Childcare Archives | Economic Development Alliance https://yeslpc.com/category/childcare/ Live. Work. Learn. Play. La Plata. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:53:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Durango Herald: La Plata Economic Development Alliance advances workforce housing, child care efforts https://yeslpc.com/advancing-housing-childcare/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:42:14 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=20658 Durango Herald highlights the Economic Alliance work to develop affordable housing and childcare. Read the full article.

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Durango Herald Writes: La Plata Economic Development Alliance advances workforce housing, child care efforts

In a recent front-page article, the Durango Herald highlights the efforts of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance. At a City Council presentation, executive director Sarah Tober, presented recent efforts to advance affordable housing and expand childcare access.


Through strategic, data-driven economic development efforts, the Alliance is committed to strengthening La Plata County’s economy by addressing critical gaps in essential infrastructure such as housing, child care, and workforce education.

To learn more about the work of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, you can read our 2025 Annual Report.


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2025 Annual Report



Read the Full Article

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]]> Childcare Investment Fund launches with $50,000 local contribution https://yeslpc.com/childcare-fund-launch/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 21:33:15 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=20298 The Early Childcare Investment Fund launches with first local contribution and will be matched with public revenue sources to create an additional 420 childcare slots over the next three years in La Plata County.

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Childcare Investment Fund Launches with $50,000 philanthropic contribution

Michael and Elaine Moravan Foundation Challenge Public and Private Partners to Join In

The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County (ECC) has officially launched the La Plata Childcare Investment Fund with a $50,000 matching contribution from the Michael and Elaine Moravan Foundation. This philanthropic gift marks the first local contribution to the fund and will be matched with public revenues such as La Plata County’s lodging tax reallocation and the City of Durango’s discretionary lodging tax.

By combining public, private, and employer investments, the Fund aims to create 420 new childcare slots over the next three years in La Plata County. In its first year, the Fund seeks to raise $2.2 million—$1.2 million dedicated to increasing wages for early childhood educators and $800,000 to expand and stabilize childcare facilities.


We believe it is important to fund early childcare education at the front end of a child’s life. These formative years are critical in getting children to learn and shape the rest of their lives.

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The La Plata Childcare Investment Fund is a key strategy within the La Plata Childcare Strategic Investment Plan, developed by ECC and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance. The plan was shaped by input from over 300 community members, including most of the county’s licensed childcare providers, major employers, and local families.


Our county loses $34 million in wages annually due to childcare shortages. It is critical that our public, private, and philanthropic partners come together and invest in the clear solution this fund presents.

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The ECC, which has supported La Plata County’s early childcare system for nearly three decades, will administer the Fund. Since its founding, ECC has provided over $1 million in cash and $2.5 million in in-kind support to local childcare providers.

Community members are encouraged to read the full strategy and share feedback to help shape the future of childcare in La Plata County.

Learn more and provide comment at yeslpc.com/alliance-programs/childcare-strategy.


Full Press Release Read the Strategy

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]]> Durango Herald: Community benefits from housing, child care focus https://yeslpc.com/housing-childcare-focus/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:46:50 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=19847 Durango Herald highlights importance of community-first approach when addressing critical challenges, applauding our work in workforce housing and early childcare access.

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Durango Herald Writes: Community, economic growth benefits from housing, child care focus

In a recent editorial, the Durango Herald recognized the La Plata Economic Development Alliance and our partners for our strategic, community-driven approaches to solving the housing and childcare challenges our community’s face.


Addressing child care is as important as housing for economic growth. The Herald’s editorial board applauds this community-driven plan [Childcare Strategic Investment Plan] with three distinct strategies, and a $20M investment over five years, to reimagine La Plata County’s child care sector, doubling the number of child care slots for children 0-3.

Thanks to the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, the Early Childhood Council of La Plata County, the City of Durango, La Plata County, the Town of Bayfield, the Town of Ignacio, nonprofit, philanthropic and other partners for your work in these areas. It really does take a village.

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Through our Workforce Housing Investment Strategy and Early Childcare Strategic Investment Plan, we are committed to expanding access and creating sustainable solutions that support families, businesses, and our regional economy.

If you are interested in learning more about the child care investment plan, attend the public meeting at the Durango Public Library on Wednesday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. or review the entire plan and submit feedback at https://yeslpc.com/alliance-programs/childcare-strategy/.



Read the Full Editorial

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]]> Newsline: The Hidden Cost of Childcare Gaps https://yeslpc.com/hidden-cost-childcare-gaps/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:41:32 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=19831 Executive Director, Sarah Tober, details the hidden costs of our community's childcare challenges.

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Sarah Tober writes: Why Childcare? Why Now?

When we decided to tackle child care in 2024, people asked, “Why child care? Why now?” The answer? The hidden cost of our child care gaps.

In this Opinion column, published in the Durango Herald on March 2nd, 2025 the Executive Director of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance details the hidden costs of our community’s childcare challenges.


Our current child care capacity falls short, with a gap of 991 total licensed spots. Within this shortage, 576 spots are missing in licensed infant care (0–18 months), where there are only 80 licensed spots for 656 infants currently. Without intervention, our county’s early child care capacity is projected to drop below 1,000 total spots by 2030.

These shortfalls disrupt our business ecosystem and diminish our residents’ quality of life. In La Plata County, 60% of employers have reported losing staff due to child care challenges, exacerbating labor shortages and driving up recruitment costs. Meanwhile, 59% of parents report reducing their working hours or leaving the workforce entirely – resulting in La Plata County experiencing $34 million in lost wages annually.

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At the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, we’re known for tackling workforce housing and business capacity. That’s why we worked alongside the Early Childhood Council of La Plata County and other key partners to develop the La Plata Early Childcare Strategic Investment Plan, the first county-wide initiative of its kind in Colorado.

Our plan calls for a $20M investment over five years to stabilize and expand child care access, double the number of slots available for children 0-3, and create sustainable solutions through public-private-philanthropic partnerships.

If you are interested in learning more about the child care investment plan, attend the public meeting at the Durango Public Library on Wednesday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. or review the entire plan and submit feedback at https://yeslpc.com/alliance-programs/childcare-strategy/.



Read the Full Column

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]]> La Plata County’s Childcare Strategic Investment Plan https://yeslpc.com/lpc-childcare-plan/ Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:22:04 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=19712 The La Plata Early Childcare Strategic Investment Plan is officially here! This bold community-driven plan aims to expand access, support early childhood educators, and strengthen our local economy.

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Building a Stronger Future: La Plata County’s Childcare Investment Plan

La Plata County faces a childcare shortage that impacts families, businesses, and the local economy. To address this, we’ve developed the La Plata Early Childcare Strategic Investment Plan—a $20M framework designed to expand access, support early childhood educators, and drive economic stability.

This plan was developed in partnership with Early Childhood Council of La Plata County, City of Durango, Regional Housing Alliance, and shaped by input from over 300 community members. Together, we have built a strategy unique to our community that includes:

  • Market & Economic Analysis – Assessing the current landscape and financial impact.
  • Case Studies – Learning from communities tackling similar challenges.
  • Targeted Solutions – Expanding childcare capacity, improving wages, and funding infrastructure.
  • Implementation Plan – A roadmap for sustainable, long-term change.


Read the Full Plan Attend Presentation


This strategy lays the foundation for meaningful change. We encourage families, businesses, and community leaders to engage with this plan, share insights, and collaborate on next steps. By continuing to work together, we can build a stronger, more resilient childcare system that benefits La Plata County’s workforce, economy, and quality of life.

Be part of the solution. Read the full strategy and explore ways to get involved at yeslpc.com/alliance-programs/childcare-strategy.


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]]> Newsline: Stregthening Durango’s Economy https://yeslpc.com/newsline-economy/ Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:43:25 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=19380 Learn more about the work of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance with Local News Networks' Community Insight.

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Local News Network Reports: Alliance is Working to Strengthen Durango’s Economy

By Sadie Smith. Originally published on November 14, 2024.

Ever wondered how small towns like Durango keep their economy thriving? Much of it comes down to local organizations like the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, which builds community resilience with three key areas, housing, workforce development, and building business capacity.


The Economic Development Alliance has deployed more than $377,000 into local businesses through grants and contracts, reinvesting these funds back into the regional economy. In a small, rural town like Durango, a thriving economy takes extra dedication. Organizations like the Economic Development Alliance play a big role in making that possible.

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]]> Newsline: Alliance forming plan for early childcare https://yeslpc.com/alliance-forming-plan-for-early-childcare/ Sat, 06 Apr 2024 16:32:09 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=18860 The Alliance has applied for $55,000 in state grant funding to address the significant childcare challenges in La Plata County.

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Herald Reports: Alliance Forming Plan for Early Childcare

The Alliance has applied for $55,000 in state grant funding to address the significant childcare challenges in La Plata County. Collaborating with the City of Durango, the RHA, and the Early Childhood Council of La Plata County, the Alliance aims to conduct a comprehensive study to inform a regional childcare investment strategy (very similar to our Workforce Housing Study).


“Sarah Tober said the grant process is similar to the economic alliance’s efforts to revive the Regional Housing Alliance of La Plata County and to create a catalyst fund for housing initiatives, which was also supported by the city.”

“We know that child care is an issue that is affecting our entire community and we know that we need some out-of-the-box ideas on how to address the child care crisis that is facing Durango, La Plata County, our state, and our nation.”

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The Durango City Council unanimously supported this initiative, with Mayor Melissa Youssef signing the Colorado Department of Local Affairs grant application. If approved, the study is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will guide efforts to enhance affordable childcare options in the region.


Read the Full Article


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]]> Newsline: Radical Love Pave the Way to Cultural Competent Childcare https://yeslpc.com/newsline-laplatachildcare/ Wed, 14 Feb 2024 17:34:04 +0000 https://yeslpc.com/?p=19374 The Alliance has applied for $55,000 in state grant funding to address the significant childcare challenges in La Plata County.

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Changewire Reports: Radical Love Paves the Wave to Culturally Competent Child Care in La Plata County

Carolina Diaz, a La Plata County community member who, fueled by her love for her family and neighbors, has become a powerful advocate for equitable childcare.

Through her initiative with the Grupo de Cuidado Infantil, Carolina brings together local families to tackle barriers to affordable, culturally competent child care and address issues affecting food security and early childhood development. Her journey shines a light on the struggles many families face and the importance of community-driven change.

Read this article by Changewire and learn how Carolina and her community are driving a movement for accessible, inclusive child care for all.


“The Grupo de Cuidado Infantil advocates for equitable child care, recognizing the need for more changemakers and influential figures to drive systemic change. This advocacy has sparked a catalyst for change, bridging the entire community from the school to the government and nonprofits around the issue of child care.”

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Read the Full Article


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