High-quality early childhood experiences are one of the most important factors that drive adult success. The child care industry is also an important component of Colorado’s economy. In spite of this, the high cost of quality child care remains out of reach for many parents, and wages for early childhood professionals remain low. BRC is partnering with the Butler Institute at the University of Denver to better understand the economic contribution of the child care sector, and to determine sustainable strategies for building a highly qualified workforce. The study, commissioned for Early Milestones Colorado, will use interviews, surveys, and quantitative analyses to understand more about the economic realities of providing child care and the financial implications of wages and costs in the industry.