2025 Foundations of the Future: Child Care in Economic Development

A gathering of leaders to explore how quality child care drives workforce participation and community development.

Please join us for 2025 Foundations of the Future: Child Care in Economic Development on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Broadway Ballroom and Event Center! Check-in and a light breakfast will start at 9:30 AM. Join us for an engaging and solutions-focused conference that puts child care at the center of economic vitality.

Foundations of the Future brings together leaders in community and economic development, early childhood, and public policy to explore how high-quality child care drives workforce participation, attracts investment, and strengthens communities.

Be part of the movement to elevate child care as essential infrastructure. Network with peers, gain practical tools, and leave inspired to create change in your community!

Highlights include:

Check-in and light breakfast

Starting at 9:30am

Keynote Speaker: Arthur J. Rolnick, Professor of Economics, University of Minnesota

Learn how high-quality early care and education fuels long-term economic growth.

Caring for Growth: Child Care Solutions for Thriving Communities

Explore innovative, community-based approaches to supporting family child care providers and expanding access for working families.

Opening new child care businesses take more than demand—it requires collaboration, funding, and community support. This session dives into local examples of newly launched child care programs, exploring the key partnerships, and resources that made them possible.

Child Care Works: Leveraging Local Strategies and Partnerships for Lasting Impact

Discover local strategies that can be implemented quickly and deliver measurable, lasting benefits for children, families, and communities.

Discover how local innovation and cross-sector partnerships are driving sustainable improvements in child care access, quality, and workforce support. This session will showcase local strategies for how communities can work together to create lasting impact for children, families, and providers.