Marking Another Year of EPIC Progress
As we reflect on an incredible 2024, we’re celebrating the achievements and milestone moments that defined the year. On behalf of the entire EPIC team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, policy makers, supporters and community partners who took action to create child care solutions that benefit families, employees and communities everywhere. We’re excited to build on this momentum and see what 2025 has in store!
Top EPIC Moments of 2024
Child Care Solutions at Denver International Airport
In the spring of 2024, the Denver City Council approved a new phase of collaboration with EPIC to support Denver International Airport (DEN) in exploring child care solutions for 40,000 badged airport employees. As DEN focuses on equity while expanding to serve 100 million passengers, the airport aims to eliminate barriers for individuals interested in employment. At the airport’s innovative Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation, drop-in care will be offered for workforce programming participants. EPIC will continue to support the development of broader child care solutions at the airport into the future.
15th Annual Business Leaders Dinner
In September, more than 275 of Colorado’s most influential business, government, philanthropic and community leaders came together to celebrate EPIC’s accomplishments and foster collaboration on advancing early childhood initiatives. The evening featured inspiring remarks from Governor Jared Polis and Mayor Mike Johnston, the presentation of the 2024 EPIC Award to Emeritus Board Member Brad Busse and the Early Childhood Champion Award to Community Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Catalytic Funding
EPIC received a transformational investment from Pivotal, a network of organizations founded by Melinda French Gates, enabling us to expand our capacity, grow into new states, and engage business leaders who recognize the importance of child care benefits in attracting and retaining top talent today, while also investing in the workforce of tomorrow. This investment would not have been possible without the longstanding philanthropic support from the David and Laura Merage Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, Buell Foundation, Colorado Gives Foundation, Mile High United Way, and other critical funders. We are grateful for the vision and commitment of our supporters. Read more about this investment.
National Child Care Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action
EPIC, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and presented by the David and Laura Merage Foundation, hosted the National Child Care Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action in Washington, D.C. in December. The event brought together more than 200 business leaders from 38 states to discuss child care solutions, strategies and the urgent actions needed to address our nation’s child care crisis and secure its economic future.
Launch of the Employer Child Care Navigator
At this year’s summit, we debuted the Employer Child Care Navigator — a free, groundbreaking website designed to help businesses discover customized child care solutions. Created in partnership between EPIC and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this innovative tool provides employers with unbiased expertise and data-driven recommendations tailored to their unique needs. To help spread the word, we also rolled out a social media toolkit featuring ready-to-use content and assets for attendees and supporters to share on their social channels.
Third Design Lab Cohort
We completed our third cohort of the Employer-Based Child Care Design Lab, which supports employers to develop on- or near-site child care solutions for their employees. Participants across these three cohorts will contribute to more than 1,000 new child care slots in Colorado.
Statewide Technical Assistance
Through our Building Up initiative, EPIC provided more than 200 hours of technical assistance and direct project support to eight nonprofit and early childhood community partners across Colorado. Our subject matter expertise helped facilitate and expedite planning and implementation of child care supply building and expansion efforts. Projects represented a diverse set of communities, needs and approaches to child care solutions.
Child Care in Community Planning & Development
EPIC highlighted opportunities to optimize child care infrastructure into community planning and development, including grant programs and technical assistance for local governments, housing developers and other community leaders with the release of the Clearing the Path White Paper and subsequent passing of HB 24-1237 on Programs for the Development of Child Care Facilities.
Nationwide Conversations on Child Care
EPIC has been sought out for its expertise and the unbiased approach it brings to supporting businesses as they explore child care solutions. EPIC staff were invited to present and contributed to solution-oriented conversations in eight states, and we are excited to continue to identify ways to support communities and businesses in other locations.
Policy and Advocacy Report
EPIC’s team and membership are proud to serve as leaders, advocates and partners to advance policy priorities that create positive outcomes for families and the economy. The 2024 Colorado legislative session was full of wins for children and families and our Legislative Advocacy Overview highlights those bills and key activities driven by EPIC.
EPIC Growth
Our EPIC team welcomed four new staff members in 2024. Joining us this year are Chief Impact Officer Steph Itelman, Employer Engagement Directors Aya Takemoto and Ellen Braun and Director of Communications and External Relations, Brooke Flower.
Members Driving Impact
Our 70+ members are the cornerstone of EPIC’s success. Their philanthropic contributions, leadership and commitment to leveraging their influence and business credibility make our work possible. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to building a stronger future for children, families and communities.
