Child Care at the Center of Workforce Solutions: Leaders, Employers, and Advocates Gather in Troy

ALBANY, NY (06/10/2025) (readMedia)-- As businesses across the state face ongoing staffing challenges, child care continues to be a make- or-break factor for parents re-entering or staying in the workforce. This event brings together leaders and innovators advancing solutions that support working families and strengthen local economies.

Who:

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Executive Director for Policy & Programs, Aaron Merchen, to deliver keynote address
• The Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC) and network of Child Care Resource Centers (CCRCs)

What:

• Statewide Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon
• Presenting the Excellence in Leadership Awards to one individual and one organization:
• Kathy Halas, prior executive director of the Child Care Council of Westchester
• Constellation, nation's largest carbon-free energy producer (with facilities in Oswego and Ontario, NY) and seed funding benefactor of the Oswego County Child Care Investment Fund

When:

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

10:30 am - 2:15 pm

Where:

433 Loft (Hedley Building)

433 River Street, Troy, NY

Media Welcome, Interview Opportunities with Statewide Leaders and Keynote Speaker

Members of the media are invited to attend. Interviews are available with keynote speaker Aaron Merchen of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, ECLC leadership, and award recipients.

About ECLC & the CCRCs

Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC) is the coordinating agency for the New York State Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) network. ECLC elevates the voices of the CCRCs and advocates for high-quality, affordable, accessible and equitable child care and early education. ECLC provides support and resources to the CCRCs, including training, professional development, and innovative curricula, to strengthen sustainable child care systems throughout the state.