Ohio Receives $2 Million Grant to Improve Child Care Quality
In a significant advancement for early childhood education, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) and the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy at Ohio State University (OSU) have been awarded a $2 million grant from the federal government. This funding aims to enhance the quality of child care in Ohio, as part of the Child Care Policy Research Partnerships (CCPRP) initiative, which focuses on child care quality, access, and outcomes.
The five-year project will enable real-time data sharing between researchers and state partners and will explore recent modifications to Ohio’s "Step Up to Quality" child care rating system. Dr. Kelly Purtell, a co-principal investigator, emphasized the importance of learning from peer research organizations to improve child care access and quality across the state.
The grant aligns with broader legislative initiatives in Ohio aimed at tackling child care challenges. Notable proposals include the Strong Foundations Act, which seeks funding for child care resources and support for vulnerable populations, and the Thriving Families Tax Credit, offering tax credits based on family income. Additionally, a bill aimed at extending publicly funded child care benefits to staff in child care settings is currently under consideration.
However, there are concerns over the rising costs of child care and the existing system’s struggles, which experts warn could have detrimental effects on the economy. With the Ohio General Assembly nearing crucial deadlines, these proposals must gain approval before the end of the year to avoid reintroduction in the next legislative session.
As Ohio focuses on improving its child care environment, this grant represents a crucial step toward ensuring that more children benefit from quality early learning experiences.
Source
Photo credit www.news5cleveland.com