WINGS 2026

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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