Arizona employers invited to join child care design lab to address workforce challenges

Arizona business leaders have a new opportunity to tackle one of their biggest workforce pain points: child care.

Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), a national nonprofit focused on employer-led child care solutions, is launching a first-of-its-kind Employer-Based Child Care Design Lab in Arizona, with applications open now. The workshop series, taking place from August through October 2025, will guide a cohort of employers through the essential steps to assess, plan, and implement child care strategies tailored to their workforce.

The lab is more than just another training—it’s a deep-dive experience that pairs group learning with individualized technical assistance. By the end of the program, participating employers will walk away with an understanding of the child care landscape in their community, a practical and actionable plan, and clarity on how child care investments can directly benefit their bottom line.

“Employers in Arizona know child care is impacting recruitment and retention,” said Grace Appelbe, director of policy & government affairs for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “This is their chance to move from awareness to action, with support every step of the way.”

The initiative builds on EPIC’s successful work in Colorado, where three previous cohorts of business leaders developed and implemented child care solutions meeting the needs of their workforce and local communities. The Arizona Design Lab is expected to spark similar innovation. It has launched in partnership with the Arizona Chamber, First Things First, United Way of Northern Arizona, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, and Valley of Sun United Way.

Applications are open now through June 20. Business leaders are encouraged to join an informational webinar on June 10 to learn more.

Interested employers can learn more and apply at www.epicimpact.org/AZDesignLab.

Questions can be directed to Leah Weatherman at [email protected].