Spotlight of the Week: Dr. Eric Karolak – Champion for Early Childhood Education
This week, we shine a light on Dr. Eric Karolak, a visionary leader dedicated to shaping the future of early childhood education and child care services in Central Ohio.
As the CEO of Action for Children, Dr. Karolak spearheads initiatives to support child care and early learning for families and communities in Central Ohio. Under his leadership, Action for Children has become a vital resource for quality child care and learning opportunities, providing comprehensive services to parents, educators, and policymakers.
One of his remarkable achievements is the Franklin County RISE Program, a collaborative effort with the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and the City of Columbus. This groundbreaking program offers 750 scholarships of up to $10,000 for families in need of child care and 500 signing bonuses of up to $1,000 to attract and retain child care educators.
Dr. Karolak’s illustrious career spans decades of impactful work. He previously directed the Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC), representing over 8,000 early learning programs nationwide. As the head of the National Child Care Information Center, he supported federal and state initiatives focused on child care and early education for low-income families. His efforts have influenced policy development, quality rating systems, and cross-program partnerships that uplift early childhood education standards.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Karolak has served on numerous boards and advisory councils, including the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association, the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Groundwork Ohio Advisory Council.
Dr. Karolak holds a doctorate from The Ohio State University, cementing his academic and professional roots in Ohio. His commitment to advancing child care and education underscores his role as a leader, advocate, and change-maker.
Through his dedication and innovative approaches, Dr. Eric Karolak continues to inspire and create a brighter future for children, families, and educators alike.
