Central Ohio forum warns child care system is 'fragile' as many providers operate at a loss

A forum hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Club at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on the state of child care in Central Ohio painted a bleak picture for providers and families, with panelists and local officials urging sustained public and private investment to prevent further closures.

"Forty-seven percent of child care providers report that their monthly revenue does not cover their expenses," said Tasha Booker, chief executive officer of Action for Children, summarizing findings from the organization’s Central Ohio Care Provider Survey. Booker added that 58% of surveyed providers said they were unsure they would be open in 12 months and that Franklin County data show 64% of local providers feel they are in survival mode.

The report, now in its seventh edition, was the centerpiece of the conversation. Dr. Catherine Applegate, director of child care and education initiatives at Action for Children, said the survey shows persistent problems across years and that providers are "emotionally taxed" and "financially taxed." "We know these problems exist. The data is there. What are we gonna do about it?" she asked.

State and policy context featured heavily. Kara Wente, director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, outlined recent policy moves: expanded eligibility for publicly funded care, the Child Care Choice Voucher Program launched in 2024, multiple provider-rate increases since 2019 and more than $400 million in the most recent biennial appropriation aimed at children and families. Wente cautioned, however, that rate increases have not closed the gap created by rising costs.

"Rate increases sound like a lot," Wente said, "but you have to couple that with cost of living increases and the fact that we started from a deficit." She noted additional tools such as the Child Care Credit program and public‑private partnership options intended to help employers and families share costs; panelists said those programs currently have limited uptake in Central Ohio.

Policy analysts and advocates on the panel pressed for larger, sustained investments. Hannah Halbert, executive director of Policy Matters Ohio, said 63% of survey respondents are trying to hire, but low wages remain the primary hiring barrier. She urged the state legislature to prioritize recurring funding rather than one‑time bonuses or short‑term incentives.

Small providers offered on-the-ground context. "Doing everything alone" was how Rhonda West, owner and administrator of Rhonda’s Day Care Service, described her daily reality — acting as administrator, transportation coordinator and cook while adding shifts to keep her business afloat. West said providers often forgo a personal paycheck to keep centers open and asked that parents not bear the full burden of rising costs.

Audience members asked how Central Ohio might borrow from other states that have made bold investments or used alternative financing models. Panelists pointed to examples such as New Mexico’s ballot-driven funding and programs in Michigan and Alaska that expanded access through public investment. They also noted federal support: Wente said Ohio received about $14.7 million through a federal preschool development grant that can be used in part to support partnerships.

On specific budget changes, Wente responded to a question about removal of some enrollment-based payments and part-time/full-time adjustments enacted in the last state budget, saying roughly $70 million had been allocated for enrollment payments and about $20 million for co‑pay reductions in prior planning. She warned the sector faces a fiscal shortfall going into the 2028–29 budget cycle and said officials are discussing options to shore up funding.

Panelists emphasized a mix of approaches: increase provider reimbursements, expand eligibility responsibly, pursue employer partnerships and consider structural funding changes. "If kids and families have access to the childcare they need when they need it, and they can afford it", Wente said, "we all win."

Franklin County Commissioner Bridal Crawley closed the Forum by framing child care as public infrastructure, reiterating survey warnings that "nearly 1 in 6 childcare providers in our region are unsure they'll remain open" and urging a coalition of policymakers, employers, philanthropists and civic leaders to act. "How are the children?" Crawley asked. "That question belongs to all of us."

Next steps referenced by panelists included continued outreach to employers about state business partnership programs, advocacy for sustained state budget commitments, and local efforts to support providers. The Forum concluded with a call for sustained, coordinated investment to keep child-care providers solvent and families working.