Child Care

A new report from Action for Children says 81% of central Ohio child care providers want to hire or are trying to hire new employees.

A new book argues that greater public support for parents is critical for the brain development of America's kids.

Franklin County is using $23 million to create a new early learning program that includes scholarships of up to $10,000 annually for families and other assistance to childcare providers.

The 'Step Up to Quality' program was created to increase the accountability of childcare programs that get state assistance. The Ohio Department of Job and Services said the program has made changes.

Columbus City Council has approved a plan to help recruit more child care workers. The child care industry faces a big labor shortage made worse by the pandemic.

For years, the child care industry has struggled to attract and retain good workers. The pandemic has fanned the problem into a crisis. Across the country, parents, and especially moms, have put off returning to work because they have not been able to find affordable, adequate child care.

One hundred million dollars will be used to reimburse schools for pandemic-related expenses. $161 million will go to licensed childcare providers for children's mental health care and to increase both the early childhood workforce and access to childcare.

Columbus is directing $3.5 million from the American Rescue Plan to local childcare centers, to boost hiring, and reduce costs for lower income families.

A group of business leaders and child care advocates are calling on lawmakers to reverse course on a change proposed in the state budget bill.

Come Thursday, Ohio will expand its list of eligible Ohioans who can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Phase 1C includes those with Type 1...