New rule for child care could lower costs for families and stabilize providers

Federal comment period closing

A federal policy change would lower costs for families who participate in Publicly Funded Child Care, stabilizing budgets for child care providers, expanding child care options throughout the state and simplifying enrollment.

The Department of Health and Human Services is accepting public comments on the proposal until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 28th.

A new brief from Policy Matters Ohio project director Will Petrik describes the proposed changes and their potential impacts on children, families and providers.

“High-quality child care helps kids, families and our economy,” Petrik said. “The proposed rule has the potential to reshape the landscape of child care in Ohio. We hope Ohioans weigh in and use the public comment period as an opportunity to express that support.”

The end of federal pandemic-related funding to stabilize the child care sector and the lack of ongoing sustainable funding from state lawmakers are potential barriers to fully implementing the policy changes outlined in the proposed rule. That should not stop state and federal lawmakers from implementing solutions.

Petrik said, “We have enough wealth in the U.S. to make child care affordable for all who need it, stabilize the child care sector and pay early educators a living wage.”