Child Care Study

Firelands Forward Regional Child Care Study

In partnership with the Child Care Resource Center, a Child Care Study was completed throughout the Firelands Region. Every day parents across North Central Ohio make difficult decisions about who will care for their children when they go to school and to work. Some choose center-based programs. Others select providers who care for children in the provider’s home. Yet others choose to have family, friends, or neighbors care for their children. Regardless of the provider and setting, parents want stable, affordable child care where their child is safe, happy, healthy, and learning. Too often, however, parents experience challenges when trying to access quality care, which in turn makes it difficult to maintain employment or enroll in college or training. High child care costs price some parents out of the market. Finding a provider on short notice is challenging for some parents—particularly for parents of infants, toddlers, and children with special needs. Finding a provider that is open when they work can be especially difficult for parents who work second or third shift. These challenges cannot be overcome by parents and providers alone. Child care must be a part of our efforts to improve access and support for the Erie, Huron and Ottawa counties workforce.