The day opened with a bold vision for a mixed-delivery child care system, inspired by the U.S. military model and grounded in high quality, choice and options for families, and strong public investment – along with paid parental leave.

Morning panels were electric with examples of that vision already taking root—from employer-driven child care solutions to innovative early educator workforce development initiatives and strategies to strengthen early educator compensation and retention. The momentum in the room was unmistakable: business leaders, educators, policymakers, and community partners all leaning in with urgency and optimism.

Over lunch, we got a sneak peak at fresh voter poll data which showed overwhelming bipartisan support for child care and paid family and parental leave, fueling energized conversations with Speaker Cameron Sexton, Chairman Mark White, and Senator London Lamar about the road ahead for 2026.

The afternoon highlighted evidence-backed prenatal-to-three strategies and the powerful impact of programs like HealthySteps. The day ended on a high note with the Tennessee Early Educator Awards results and the inaugural Bright Start Tennessee Network Change Maker Awards, celebrating three extraordinary winners: Jennifer Andrews of Chattanooga 2.0, Lori Humphreys of the YMCA of East Tennessee, and the Memphis Pre-K Champions, represented by Kandace Thomas and First 8 Memphis. Their work—and the collective spirit in the room—made one thing clear: Tennessee is poised for transformative progress in early childhood care and education, and this community is ready to lead it.