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Following Ohio’s May 5 primary election, we congratulate the candidates who will advance to the general election for Governor this November – Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy. As Ohio looks ahead, the choices made by the next Governor—and in the upcoming biennial budget—will shape the future for young children, families, and our state’s economy. At Groundwork Ohio, we remain focused on what matters most: ensuring every child has a strong start and every family has the support they need to succeed. The path forward is clear, and the opportunity is urgent. These are the policies we are asking Ohio’s next governor and state leaders to prioritize: Child Care and Preschool are Essential to Ohio’s Workforce and Economy Expand access to affordable, safe child care and preschool. “[The single biggest challenge my family faces right now is] Feeling like if I work too much I will lose my benefits including daycare but not working enough I'm in the negative after every payday.” – Parent from Hamilton County Protect Health Coverage for Ohio’s Moms and Babies Medicaid keeps families healthy, working, and financially stable. “The biggest challenge my family faces is navigating systems that aren't built for my child's needs. Between therapies, school expectations, and medical issues, it often feels like I have to constantly advocate just to make sure my child is supported. Policies don't always account for real-life situations, which adds extra stress on top of everything else. I just want my kids to be understood and given the support they need, without it feeling like a constant battle.” – Parent from Lorain County Make Work Pay for Ohio Families When families can afford the basics, they can contribute to Ohio’s economy. “On average our necessities cost $5,000 in a month. . . we have no room for a medical emergency, or even our tires needing replaced outside of their scheduled life. This stress and worry eats at me every day, and takes emotional bandwidth I know my children deserve.” – Parent from Stark County Healthy Moms and Babies Are the Foundation of a Strong Ohio We know what works—and we must continue to strengthen, expand, and improve it. “…at my six-week checkup…I kinda wasn’t taken seriously or listened to and I was never checked up on again after that.” – Parent from Montgomery County The Bottom Line Early childhood investments are not “nice to have”—they are essential to Ohio’s economic future. By supporting child care, strengthening family incomes, improving maternal and infant health, and protecting health coverage, Ohio can grow its workforce, reduce long-term costs, and give every child a strong start. As we head toward the November general election, we will continue to engage candidates and policymakers on these priorities—and we invite you to stay involved, informed, and ready to raise your voice for Ohio’s youngest children.

By Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO, Groundwork Ohio Follow Lynanne on LinkedIn. Leading up to this Mother’s Day, I’ve been thinking about the strength, love, and determination of moms across Ohio—and how much they do every day to give their children a strong start. At Groundwork Ohio, we’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible mothers in recent weeks as we’ve grown our Family Action Network. These are moms from communities across the state who are stepping forward to share their experiences, connect with one another, and become powerful advocates for their children and for families like theirs. In just a few weeks, we’ll welcome 80 of these moms to the Ohio Statehouse on May 27—many for the very first time. They will come together to share their stories, meet with policymakers, and use their voices to help shape the future for young children in Ohio. We are honored to support them on this journey—building their confidence, strengthening their connections, and ensuring their voices are heard where decisions are made. Hosting Family Voices at the Statehouse is one of the most meaningful—and resource-intensive—ways we support moms in becoming advocates. It’s a significant investment for Groundwork Ohio, and it’s only possible with support from people like you. This Mother’s Day, I hope you’ll take a moment to care for and appreciate the moms in your life. And if you’re able, please consider making a gift. Your support will help us continue equipping Ohio moms with the tools, training, and opportunities they need to have a real presence at the Statehouse and a real voice in the decisions that affect their children.

Groundwork Ohio, in partnership with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, has released a new resource, Business Innovation in Child Care: Case Studies Across Ohio, highlighting how businesses across the state are advancing child care solutions for their employees and communities. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be spotlighting these efforts—sharing real examples of how employers are stepping up to support working families and strengthen Ohio’s workforce and economy. The Ashland County Community Foundation Women’s Fund is a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting and empowering women across Ashland County. Established in 2004, the fund brings together local women to invest in solutions that strengthen opportunities for women and families—through grantmaking, scholarships, and targeted initiatives, including efforts to expand access to child care. That commitment to addressing community needs led the Women’s Fund to take a closer look at child care access in Ashland County—ultimately resulting in a bold, data-driven effort to expand care for working families. This finding led to a needs assessment that identified only 82 licensed infant and toddler spaces in Ashland County and no licensed child care past 6 pm. The data made clear that the community had significant gaps in child care access—especially for infants and toddlers and for families needing care during non-traditional hours. In response, Women’s Fund leaders launched a campaign in April 2021 to raise $4.5 million to build a child care center at the Ashland Business Park, home to nearly 30 companies that collectively employ 1,200 full-time employees. In November 2021, a real estate developer donated three acres at the park for the center. In April 2022, a non-profit organization was created to operate it, and the center opened in June 2024. The Women’s Fund ultimately raised $4.8 million—$300,000 more than its original goal—to build the Foundations Community Childcare center and establish a $1 million endowment to help ensure the center’s sustainability. The fund received more than 300 donations, including a $1 million commitment from an Ashland area couple and $500,000 from the Ashland County Board of Commissioners. While the child care center is independently operated, it must have representation from the Women’s Fund on its board in perpetuity to help ensure community input. The original Women’s Fund also continues its work, maintaining an $800,000 endowment from which it makes small annual grants to area non-profits and awards scholarships to women.

Groundwork Ohio, in partnership with The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, has released a new resource, Business Innovation in Child Care: Case Studies Across Ohio, highlighting how partners across the state are advancing child care and workforce solutions in their communities. This resource brings together real examples of what’s working—showcasing how businesses, community leaders, and local partners are stepping up to address child care challenges in ways that support both families and Ohio’s economy. Across Ohio, employers and community partners are taking action to strengthen child care access and support working families. From business-led investments to cross-sector collaborations, these efforts reflect a growing recognition that child care is not just a family issue—it is essential infrastructure for a strong workforce and economy. Why Child Care Matters for Ohio’s Economy Access to reliable, affordable child care directly impacts whether parents can work—and whether businesses can recruit and retain employees. The stakes are high. According to The Untapped Potential Report, released by Groundwork Ohio in partnership with The. U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio loses an estimated $5.48 billion each year due to child care challenges, including employee turnover, absenteeism, and reduced productivity. Employers across the state are seeing these impacts firsthand. In response, many are stepping forward with solutions that support their workforce while strengthening their communities—demonstrating that investing in child care is also an investment in economic growth. Real Solutions, Driven by Local Leadership Business Innovation in Child Care: Case Studies Across Ohio highlights a range of approaches being implemented across the state, including: Business-led child care solutions that directly support employees Cross-sector partnerships driving local progress Innovative approaches to improving access and affordability for families These examples show what’s possible when employers, community organizations, and local leaders work together to meet the needs of working families. The organizations featured represent a diverse cross-section of partners advancing child care and workforce solutions across Ohio: Ashland County Community Foundation Women's Fund (Ashland County) COAD4Kids (Adams, Athens, and Ross Counties) Hancock County Childcare Collaborative (Hancock County) First Federal Savings (Licking County) Illuminate USA (Licking County) Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (Muskingum County) Women's Fund of the Richland County Foundation (Richland County) Alliance Employment Promise (Stark County) Unified Early Learning System (Summit County) TuscoMFG (Tuscarawas County) Each spotlight offers a real-world example of how communities are responding to child care challenges with creativity, collaboration, and a focus on long-term impact. A Path Forward for Ohio By lifting up these stories, this resource underscores an important truth: meaningful progress is possible when businesses, community organizations, and policymakers align around shared solutions. Child care challenges will not be solved by any one sector alone—but these examples show that when partners come together, they can create systems that better support families, strengthen the workforce, and drive economic growth. When child care works, businesses work—and communities across Ohio are stronger for it. Learn more about how Groundwork Ohio is partnering with the business community to advance solutions through our Business Coalition for Child Care Solutions.

What does it take to move from classroom experience to systems-level impact? Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Leadership Fellow Megan Hamilton shares her journey—from teaching to leading a collaborative effort focused on kindergarten readiness—and how she’s working to expand access, strengthen partnerships, and elevate the voices of families and educators. Her perspective highlights what it means to lead with intention and build stronger systems for Ohio’s youngest children. Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. What kind of work do you do, and who do you serve? A. I am the Director of the Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative at Future Ready Five, a collective impact organization in Franklin County. I oversee the day-to-day needs of our KRC program, providing support, education, and resources to our child care program directors, teachers, families, and most importantly, children under the age of five. Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship? A. I have been in this role for almost 2.5 years and was previously in public education. While I am no stranger to advocating for equity and opportunities, I’m now in a role where I have a bigger platform to impact more lives, and I want to make sure my advocacy is intentional, informed, and effective. This fellowship represents an opportunity to deepen my understanding of early childhood systems, strengthen my leadership skills, and collaborate with others who are equally passionate about creating equitable outcomes for young children and families. I’m eager to grow alongside a community of leaders committed to meaningful change and to bring that learning back to my organization and community. Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience? A. I’m excited to deepen my understanding of how early childhood systems and policy intersect; and how they can improve daily work in child care settings. I’m particularly interested in learning strategies to strengthen our collective impact efforts, align community partners, elevate family and educator voices, and drive sustainable change across our community. I also hope to gain practical tools to better support our child care program directors, teachers, and families, especially in navigating systemic barriers to readiness and equity. Ultimately, I look forward to transforming early childhood outcomes and driving meaningful, community-centered impact. Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? Groundwork and Future Ready Five are partners in the Central Ohio region, but secretly, my best friend, Marti Ridley, is the Digital Communications Director! Q. What’s one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you’re passionate about addressing? Affordable and equitable access to high quality child care for all. Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families? With nearly 15 years in early childhood education, first as a Pre-K teacher and then as a first-grade teacher in the public school system, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with some of our most vulnerable children and their families. These experiences have repeatedly shown me how deeply inequities and hardships can impact a child's development and future opportunities. Witnessing these challenges firsthand has fueled my commitment to advocate for policies and practices that support the whole child; across all of our neighborhoods. Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? We must ensure that every child, regardless of their zip code, race, or income, has access to high-quality early learning experiences and the supports they need to thrive. That begins with investing in our early childhood workforce, ensuring they are respected, well-compensated, and equipped with the tools and resources to succeed. It also requires aligning systems and prioritizing early education, so that families experience a seamless, supportive journey from birth to kindergarten. Just as importantly, we must actively include the voices of families and educators in policy development and decision-making, ensuring that those most impacted help shape the solutions. Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space—now and in the future? As a leader in early childhood education, I aim to use my voice to amplify the experiences of children and families who are often overlooked. Drawing on my years working directly with young learners and their communities, I am committed to advocating for affordable and equitable access to high-quality child care, education, and comprehensive supports. Now and in the future, I will collaborate with educators, policymakers, and families to create inclusive environments where every child can thrive. In my role, I seek to influence policies and practices that expand access to affordable, high-quality early learning opportunities. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that every child in our community enters kindergarten ready to succeed by building systems that provide comprehensive support from the earliest years.

By Caitlin Feasby Feldman, Senior Director of Policy Follow Caitlin on LinkedIn Ohio Families Deserve Paid Leave When a baby arrives, Ohio parents deserve to focus on healing, bonding, and adjusting to life with a new child - not worrying about how they will cover expenses if a paycheck disappears. Yet for most workers in Ohio, this is the reality. Today, approximately 4.5 million Ohio workers - about 76% of the workforce - do not have access to paid family leave through their employer. Yet this is a policy with broad bipartisan support among voters. In a 2025 poll conducted by Groundwork Ohio and UpOne Insights, 76% of Ohio voters support creating a state-funded paid leave program that would allow new parents to spend the first six weeks home caring for their child. That six-week period is especially important as licensed child care centers cannot accept infants until they are at least six weeks old, leaving many families with no viable care option if a parent must return to work sooner. For many parents, this means returning to work before they are physically recovered, or before they have had meaningful time to bond with their child. For adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers, it can also mean losing valuable time needed to help a child adjust to a life-changing transition. Without access to this pro-family policy, parents face impossible choices: return to work too soon and sacrifice precious early bonding time with a new child, or forfeit a paycheck new parents can’t afford to miss. A Long Fight for Progress In October 2024, Groundwork Ohio published The Case for Paid Family Leave in Ohio, a comprehensive landscape analysis delving into the legislative history, barriers, and benefits of paid family leave. The report documented what many advocates already understood – that despite clear evidence that paid family leave improves outcomes for children, parents, employers, and the economy, Ohio had struggled for years to move a statewide policy forward. Still, families and advocates have not lost sight of what this policy means for hardworking, everyday Ohioans, who have continued to welcome babies, navigate medical crises, and balance child care accessibility and affordability barriers that strain families from every direction. Advocates have continued organizing, educating, and building support, understanding that meaningful systems change is often gradual and rarely linear. Thanks to the leadership of Time to Care Ohio (TTCO), a growing coalition working to advance a statewide paid leave policy for Ohioans, this progress is more tangible than ever. On March 23, 2026, Senator Blessing (R-Colerain Township) and Senator Liston (D-Dublin) introduced bipartisan legislation in the Ohio Senate to address the longstanding gap in access to paid family leave for Ohio workers. Ohio Senate Bill 396 would establish a state-level family and medical leave insurance benefit by offering a 0.4% payroll contribution shared by workers and employers (about $0.40 for every $100 in wages). The proposal includes certain exemptions for smaller employers and would allow eligible workers to take up to 14 weeks of leave for a qualifying event while receiving 85% of the worker’s wages, capped at $100,000. A Boost to the Economy Paid family and medical leave is not just a family policy, but a smart economic strategy. Research consistently shows that paid leave helps reduce employee turnover, improve retention, increase productivity, and lower the substantial costs associated with hiring and training new workers. At a time when many Ohio employers are focused on attracting and keeping talent, paid leave can strengthen workforce participation while helping businesses attract and retain experienced employees when life events arise. For small and mid-sized employers, a statewide insurance model can be especially valuable. While many large corporations have the resources to independently offer paid leave benefits, smaller businesses often struggle to compete with those benefit packages despite wanting to support their employees. A shared-cost public leave program helps level the playing field, giving businesses of all sizes a stronger ability to recruit workers, support families, and remain competitive. Paid leave is an investment in a more stable workforce, stronger businesses, and healthier communities. Real Families, Real Impact During a press conference on April 23, Senate Bill 396’s sponsors were joined by an Ohio parent and small business owner, Madison Greenspan, who shared a powerful reminder of what is at stake. Madison described her personal experience birthing twin daughters at just 28 weeks, weighing two pounds, seven ounces. Her babies spent their earliest weeks in the NICU receiving life-saving medical care. During that already overwhelming time, Madison and her husband also faced difficult financial decisions about work, income, housing, food, and how to spend precious time beside their daughters at the hospital, and later at home. Her story reflects the experience of many Ohio parents caught in the crosshairs of doing what is right to care for their family, and keeping their family fed and sheltered. Paid leave is often discussed as a workplace policy, but at its core it is a family stability policy, a maternal and infant health policy, and an economic security policy. It gives parents time to recover from childbirth, establish breastfeeding routines, attend pediatric appointments, and respond to medical complications without the added trauma of losing income. It allows caregivers to show up when their families need them most. What’s Next? How to Get Involved As a member of Time to Care Ohio, Groundwork is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside members of the coalition and advocates across the state. There is still work ahead, but for the first time in some time, paid family leave in Ohio is an active policy conversation. Interested in getting involved? Join the coalition. The TTCO coalition is welcoming new members - learn more: Time to Care Ohio Tell your state Senator this is important to you. Click here to identify your Senator, and either call or send a message to their office expressing your support for this bill. Share your story. Do you have a personal story about paid leave? Share it with the TTCO coalition and have your voice heard: Time to Care Ohio Story Collection

By Holly Unger, Family Action Network Member Holly Unger, a member of Groundwork Ohio’s Family Action Network (FAN), recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in Parents Unite—a national convening led by the National Head Start Association that brings parents from across the country together to share their stories, build connections, and engage directly with federal leaders. Representing Ohio families, Holly joined other parents with lived experience to elevate what’s working, where challenges remain, and why programs like Head Start matter for children and families navigating complex systems. There are moments in this work that remind you exactly why you keep showing up—and this was one of them. During our time on Capitol Hill, we had the opportunity to sit down with Adam Jones, Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration for Children & Families Assistant Secretary Alex Adams. What stood out most wasn’t just the meeting itself, but the genuine conversation we were able to have about foster care, Head Start, and the realities families are facing every single day. We didn’t walk in as professionals with titles—we walked in as parents. As caregivers. As people living this work in real time. We talked about the intersection of foster care and Head Start—how critical early childhood support is for children who have already experienced so much instability. We shared what it looks like on the ground: the gaps, the challenges, but also the incredible impact when these programs work together the way they’re meant to. Then came a moment none of us expected. We were joined by the new Director of the Office of Head Start, Liz Castro White. What could have felt intimidating instead became something powerful—because we weren’t just being talked to, we were being listened to. Around that table were parents from across the United States, each bringing their own stories, perspectives, and lived experiences. And that’s what made it matter. Because policies aren’t just words on paper—they shape real lives. And when parents are included in those conversations, when our voices are heard and valued, better decisions are made for children and families. We talked about why Head Start works. Why it matters not just for the child, but for the whole family. We talked about the importance of support systems, of trust, of meeting families where they are—especially those navigating foster care. What I walked away with is this: There is power in showing up. There is power in sharing your story. And there is real change that can happen when parents are given a seat at the table. This was more than a meeting. It was a reminder that our voices belong in these spaces—and that we will keep showing up, speaking up, and advocating for every child and every family who deserves the opportunity to thrive.

By: Holly Unger, Family Action Network Member Hello, my name is Holly Unger. My first experience with Groundwork Ohio's Family Action Network (FAN) was in 2022 at the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse, and it truly changed everything for me and my family. That day, I had the opportunity to meet so many families just like mine. Families navigating child care challenges, raising children with unique needs, and doing their best to build strong futures. What made it even more meaningful was that I wasn’t alone. I was standing alongside a few of my own children. They got to witness firsthand what it looks like to use your voice for something bigger than yourself. For my children, it wasn’t just a day at the Statehouse. It was a moment of learning and empowerment. They saw that their voices matter, and that even at a young age, they can be part of change. As a parent and a foster parent that meant everything to me. Because of that experience, I found the confidence to take the next step. In 2023, I went on to deliver testimony in front of the finance committee at the Statehouse on Ohio House Bill 33. Sharing our story, speaking up for my children and my foster children, and for access to quality child care was one of the most impactful things I’ve ever done. Advocacy can feel overwhelming at first. But FAN showed me that it starts with simply showing up and telling your story. Since then, doors have opened not just for me, but for my entire family. We’ve been given opportunities to speak, connect, and continue pushing for the changes that families across Ohio truly need. Being part of FAN has reminded me that our experiences matter. Our voices matter. And when we come together, we can make a difference—not just for our own children, but for families all across Ohio.

Last week during 2026 Black Maternal Health Week, Groundwork Ohio joined partners across the state to elevate awareness, share data, and center the voices and experiences of families most impacted by racial disparities in maternal health. This week serves as an important reminder: improving maternal health outcomes requires both data-driven policy solutions and sustained investment in communities. At the Statehouse: Advancing the Conversation Groundwork Ohio was honored to participate in the 2nd Annual Black Maternal Health Summit at the Ohio Statehouse.  Groundwork Ohio Senior Director of Policy Caitlin Feasby Feldman joined bi3 Director of Community Partnerships Jena’ Bradley to share insights from Groundwork Ohio and March of Dimes. They highlighted key data on maternal health outcomes across Ohio, preterm birth rates, and the growing impact of maternity care deserts. We are grateful to Senator Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati) and Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo), for co-chairing the Black Maternal Health Caucus and co-leading this event bringing together stakeholders committed to advancing equitable maternal health outcomes. Grounding the Work in Data The Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s (DCY) latest Report on Pregnancy-Related Deaths in Ohio show that Non-Hispanic Black moms in Ohio experienced a pregnancy-related mortality ratio 34% higher than Ohio moms overall (39.4 vs. 29.3 deaths per 100,000 live births). These findings underscore both the urgency and the opportunity for action, and align with insights from Groundwork Ohio’s Threads of Hope report, which pairs data with lived experiences from families across the state. These resources reinforce a clear message: improving outcomes requires coordinated, cross-system solutions that meet families where they are. Black mothers in Ohio continue to face disproportionately higher risks of poor outcomes, underscoring the importance of targeted strategies that address both clinical care and the broader societal conditions that impact health. Continuing the Conversation: The Morning Meeting Throughout Black Maternal Health Week—and in the months leading up to it—Groundwork Ohio has kept these conversations front and center through our weekly Morning Meeting series. Recent conversations have featured: April 23: Director Danielle Tong of CelebrateOne, discussing efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality in Central Ohio through data-driven, community-centered approaches. April 16: Cass Woodward of Perinatal Outreach & Encourage for Moms (POEM), sharing community-based strategies to support mothers and families February 5: Dr. Jennifer Frey of Every Child Succeeds, highlighting how home visiting programs meet families where they are and support early intervention February 12: Bianca Holder of March of Dimes, sharing 2025 Report Card data on maternal and infant health—including Ohio’s D+ grade for preterm birth, underscoring persistent challenges. Preterm birth remains a leading contributor to infant death and long-term complications, reinforcing the need for earlier, more coordinated care. Bianca also authored Protecting Moms Before Crisis: Prevention, Equity, and Innovation in Columbus and Southeast Ohio, which highlights how communities are advancing proactive, family-centered solutions These conversations signal where action is most needed: prioritizing prevention and early intervention, expanding equitable access to quality care, and investing in community-driven solutions. They demonstrate the need of cross-sector collaboration and targeted investments to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for Ohio’s mothers and babies most at risk. Supporting Awareness Through Partnership Groundwork Ohio supported partners statewide through a Black Maternal Health Week Toolkit, providing ready-to-use social media content centered on data and the voices of Black mothers. Equipping partners to amplify shared messages expands awareness of Black Maternal Health Week, racial disparities in maternal mortality, and the need for continued attention and action. Looking Ahead Black Maternal Health Week is a moment to reflect—but it is also a call to action. The data points to a need for action before a crisis occurs—through stronger care coordination, expanded access to services, and systems that better support mothers throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Through continued collaboration, data-driven advocacy, and lifting family voices, we can help build a system that works for everyone. Groundwork Ohio remains committed to advancing policies and partnerships that support healthy pregnancies, strong families, and better outcomes for all mothers and babies in Ohio—while intentionally working to reduce and ultimately eliminate the racial disparities that lead to disproportionately poor outcomes for Black women. Families need a strong start from the very earliest phases of life, supported by a multi-generational approach that strengthens caregivers, families, and communities.

Foundations at Risk: Housing Instability and Young Children examines the critical role of safe, stable housing. More than 10,000 Ohio children under age 4 experienced homelessness in a single year, and many more families face rising housing costs and difficult tradeoffs between rent, food, and child care. This factsheet highlights how housing instability creates toxic stress, disrupts development, and can impact a child’s health, education, and future economic success. This resource reinforces what we know: supporting families’ basic needs is essential to building a strong foundation for Ohio’s youngest children. Explore the factsheet to learn more and help spread the word about what children need to grow, learn, and thrive.

Feeding the Brain: Food Security in the First Five Years explores how access to nutritious food is foundational to healthy brain development. In Ohio, 1 in 3 young children lives in a household that struggles to consistently afford healthy meals, with significant disparities affecting Black children. This new resource outlines how food insecurity acts as a chronic stressor in early childhood, disrupting brain development and contributing to challenges with learning, behavior, and long-term health. This resource reinforces what we know: supporting families’ basic needs is essential to building a strong foundation for Ohio’s youngest children. Explore the factsheet to learn more and help spread the word about what children need to grow, learn, and thrive.

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. Rick Carfagna (Ohio Chamber of Commerce; Groundwork Ohio Board Member), Steve Stivers (Ohio Chamber of Commerce), Director Kara Wente (Ohio Department of Children and Youth), and Lynanne Gutierrez (Groundwork Ohio)   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. Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente and Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez during the Afternoon Keynote Fireside Chat.   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. Rick Carfagna (The Ohio Chamber), Reps. Andrea White, Nick Santucci, and Gary Click during the “Inside the Statehouse: Legislative Updates & the Future of Child Care Policy in Ohio panel.   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.