NAIC Launches Public Education Effort on Ohio’s Anti-Fraud Measures in Childcare System
The Ohio New African Immigrants Commission (NAIC) has begun a public education initiative aimed at informing immigrant and refugee communities about Ohio’s safeguards against fraud in publicly funded childcare programs, while reinforcing the importance of fair and fact-based enforcement.
The effort follows a Jan. 5 update from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente outlining the state’s oversight measures for childcare providers receiving public funds.
“NAIC remains committed to supporting strong, fair enforcement while ensuring immigrant and refugee communities are not unfairly stigmatized,” said Ibrahima Sow, executive director of the Ohio New African Immigrants Commission.
In a statement released by the commission, NAIC emphasized that accountability in public programs must be rooted in individual conduct rather than assumptions about entire communities. Citing Governor DeWine, the statement reiterated that fraud concerns should be addressed as a systemic issue, not attributed to any ethnic or immigrant group.
Ohio currently has nearly 5,200 state-funded childcare providers, all subject to oversight measures that include unannounced inspections, attendance and billing reviews, and program integrity audits. The state reimburses providers based on attendance rather than enrollment, ensuring that public funds are used only for days when a child is physically present in care.
NAIC highlighted that when credible concerns arise, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth has the authority to withhold payments, require corrective actions, and refer substantiated cases to law enforcement, while maintaining due process protections for providers.
The commission pointed to a recent example involving a childcare facility on State Route 161 in Columbus that became the subject of online speculation after a Google Maps image showed a tobacco shop at the address. According to DCY, the image dated back to 2022, before the childcare center opened earlier in 2025. An on-site inspection was conducted in October, and the facility has not received public funding.
Data from 2025 further illustrates the state’s enforcement efforts. DCY received 124 referrals from the public, resulting in 61 programs being required to repay overpayments and 12 programs being closed. Investigations also confirmed that 30 of the reported programs were operating in compliance with state and federal regulations, while 21 cases remain under review. NAIC stressed that enforcement actions are based on compliance findings, not the background of providers.
The commission underscored the need for oversight practices that strengthen public confidence without fueling misinformation or stigmatization. Immigrant and refugee families, NAIC noted, rely heavily on childcare access to work, support their families, and contribute to Ohio’s economy.
“In a fast-moving information environment, it is critical that the public verify claims before sharing them,” the statement said, warning that misinformation can harm businesses, families, and children.
NAIC encouraged families seeking licensed childcare options to use the Department of Children and Youth’s Child Care Search tool and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children, families, and taxpayer resources while promoting fairness, transparency, and community trust.
