Ohio spending $110M to provide child care assistance

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(The Center Square) – Ohio plans to spend $100 million in taxpayer funds to provide child care for working parents, but it has to be used through an employer.

The Child Care Cred Program, created by the Legislature in the current budget, requires parents and employers to team up for the application process.

State officials believe the program helps address access to affordable child care, one of the state’s biggest workforce challenges.

“The new Child Care Cred Program is designed to help Ohio’s families get access to childcare,” Gov. Mike DeWine said.  “And, when parents have quality child care, Ohio’s employers have productive employees who are not worried about their kids during work. It is a win for Ohio’s working families and for businesses.”

Families must live in Ohio, and employers must be Ohio-based to be eligible for the program. The two have to submit an application together, and if approved, the state will help pay for a family’s current child care provider or a licensed program.

“Ensuring a stable workforce for Ohio’s growing economy encourages us to support our working families,” said Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster. “By creating a cost-sharing model between parents, employers, and the state of Ohio to help families afford quality childcare, businesses can focus on the needs of their company while maintaining a stable workforce. I’m proud to see this program go into effect and look forward to the relief and opportunities it will bring for working families across the Buckeye State.”

The state’s budget also expanded child care voucher eligibility, early learning grants and support for in-home providers. All are part of a public, private, non-profit push the state is making to help businesses address workforce issues.