Just how broken are the economics of childcare? It's no secret they're preventing Ohio's childcare providers from meeting the current demand for their services from employers, parents, and families.

A stunning recent report from Action for Children, The Child Care Provider Survey, uncovered critical issues facing child care providers in central Ohio, including concerns about staffing, capacity, and tuition increases. More than half of providers reported that their monthly revenue does not cover expenses.

With the ending of pandemic-era support funding, recent findings by Action for Children emphasize the need for sustained, flexible investment in central Ohio's childcare centers and Family Child Care programs.

This mixed picture produces a domino effect – not enough staff limits enrollment, which reduces revenue and causes tuition to rise – an unstable reckoning that shortchanges families, employers, and communities.

This CMC forum unpacks the deeply set factors causing central Ohio's childcare providers to struggle. We'll look at how the region can chart a path to a more equitable and sustainable future for the childcare that's ideal for children, parents, and employers together.

Featuring:

Eric Karolak, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Action for Children

Kara Wente, Director, Department of Children and Youth, State of Ohio

Aslyne Rodriguez, Director of Government Affairs, COTA

Carol Haynes, Executive Director, Kiddie Academy

The host is Cierra Johnson, Anchor and Reporter, NBC4

This forum was sponsored by PNC Bank, The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and Columbus State Community College.

It was supported by The Ellis.

The presenting sponsor of the livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on February 14, 2024.