August 15, 2024 – ARVADA, CO. Today, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce announced its Childcare KAPS Council to help Arvada and the region enable caregivers to join/rejoin the workforce and give children the quality early learning experience they need to thrive.
KAPS stands for Kick-Ass Problem Solvers and the Childcare KAPS Council combines partners from childcare, regional collaborative partners, and businesses together to support the B.O.L.D. 2026 Childcare goal. In its initial phase, the Childcare KAPS Council will focus on raising business leaders’ awareness and understanding of the region’s challenge with childcare access and affordability and the impact this has on business success. The KAPS council will also promote strategies that employers can implement to mitigate these challenges to boost talent recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, the KAPS Council will be working to develop an actionable strategy for B.O.L.D. 2026 to support and engage childcare providers.
Childcare KAPS Council Members:
- Alethea Gomez, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children
- Avani Halusan, Kiddie Academy Arvada
- Carrie Kennedy, Jefferson County Child Care Association/Miss Carrie’s Child Care
- Hillary Roemersberger, Apex Parks & Recreation
- Jennifer Anton, Triad Bright Futures
- Jennifer Kroetch, Red Rocks Community College Arvada
- Jenny Gonzales, Hope House
- Joel Newton, Edgewater Collective
- Leigh Pytlinski, Jefferson County Public Schools
- Pat Bolton, Triad Early Childhood Council
- Peter Coffin, Jovie/Bright Horizons
- Rachel Jaakkola, Barber-Nichols
- Rachel Mexiner, Jefferson County Head Start
- Vee Duran, Apex Parks & Recreation
“As an early childhood educator and care provider for over 24 years, I’ve always known and recognized the importance of and need for safe, high-quality child care in our community, says Carrie Kennedy of Miss Carrie’s Child Care. “This service not only greatly benefits children and their families, but our society and economy as a whole. Child care is the foundation that allows our workforce to leave their homes, provide for their families financially, and build our economy while also providing the basis of a child’s early learning and growth. We are the workforce behind the workforce.
“It is wonderful to see the Arvada Chamber of Commerce recognize the vital importance of a strong child care workforce and availability and support its stability and growth. I am proud to be a part of KAPS and represent and advocate for the child care industry, especially the small business owners who open their homes and hearts to children and families as family child care home providers.”
Learn more about this council at www.arvadachamber.org/childcare-kaps-council.
The Arvada Chamber will publish updates, resources, and programs from the Childcare KAPS Council, as well as opportunities for business and community leaders to get involved. Receive updates by signing up as a Business Champion for Childcare at arvadachamber.org/champions.
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