Ohio Families Need Child Care That Works

By Tiara Anderson, Family Action Network Member

As a single parent, child care advocate, and founder of C3 Creative Charisma Charities, I have seen firsthand how access to affordable child care can determine whether a parent succeeds or struggles. Every day, parents across Ohio are working hard to provide for their children, yet many find themselves trapped between rising child care costs and assistance programs that they no longer qualify for.

At C3 Creative Charisma Charities, our mission is to support single parents in Cuyahoga County by helping bridge gaps that often prevent families from achieving economic stability. We recognize that child care is not simply a family issue, it is an economic issue, a workforce issue, and a community issue.

When parents cannot afford child care, they are often forced to reduce work hours, decline promotions, leave the workforce entirely, or rely on unstable care arrangements. These challenges affect not only families but also employers, local economies, and ultimately the future of Ohio's children.

The Child Care Affordability Crisis

For many families, child care costs rival housing expenses. Child care can be as much or more than rent. While publicly funded child care programs provide critical support, many working parents earn just enough to exceed eligibility requirements but not enough to comfortably afford care on their own.

This creates what many advocates call the "benefits cliff." A small increase in income can result in the loss of child care assistance, leaving families financially worse off despite earning more money.

As a result, parents are often faced with impossible decisions:

• Turning down raises or promotions.

• Reducing work hours.

• Delaying educational opportunities.

• Leaving jobs to care for children themselves.

  
  

No family should have to choose between career advancement and quality care for their children.

Why House Bill 827 Matters

One of the most important opportunities Ohio has to support working families is through House Bill 827, sponsored by Representatives Desiree Tims (D-Dayton) and Crystal Lett (D-Columbus).

House Bill 827 would help expand eligibility for publicly funded child care, allowing more working families to qualify for assistance. By increasing income eligibility thresholds, the bill would help address the gap faced by families who earn too much to qualify under current rules but still cannot afford the true cost of child care.

For families across Ohio, this legislation could mean:

• Greater access to affordable child care.

• Increased workforce participation.

• More economic stability for households.

• Better outcomes for children.

• Reduced stress for parents trying to balance work and family responsibilities.

Policies like House Bill 827 recognize that supporting children means supporting the families who care for them.

Innovative Community Solutions

At C3 Creative Charisma Charities, we understand that advocacy and direct support must work hand in hand.

That is why we created ComfortCycle Box, a social enterprise designed to make a difference while building community support. Through the sale of thoughtfully curated gift boxes, a portion of proceeds helps fund child care assistance subsidies for families who may not qualify for traditional programs or who need temporary support during difficult times.

ComfortCycle Box represents a simple but powerful idea: everyday purchases can help create opportunities for children and families.

By combining entrepreneurship with community impact, we are working to develop sustainable ways to support parents while also raising awareness about the child care challenges facing our communities.

Listening to Parents

Throughout my advocacy work, I have heard countless stories from parents who are doing everything right. They work hard, pursue education, care for their children, and contribute to their communities. Yet many still struggle to find affordable child care.

Their stories remind us that child care is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

When parents have access to quality, affordable care, children thrive, parents remain employed, and communities grow stronger.

A Call to Action

Ohio has an opportunity to strengthen families by investing in child care solutions that reflect today's realities.

I encourage policymakers, business leaders, community organizations, and residents to support efforts that expand access to affordable child care, including HB 827. I also encourage community members to listen to the stories of working parents and recognize the critical role child care plays in economic mobility.

Together, we can build a stronger Ohio where every child has the opportunity to thrive and every parent has the support they need to succeed.

When we invest in children, we invest in Ohio's future.

Tiara Anderson is the Founder and President of C3 Creative Charisma Charities, a nonprofit organization serving single parents in Cuyahoga County through advocacy, resources, and child care support initiatives. She is also the founder of ComfortCycle Box, a social enterprise that helps fund child care assistance subsidies through the sale of curated gift boxes. As a dedicated child care advocate and single parent, Tiara works to advance policies and community solutions that strengthen families and expand opportunities for Ohio's children.