tax credits for business expansion, childcare contributions | The Sum and Substance One bill offers tax credits for companies creating 20 new jobs. The other gives tax breaks to Coloradans donating to childcare providers.

Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC President and CEO Nicole Riehl and Chief Impact Officer Steph Itelman joined community leaders and partners from Downtown Denver Partnership, Denver Office of Children's Affairs, Metropolitan State University of Denver and Colorado Department of Early Childhood to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Merage Early Learning Center at the Auraria Campus. 🪏

Made possible through an investment from the David and Laura Merage Foundation, the center is a powerful example of what can happen when business and philanthropic leaders invest in early care and education solutions that support children, families and the workforce. EPIC is proud to have supported the Auraria Campus in the early planning and design stages of this project through participation in our Employer-Based Childcare Design Lab.

From concept to construction, the center reflects the impact of collaboration and a shared commitment to expanding access to quality childcare. We're grateful for the longstanding partnership and leadership of the David and Laura Merage Foundation, an EPIC Trailblazer member, founding supporter and champion for childcare solutions and look forward to seeing the impact the Merage Early Learning Center will have on families and the community. 🎉

Exciting progress is underway in Durango as construction begins on WonderLab Early Learning, a new childcare center on The Powerhouse campus scheduled to open in September 2026. 🪏

Designed to serve children from 18 months to 5 years old, the center will feature 3 classrooms and expand access to quality early learning opportunities for families in the region.

The Powerhouse participated in the third cohort of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC's Employer-Based Childcare Design Lab and received funding through Colorado's Employer-Based Childcare Grant Program to help bring the project to life. WonderLab Early Learning is a great example of how community organizations, employers and strategic partnerships can work together to develop innovative childcare solutions that work for families and employers alike.

We're proud to have supported the Powerhouse throughout the development process and look forward to celebrating the center's opening later this year.

🔎 Learn more about this development from The Durango Herald below.

Powerhouse gives first look at new child care center in Durango The Powerhouse in Durango is about six months from launching its new child care program – WonderLab Early Learning – tailored for children ages 18 months to 5 years old. The Powerhouse is in the middl...

Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC recently welcomed Pivotal Founder Melinda French Gates, Guild President and CEO Bijal Shah and Denver International Airport President and CEO Phil Washington to Denver for a conversation on the important role employers can play in advancing childcare solutions for working families.

The visit included a tour of The Beehive, Guild's onsite childcare center, which was developed with support from EPIC through its employer-focused childcare model. During the tour, children attending The Beehive enjoyed a special story time with Melinda. The experience served as a reminder that when leaders engage in conversations around childcare, they help elevate solutions that create lasting benefits for children, families, employers and communities.

📸 Photo courtesy of Pivotal Ventures

We're growing! 🌱

Please join us in welcoming Kayla Klein to the Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - EPIC team as our new Director of Business Engagement & Partnerships.

Kayla brings extensive experience in mission-driven public relations, branding, consulting and stakeholder engagement. In her new role, she will lead event strategy, business partnerships and engagement efforts that strengthen collaboration and advance childcare solutions in the business community.

We're thrilled to have Kayla on board and look forward to the expertise and perspective she will bring to our team. Welcome, Kayla! 🎉