This paper is the result of 18 months of conversation, exploration, relationship-building, research, and circle time together with a team comprised of members of both Education Minnesota and Kids Count On Us, and five staff members from the two organizations. From the first retreat, held in December of 2019, our goals have been held firm: We aimed to find a way forward that raises up both the quality of care and education for our youngest learners and the workforce dedicated to that complex and critical work. (author abstract)