COLUMBUS, Ohio-The data from Ohio’s Department of Children and Youth reveals a significant closure of daycare facilities across the state since 2020, with nearly 400 closures by May 1, 2024, including Kristina Hale’s Little Heroes Academy in Cleveland.
Staffing issues were cited as the main reason for closures. Northeast Ohio saw 41 daycare closures from January 2023 to May 2024. Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the childcare shortage in his State of the State address, emphasizing the need for more affordable options.
While some daycare centers like Kim DiMuzio’s Goddard School in Chagrin Falls remained open, smaller preschools struggled to survive the pandemic’s impact. Parents like Jacqlyn Winkler faced challenges finding childcare, with long waiting lists and delays exacerbated by COVID-19. Despite closures, some daycares are now looking to expand, like Hale’s Tiny Heroes Academy, which reopened after a year.
