Meet the Childcare KAPS Council
What is KAPS?
KAPS stands for Kick-Ass Problem Solvers. These groups of business and community leaders are brought together to work diligently toward an aligned outcome that will solve a persistent problem.
The Goal
Increase Childcare Capacity to enable caregivers to join/rejoin the workforce and give children the quality early learning experience they need to thrive.
Childcare KAPS Council Members
Alethea Gomez
Executives Partnering to Invest in Children
Avani Halusan
Kiddie Academy of Arvada
More About Avani
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
I wish to bring high quality early childhood programming to as many children as I can.
Carrie Kennedy
Miss Carrie's Child Care
More About Carrie
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
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. 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.
Hillary Roemersberger
Apex Parks & Recreation
Jennifer Anton
Triad Bright Futures
More About Jennifer
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
I’m really excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively and strategically with our business community to increase childcare capacity in Jefferson County. The KAPS Council work is directly aligned with the vision of the Bright Futures Roadmap: To ensure all Jeffco families have the support they need to promote their child’s health and well-being for sustained success in school and life. Families need reliable and high-quality child care in order to maintain employment that will allow them and their children to prosper. I believe we can achieve this vision together!
Jennifer Kroetch
Red Rocks Community College
More About Jennifer
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
As a working parent, I know first hand that the workforce depends on high quality, accessible childcare.
Jenny Gonzales
Hope House of Colorado
Joel Newton
Edgewater Collective
More About Joel
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
Access to quality, affordable childcare is so essential for thriving communities, businesses, and families. I’m so excited to be part of the KAPS Council and join the hard work of increasing access to childcare opportunities!
Leigh Pytlinski
Jefferson County Public Schools
Patricia Bolton
Red Rocks Community College/Triad Early Childhood Council
More About Patricia
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
It officially recognizes child care as a key component to supporting and sustaining the economic viability of communities.
Peter Coffin
Bright Horizons / Jovie Nannies-Sitters-Events
More About Peter
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
It is critical to engage an essential aspect of our workforce – caregivers and childcare providers – as well as finding cost-effective ways for families to connect with the most effective options for their children.
Rachel Jaakkola
Barber-Nichols
More About Rachel
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
The COVID pandemic really brought to light the stress and hardship of not having affordable and reliable childcare for working parents. This hardship is still continuing today with Colorado showing that children needing childcare are outnumbering the open spots available. This is an issue that working parents struggle with that has an impact on a businesses already struggling with labor shortages. With childcare costs growing due to low supply, some families are finding it’s necessary to leave the workforce to become full time caregivers to their children and family members. This KAPS Council is solving a current problem that has a lasting impact on Colorado’s workforce and future generations.
Rachel Meixner
Head Start (childcare provider)
More About Rachel
Why is the work of this KAPS Council important to you?
Access to quality, affordable childcare is critical to supporting families, women, and a high-quality workforce. Investing in children and families is foundational to the success of our community.
Vee Duran
Apex Parks & Recreation