2026 Ohio Child Care Policy Summit: Advancing Solutions for Ohio’s Families and Economy

Groundwork Ohio joined partners from across the state at the 2026 Ohio Child Care Policy Summit, hosted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. The summit brought together policymakers, business leaders, and advocates for an important conversation on the future of child care in Ohio—and the role it plays in supporting families, strengthening the workforce, and driving economic growth.

Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez was featured in the Afternoon Keynote Fireside Chat alongside Kara Wente, Director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. The conversation focused on the importance of coordinated, cross-sector solutions to address child care challenges and ensure families have access to the support they need during the earliest years of a child’s life.

During the summit, Director Wente also shared updated funding projections for the state’s child care system, reporting that Ohio will need approximately $375 million annually to maintain current services. She noted that at the end of the previous budget process, the department had projected a nearly $400 million annual deficit for the upcoming biennium—underscoring the scale of the challenge facing state leaders. Gongwer State Affairs reported on these figures, highlighting the difficult decisions ahead for the next governor and General Assembly.

A key moment of the summit was the panel, “Inside the Statehouse: Legislative Updates & the Future of Child Care Policy in Ohio,” which brought together Represenatives Andrea White (Kettering), Nick Santucci (Niles), and Gary Click (Vickery). The discussion provided insight into current legislative efforts to improve affordability and expand access to child care, while underscoring the critical role these policies play in supporting Ohio’s workforce and business community.

Throughout the conversation, lawmakers emphasized the importance of engagement from advocates and communities.

As Rep. Santucci shared, “Your voices are important; advocate for what we need. Our caucus knows it’s a problem. We just need to know how to address it.”

Rep. White echoed the need for continued dialogue, noting, “We need more people to talk about this. That’s the key—speak to your legislators and build relationships.”

Rep. Click offered a personal perspective on the broader impact, sharing, “I am a pastor and I know that the child care crisis will affect businesses and the future. Families are delaying having children or not having children at all.”

The summit also highlighted the role employers are playing in addressing child care challenges through the panel “Employer-Supported Child Care: Models, ROI, & Real-World Results.” Featuring business leaders and industry experts, the discussion explored models such as on-site care, partnerships, and stipends—demonstrating how strategic investments in child care can help employers retain talent, reduce turnover, and strengthen their workforce.

Another session, “Understanding the Child Care Landscape: Provider Types, Market Realities & Regulatory Pressures,” brought together leaders from across Ohio’s diverse provider network. Panelists shared insight into the unique challenges facing different care settings and emphasized the need for policies that reflect the realities providers face in delivering care to families across the state.

These conversations reinforced a shared understanding: addressing Ohio’s child care challenges will require collaboration across sectors and sustained commitment to solutions that reflect the real experiences of families. Leaders also emphasized the importance of recognizing child care as both a family and business issue—one that has lasting implications for Ohio’s economy and future.

Groundwork Ohio is grateful to the legislators and leaders, including Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Groundwork Ohio Board Member Rick Carfagna, who continue to elevate this issue and work toward meaningful, forward-looking solutions. As state and federal policy conversations continue, Groundwork Ohio remains focused on ensuring the needs of young children and families stay front and center.

Learn more about how Groundwork Ohio is partnering with the business community to advance solutions through our Business Coalition for Child Care Solutions.

Explore how businesses across Ohio are leading child care solutions in Groundwork Ohio’s newest resource Business Innovation in Child Care: Case Studies Across Ohio.