GIVING BIG IDEAS IN CHILD CARE A PLATFORM

"Thank you TOOTRiS , for giving big ideas in Child Care a platform, for betting on innovation, and for backing what we’re building."

- Kara Lee, The Well Communities

ONE POWERFUL TAKEAWAY

"Thank you to TOOTRIS for creating a space where Child Care leaders, innovators, and changemakers could come together to exchange ideas and challenge one another to think bigger. 

I’m leaving WINGS Summit 2026 with 1 powerful takeaway: The same mindset that lands rovers on Mars and drives successful military missions can help us solve our biggest child care challenges. Build a framework. Test what works. Learn. Adapt. Keep pushing."

- Stacy Knox, One Place

I AM LEAVING EMPOWERED, APPRECIATED AND READY TO WORK

"We know the problem. What are we going to DO about it?

After months of feeling beaten down by what has happened in early childhood, I came to WINGS needing encouragement. Instead, I am leaving empowered, appreciated, and ready to work.

A tremendous thank you to TOOTRiS⁠ for creating a space that made the people doing this work feel valued and empowered.

And Alessandra Lezama's energy is remarkable. She is kindhearted, passionate and deeply committed to this work. Her belief that we can create something better is contagious, and she is a tremendous champion for child care.

I arrived at WINGS carrying a lot of frustration. I'm leaving with a plan. Time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

- Jen Palmer, The Growing Garden Learning Center

THE VOICES THAT STATE FOLKS NEED TO BE LISTENING TO

"A lot of the voices in the room at this conference, are the voices that state folks need to be listening to."

- Elliot Regenstein

ON A MISSION... TO GO THROUGH THAT WALL AND CONQUER

"WOW, oh WOW, it was amazing! ...So many people who attended the Summit feel heard, are reenergized by interactions in the room and amazing presentations - including forward thinking technology - and now are on a mission more than ever to go through that wall and conquer!"

- Robin Phillips, Child Care Aware of Missouri

FEELING INSPIRED, REJUVENATED, AND MOTIVATED

"Thrilled to be here for this “Exchange of Child Care Brilliance” and to connect with Child Care leaders from across the country! Feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and motivated by the critical conversations we’re having - especially as we work to build a sustainable Tri-Share model that truly supports Idaho families and Child Care providers."

- Tennille Call, United Way of Southeastern Idaho

I'M HEADING HOME ENERGIZED BY WHAT I LEARNED

"What a week at the TOOTRiS 2026 WINGS Summit! I’m heading home energized by what I learned, excited about what’s possible, and especially grateful for the amazing people I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with this week."

- Melissa Blotter, Direct Success

THAT BEACON OF HOPE IS ESPECIALLY POWERFUL

"Still floating in the exosphere from our special sneak peek at the TOOTRiS Wings Summit in San Diego. We heard so much great feedback about NORTH STAR RISING from Child Care leaders across the country around how they were inspired by New Mexico and their “recipe” for universal Child Care and ready to take this conversation back to their states. In a time of funding cuts and increasing struggles in the ECE world, that beacon of hope is especially powerful. "

- Jen Bradwell, Filmmaker

NEW IDEAS, NEW CONNECTIONS, AND EVEN MORE CONVICTION

"I’m leaving these conversations with new ideas, new connections, and even more conviction that the future of Child Care has to be built collaboratively - by the people who know this work, the families who depend on it, and leaders willing to think differently about what is possible."

- Cathrine Aasen Floyd, Warren Village

SOMETIMES, THE BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE IS WITH FAST BOATS, FULL SPEED, WIND IN YOUR HAIR

"TOOTRiS knows how to throw a party! Most fun jet boat tour last night... as part of the WINGS Summit. The best work happens when you genuinely enjoy the people beside you - because shared laughter builds the trust, energy, and connection that make meaningful work possible. And sometimes, the best way to celebrate it is with fast boats, full speed, wind in your hair."

- Jaime Rechkemmer, Aim4Impact Consulting

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GIVING BIG IDEAS IN CHILD CARE A PLATFORM

"Thank you TOOTRiS , for giving big ideas in Child Care a platform, for betting on innovation, and for backing what we’re building."

- Kara Lee, The Well Communities

I AM LEAVING EMPOWERED, APPRECIATED AND READY TO WORK

"We know the problem. What are we going to DO about it?

After months of feeling beaten down by what has happened in early childhood, I came to WINGS needing encouragement. Instead, I am leaving empowered, appreciated, and ready to work.

A tremendous thank you to TOOTRiS⁠ for creating a space that made the people doing this work feel valued and empowered.

And Alessandra Lezama's energy is remarkable. She is kindhearted, passionate and deeply committed to this work. Her belief that we can create something better is contagious, and she is a tremendous champion for child care.

I arrived at WINGS carrying a lot of frustration. I'm leaving with a plan. Time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

- Jen Palmer, The Growing Garden Learning Center

THE VOICES THAT STATE FOLKS NEED TO BE LISTENING TO

"A lot of the voices in the room at this conference, are the voices that state folks need to be listening to."

- Elliot Regenstein

ON A MISSION... TO GO THROUGH THAT WALL AND CONQUER

"WOW, oh WOW, it was amazing! ...So many people who attended the Summit feel heard, are reenergized by interactions in the room and amazing presentations - including forward thinking technology - and now are on a mission more than ever to go through that wall and conquer!"

- Robin Phillips, Child Care Aware of Missouri

FEELING INSPIRED, REJUVENATED, AND MOTIVATED

"Thrilled to be here for this “Exchange of Child Care Brilliance” and to connect with Child Care leaders from across the country! Feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and motivated by the critical conversations we’re having - especially as we work to build a sustainable Tri-Share model that truly supports Idaho families and Child Care providers."

- Tennille Call, United Way of Southeastern Idaho

I'M HEADING HOME ENERGIZED BY WHAT I LEARNED

"What a week at the TOOTRiS 2026 WINGS Summit! I’m heading home energized by what I learned, excited about what’s possible, and especially grateful for the amazing people I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with this week."

- Melissa Blotter, Direct Success

THAT BEACON OF HOPE IS ESPECIALLY POWERFUL

"Still floating in the exosphere from our special sneak peek at the TOOTRiS Wings Summit in San Diego. We heard so much great feedback about NORTH STAR RISING from Child Care leaders across the country around how they were inspired by New Mexico and their “recipe” for universal Child Care and ready to take this conversation back to their states. In a time of funding cuts and increasing struggles in the ECE world, that beacon of hope is especially powerful. "

- Jen Bradwell, Filmmaker

NEW IDEAS, NEW CONNECTIONS, AND EVEN MORE CONVICTION

"I’m leaving these conversations with new ideas, new connections, and even more conviction that the future of Child Care has to be built collaboratively - by the people who know this work, the families who depend on it, and leaders willing to think differently about what is possible."

- Cathrine Aasen Floyd, Warren Village

SOMETIMES, THE BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE IS WITH FAST BOATS, FULL SPEED, WIND IN YOUR HAIR

"TOOTRiS knows how to throw a party! Most fun jet boat tour last night... as part of the WINGS Summit. The best work happens when you genuinely enjoy the people beside you - because shared laughter builds the trust, energy, and connection that make meaningful work possible. And sometimes, the best way to celebrate it is with fast boats, full speed, wind in your hair."

- Jaime Rechkemmer, Aim4Impact Consulting

A BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOU DON'T HAVE TO THINK

“A beautiful environment where you don’t have to think about food, transportation…. Everything is taken care of for you so you can focus on learning.”  

- Sarah Pontious, Action for Children

OPPORTUNITY TO GENUINELY ENGAGE WITH OTHERS

“The opportunity to genuinely engage with others who want to help young children and families.”   

- Nancy Fishman, ReadyNation

I CAME HOME THINKING DIFFERENTLY ABOUT INNOVATION, COLLABORATION

“WINGS was different from many conferences I have attended because it wasn’t just about sitting in sessions and taking notes. It created space to connect with other childcare leaders who understand both the challenges and the possibilities in our field. I came home thinking differently about innovation, collaboration, and what can happen when we are willing to learn from one another and try something new. 

"Some of the most valuable moments were the conversations with leaders from other communities -hearing what they are doing, sharing what is happening in Indiana, and realizing that we do not have to solve these challenges alone. 

"WINGS also reminded me how important trust is when we are trying to create change. Our field is facing very real challenges, but there are also incredibly smart, passionate people across the country working on solutions. Being in the room with them gave me new relationships, new ideas, and people I know I can continue learning from. 

"One phrase I brought home with me was, “Dare mighty things.” That captures what WINGS meant to me. It was a reminder not to become so consumed by the challenges in front of us that we stop imagining what could be different. 

"If you are considering WINGS 2027, I would tell you to go ready to participate, not just attend. Bring your questions. Share what you know. Be willing to meet people outside your normal circle. You may leave with practical ideas, but even more importantly, you may leave with new partners and a renewed belief that meaningful change in childcare is possible when we work together.”    

- Lisa Glaser, STEAM Academy

HELP ME THINK ABOUT WAYS I ENGAGE WITH STUDENTS

“I loved the speakers met me where I am in my journey as a learner and educator. I walked away meeting new professionals across the country, new ideas presented from high quality speakers from different sectors of the workforce. It help me to think about ways I engage with students, colleagues and my community. High engagement throughout the WINGS conference.”    

- Michelle Soltero, Self Employed

WINGS SUMMIT WAS AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY

“The Wings Summit was an incredible opportunity to connect with people and hear about big ideas and solutions.”  

- Meredith Poe, Childcare Resources

SESSIONS WERE VERY INTENTIONAL AND SPARKED GREAT CONVERSATIONS

“I enjoyed listening to speakers from other fields.  The ideas shared around innovation were easily connected to challenges in the child care sector.  Sessions flowed nicely from one to the next.  Sessions were very intentional and sparked great conversation.”  

- Nicole Higa, PATCH

HEARING FROM THE DIFFERENT PEOPLE WHO ARE MAKING CHANGING IN THIER OWN UNIQUE WAY WAS AMAZING

“Watching the documentary on New Mexico was so impactful and great way to kick it off. Hearing from the different people who are making change in their own unique ways was amazing and so inspiring.”  

- Amber Duncan, The Children's Cabinet

THE COMPANY AS A WHOLE FEELS VERY SUPPORTIVE IN THIER GOAL TO ELEVATE OUR WORK

“We began our relationship with TOOTRiS just last year, and it was an unexpected change, and we had a few bumps in the beginning, so I was honestly resistant and hesitant to put my trust in the company. 

"I've had wonderful contacts with the government solutions team this last year, and now, meeting the rest of the team at WINGS, I would say TOOTRiS has finally won me over. The team seems very strong and the company as a whole feels very supportive in their goal to elevate our work. I came away from WINGS with confidence and trust in the company, and that's exactly what I was hoping to find.”  

- Angela Wirt, Child Care Aware of Virginia

I LEFT WITH FRESH IDEAS AND RENEWED ENERGY FOR THE WORK WE'RE DOING

“Attending the WINGS Summit 2026 gave me a chance to connect with child care leaders from across the country and hear how they’re addressing challenges we share. It was also wonderful to spend time with my PATCH family. I left with fresh ideas and renewed energy for the work we’re doing in Maui County.”   

- Queen Flores, PATCH

SO MANY PEOPLE IN THE ROOM LOOKING FOR THE SAME SOLUTION

“Having so many people in the room looking for the same solution is invigorating!”  

- Kim Richardson, Jefferson College

THERE WERE MANY RESOURCES AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

“It was a conference that really pampered early childhood professionals which is not something that usually happens and this helped to bond our team. As we celebrated together. There were many resources and networking opportunities as well as new ideas and technology that we could take back with us.”  

- Nicole Aden, Jefferson College

INCREDIBLY INSPIRING TO HEAR AGENCIES ADVOCATING FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS AND CHILD CARE PROGRAMS

“It was incredibly inspiring to hear agencies advocating for early childhood educators and child care programs. As an educator, seeing people outside our day-to-day work championing the exact same causes I’ve fought for over the years is truly validating and encouraging.”   

- Stephanie Cage, Jefferson College