vision
All children under six have access to affordable quality childcare in the Pikes Peak Region.
Purpose
Studies have revealed that collaboration across organizations and leaders is the most effective approach to creating desired change in a community. This approach is often referred to as collective impact.
By pooling resources and expertise, we can develop a robust blueprint for success that not only addresses the immediate gap in childcare services but also creates sustainable accessible solutions.
The Childcare Gap + Need
Only 17,452 childcare spots exist in El Paso County, although 46,863 children 0-5 live here. Childcare is not only hard to find, but expensive, averaging $16,333/yr per child. In the map at left, the blue represents adequate access, and the darker the orange, the more scarce the access.
goals + Teams
The Family Friendly Initiative goals focus on the areas below. To join a team, please contact Jeremy Trujillo with your area of interest and contact information.
PUBLIC AWARENESS
Launch public awareness campaign in 2025.
SUSTAINABLE FUNDING
Determine scaled funding solutions to pursue.
POLICY ADVOCACY
Track and recommend local, state, and federal childcare legislation and policy.
WORKFORCE
Align resources, build career pathways and enhance the profession’s value in the community.
Partnerships
Utilize partnership across sectors, particularly between the business and early childhood sectors.
Behavioral Health
Build a network of mental health professionals and launch scaled ECE programming.
family friendly Initiative faqs
To learn more about the FFI, see the FAQs or use the contact form at the bottom of the page to send us your question.
- Ninety percent (90%) of a child’s brain develops during the first five years of life.
- Our children deserve the best early learning during this critical part of development.
- Children who have access to early learning programs are more likely to read proficiently by the third grade, which leads to higher high school and college graduation rates.
- Childcare generates between $7 and $13 in benefits for every dollar spent on quality childcare.
- Childcare links to higher graduation rates; leads to a more competitive workforce in the short and long term; and lowers crime rates and healthcare costs.
navigating resources
Two reports and the Summit Briefing offer background information:
