National study gives Ohio positive marks on childcare, urges further work nationwide
Ohio faces a $600 million childcare budget cliff by 2028, and the National Women's Law Center warns federal Medicaid and SNAP cuts could deepen the gap.
Child Care
Multiple childcare bills on access, fraud advanced in Ohio House committee
The bills respond to Trump administration scrutiny of childcare fraud, though providers and prosecutors criticized the fraud measures during committee debate.
Ohio House committee changes investigative, reporting provisions in childcare fraud bill
The committee removed a requirement to notify legislative leaders at investigation's end, citing lack of support for camera surveillance that childcare workers opposed.
Trump childcare rule that will cost Ohioans goes final
Some Ohio families will pay up to $15,000 more annually for childcare—nearly four times more than any other state—after the rule takes effect July 13.
Ohio House bill removes funding set aside for state childcare accessibility program
The committee stripped $5 million in funding for a cost-sharing childcare accessibility program that GOP lawmakers had championed for years.
More on Child Care
Ohioans react to Gary Click wanting state cameras watching kids in day care: 'Creepy'
Hundreds of Ohioans slammed HB 649 as "creepy" and "insane" after TiffinOhio.net reported the bill would give the state live camera access to every child care center. The backlash focused on cosponsors Gary Click and Rodney Creech — whose BCI investigation into alleged conduct with a minor made his involvement a lightning rod.
Ohio GOP bills would put live state cameras in every child care center — with Click and Creech as cosponsors
Two Ohio House bills would mandate cameras with live state access in all child care centers, track parents via phone location data, and strip providers of appeal rights. Among the cosponsors: Reps. Gary Click and Rodney Creech.
Ohio House child care bills take aim at fraud, providers say state is solving for lack of a problem
Ohio child care providers and local officials told a House committee that HB 647 and HB 649 would create new burdens on an already fragile system — solving a problem that doesn't exist in the state.
Ohio prosecutor pushes back against child care fraud legislation
Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor told an Ohio House committee her office has never received a child care fraud referral — directly contradicting a Republican legislator's claim that prosecutors were "unwilling" to act.
Ohio’s child care oversight ‘ongoing,’ but still strong, state leader tells lawmakers
Ohio child care officials defended fraud safeguards as lawmakers debate new enforcement bills, data transparency, and funding for the state’s child care cred pilot program.
Ohio bill seeks to address child care for military families as access crisis continues
Ohio Senate Bill 218 would exempt federally certified military child care providers from state licensing rules, seeking to improve access and affordability for military families.
Ohio Department of Children & Youth praised, criticized by child care fraud bill sponsors
Two Ohio House bills propose new child care fraud safeguards, but Republican sponsors clash over whether the Department of Children & Youth is transparent and proactive in investigating cases.
Ohio receives federal child care grant as sector continues to search for funding answers
Ohio secured $14.7 million in federal child care funding as costs top $12,000 annually for infants and advocates warn of long-term budget shortfalls.
Child care sector in Ohio continues push to save, and boost, funding
Ohio and national child care advocates are pressing federal leaders to restore frozen funds, protect child care investments, and stabilize a system already strained by high costs, worker shortages, and growing family hardship.
Ohio lawmakers say child care system strong, introduce new authority in child care investigations
Ohio lawmakers unveiled House Bill 647 to expand child care fraud investigations, boost data analytics funding, and protect federal child care dollars while defending the state’s oversight system.
Ohio Department of Children and Youth director joins DeWine in defending state child care
Gov. Mike DeWine says Ohio’s child care system is well protected against fraud as the state works with the Trump administration to secure continued federal funding for child care programs.
Child care advocates hopeful for new year, but see long road ahead for funding, access
Ohio child care advocates warn a $600 million funding gap and federal uncertainty could limit access for families, making the 2026 governor’s race pivotal for future child care policy.
Ohio governor, advocates, defend the state’s child care system amid Minnesota fraud claims
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and advocates push back on fraud concerns, saying Ohio’s child care system has strict oversight and warning that funding freezes would hurt providers and families.
New child care program will improve outcomes, Ohio economists say
A majority of Ohio economists say Gov. DeWine’s new Child Care Cred Program could boost children’s long-term outcomes, though some cite low funding and warn that work requirements would hinder access.
Cultural exchange program a lifeline in Ohio’s challenging child care environment
One of the greatest gifts of getting older is changing your beliefs when your own circumstances change. If someone asked…
