We were honored to welcome U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and a distinguished group of early childhood leaders to our campus recently for a roundtable discussion focused on the state of childcare in Colorado. The conversation brought together policymakers and practitioners to examine both the challenges facing the childcare sector and the opportunities to strengthen access, affordability, and quality for families across the state.

Participants emphasized that childcare is more than a family support—it is a critical driver of Colorado’s economy. Reliable, high-quality childcare enables parents to participate fully in the workforce, supports business productivity, and lays the foundation for long-term community and economic growth. The roundtable highlighted the urgent need for sustainable solutions that support childcare providers to meet the needs of working families.

“Childcare is essential infrastructure for a thriving economy,” said William Browning, Clayton’s president and CEO. “When families have access to quality care, parents can work, businesses can grow, and children get the strong start they deserve. We are grateful to Senator Hickenlooper and our early childhood partners for engaging in this important dialogue and helping move Colorado toward solutions that strengthen our workforce and our future.”

We appreciate the opportunity to elevate this critical conversation and remain committed to advocating for policies and partnerships that support children, families, and the economic vitality of our state.