How Child Care Powered Workforce Growth in August 2025
August was a busy and inspiring month for the Business of Child Care, with new leadership announcements, community gatherings, and thought-provoking events that showcased how child care is driving workforce and economic development. Here’s a look back at the highlights.
Mapleton Welcomes a New Child Care House Operator
We were excited to welcome Brooke Garvey with Tiny Roots Child Care as the new operator of Mapleton’s Child Care House. Brooke brings vision and passion to the role, creating opportunities that stretch far beyond traditional child care. She connected with the community during the Mapleton Community Picnic on August 14, sharing updates and plans for the future.
Summer Series: Rethinking Workforce and Child Care
Our Summer Series event in August explored how building child care infrastructure helps solve workforce shortages. Leaders from TOOTRiS—Matthew Henry, Tony Dillon, and Jacob Pomi—discussed employer-led solutions, on-site support, and digital tools that strengthen both families and local economies. View the recording on Youtube here.
Event Highlights from August
August 12 – “The ROI of Localized Child Care”
This session examined how towns are addressing infrastructure gaps through models like Hosted Spaces and Child Care House, while aligning strategies with startup growth.August 19 – “The Cost of Waiting”
Featuring Chad Chancellor of Next Move Group, this event highlighted the economic risks of inadequate child care and the missed opportunities communities face without stronger systems in place.
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Where We Showed Up
At the Mapleton Community Picnic on August 14 in Mapleton, MN
At the Midwest CDI Conference on August 14 in Springfield, IL, where Jeff Andrews delivered the keynote Address for Success
Preparing for the Mardi Gras Economic Development Conference (coming February 2026) where Jeff Andrews will headline
In Case You Missed It: Early Warning Signs in Child Care
Our recent article, “Getting to the Real Problem,” shared how some child care centers face hidden financial struggles and why early intervention is key. We paired it with our Early Crisis Guide, giving providers practical strategies to reset and strengthen operations.
Is a Child Care Center in Your Community at Risk? Download the Early Crisis Guide here.
Looking Ahead
August reinforced a powerful message: child care is more than a service—it’s economic infrastructure. By bringing leaders together, testing new models, and sharing resources, we’re building the momentum communities need to thrive.