Denver International Airport (DEN) recently received approval from Denver City Council for a three-year Feasibility Study Contract to understand childcare needs at the airport and potential solutions. Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) will lead the study to find an actionable approach to a childcare solution for DEN.
“It’s really important for us to understand how we can better support our employees,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “As the airport continues to serve a higher volume of passengers with continued excellence, we need to understand how to recruit, retain and grow employees throughout all stages of their lives and careers, and addressing childcare needs is a major factor we must consider.”
EPIC’s work will be spread across three phases, including the development of a small childcare center to serve temporary childcare needs associated with the airport’s Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) along with the feasibility of a larger on-site childcare facility and exploration of other potential childcare supports to align with DEN’s Vision 100 strategic plan. A variety of innovative childcare models and approaches will be explored, with a particular focus on accommodating lower-wage earners.
The project will be completed over the course of three years. As the third largest airport in the United States, DEN would join other American airports that already offer childcare support, including Los Angeles International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport.
