CCR&R Strong: Building a Foundation for the Future

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!