--- title: "CCR&R Strong: Building a Foundation for the Future" description: "At CCAoA's Leadership Institute, one theme echoed through every conversation, plenary, and hallway exchange: we are CCR&R Strong and we are building a Foundation for the Future." image: https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/li%20blog%20banner.jpg --- [![Child Care Aware of America Logo](https://info.childcareaware.org/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/usachildcareaware.site-ym.comgraphicslogo-new.png?width=690&height=350&name=usachildcareaware.site-ym.comgraphicslogo-new.png "Child Care Aware of America Logo")](https://www.childcareaware.org/) - [English ](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/ccrr-strong-building-a-foundation-for-the-future#) - [Español (Spanish) ](https://www.childcareaware.org/?lang=es) - [Child Care Career Center](http://careers.childcareaware.org/) - [Help for Military/DoD Families](https://www.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/) Search ![CCA Logo/Homepage link](https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/ChildCareAware_October2019%20Theme/Images/menu_img.png) ## Blog & News For media requests, please call 703-341-4161 or email [news@usa.childcareaware.org](mailto:news@usa.childcareaware.org). # CCR&R Strong: Building a Foundation for the Future October 22, 2025 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### ***Looking Back at the 2025 Leadership Institute*** At **Child Care Aware® of America’s 2025 Leadership Institute**, one theme echoed through every conversation, plenary, and hallway exchange: we are **CCR&R Strong **and we are** building a Foundation for the Future.** The child care system’s strength begins with the strength of our Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) network. This year’s Institute brought together leaders from across the country to learn, collaborate, and share strategies that can support children, families, the workforce, and the communities they serve. Each discussion reinforced what we already know to be true: when CCR&Rs come together in community, they build the foundation for lasting change. ##### **Laying the Cornerstones: Plenary Highlights** **Sustaining Leadership in Early Childhood** A fireside chat with four innovative leaders explored what it takes to sustain leadership in early childhood, now and for the long haul. The conversation underscored CCR&Rs’ essential role as the **go-to infrastructure** for a stable, high-quality child care system built to endure. **Collaborating for Change: The Louisiana Model** Leaders in Louisiana’s policy community shared how they advanced child care and early learning through **collaboration, coalition building, and community voice.** Their stories showcased what’s possible when CCR&Rs, providers, advocates, and policymakers unite behind shared goals—creating a blueprint for lasting, statewide impact. **Beyond the Numbers with Dr. Walter Gilliam** Dr. Gilliam took a critical look at proposals to raise child–staff ratios, breaking down the **hidden risks** of short-term fixes that compromise quality and safety. His message was clear: CCR&Rs have the data, insight, and credibility to champion policies that keep **children and families at the center** of every decision. **Leading with Resilience and Purpose** Dr. Dana Crawford reminded attendees that leading change begins with sustaining people. Her session on **resilient, compassionate leadership** offered strategies for preventing burnout, building inclusive cultures, and fostering workplaces where everyone feels supported and valued. **Federal Policy, Economics, and System Change** Sessions on policy and economics grounded the Institute in the broader landscape—where funding, advocacy, and innovation intersect. Leaders explored what it will take to remove structural barriers and design a **child care system that truly works** for families, providers, and communities. **CCR&Rs as Anchors in Times of Crisis** CCR&Rs play a vital role in **community resilience**, especially during disasters. This session highlighted how CCR&Rs can lead in preparedness, recovery, and rebuilding, ensuring child care remains a cornerstone of community stability when it’s needed most. #### **Stronger Together: Charting the Path Forward** Across every plenary, breakout, and informal conversation, one truth resonated: our collective leadership matters. CCR&Rs are not just part of the child care system—they are its foundation. By coming together to share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and envision what’s next, we are building a future rooted in equity, resilience, and connection. We are honored to stand alongside the leaders who make our system stronger every day. Together, we are **CCR&R Strong, **and together, we’re building the foundation for the future of child care. We can’t wait to continue this momentum at the [**2026 Symposium—save the date for May 3 – 6 in Arlington, VA!**](https://info.childcareaware.org/symposium-2026) ![20251013_121617](https://3957809.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/3957809/hubfs/20251013_121617.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=20251013_121617.jpg) ![Image (2)](https://3957809.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/3957809/hubfs/Image%20(2).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Image%20(2).jpg) ![20251013_150838](https://3957809.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/3957809/hubfs/20251013_150838.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=20251013_150838.jpg) ![20251014_090439-Picsart-AiImageEnhancer](https://3957809.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/3957809/hubfs/20251014_090439-Picsart-AiImageEnhancer.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=20251014_090439-Picsart-AiImageEnhancer.jpg) ![20251013_101231](https://3957809.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/3957809/hubfs/20251013_101231.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=20251013_101231.jpg) ![Media (5)](https://3957809.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/3957809/hubfs/Media%20(5).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Media%20(5).jpg) ![20251013_174514](https://3957809.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/3957809/hubfs/20251013_174514.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=20251013_174514.jpg) ![Image (1)](https://3957809.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/3957809/hubfs/Image%20(1).jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Image%20(1).jpg) ![Alison Walkley](https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/Alison%20Walkley.png) ### Written by [Alison Walkley](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/author/alison-walkley) Previous Post [![Congressional Briefing Emphasizes Paths Forward to Address Child Care System Challenges](https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/1757536229632.jpg) ](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/congressional-briefing-emphasizes-paths-forward-to-address-child-care-system-challenges) [Congressional Briefing Emphasizes Paths Forward to Address Child Care System Challenges](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/congressional-briefing-emphasizes-paths-forward-to-address-child-care-system-challenges) Next Post [![Member Spotlight: Tonya Harden](https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/Member%20Spotlight.png) ](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/member-spotlight-tonya-harden) [Member Spotlight: Tonya Harden](https://info.childcareaware.org/blog/member-spotlight-tonya-harden) ### Subscribe to Our Blog ### Topics - 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