COLUMBUS, Ohio-Many families struggle with the high cost of child care, often leading to parents leaving jobs or staying home due to lack of affordable options. This financial strain affects children, families, schools, and the economy. In Ohio, child care costs are significant, with infant care averaging $11,438 annually, causing workers to spend nearly $10 of every hour worked on child care expenses.
This financial burden contributes to the difficulty in hiring and retaining employees for both large and small businesses. Additionally, inadequate investment in early education and child care leads to learning gaps, with 65% of Ohio children starting kindergarten behind. Access to quality early educators and healthcare is crucial for children’s development and future success. Groundwork Ohio advocates for increased investment in children, especially in light of the pandemic’s impact, to ensure their well-being and future prospects. They work to elevate children’s issues in the political agenda and empower adult voices representing children in policymaking.
