Day Care: Investing in Ohio's Children

This report provides the first complete inventory ever done in Ohio of children who need day care and where they live, the first complete summary of existing day care services, and the first comparison of day care policies in Ohio with those in every other state. Previously unpublished census data were used to identify the number of children in two-parent families with working mothers and single-parent families in every county in Ohio. Results of the first statewide inventory of Ohio child care programs were used to provide an indication of the number of children enrolled in child care programs in each county and the number of such programs receiving financial assistance. In addition, interviews were conducted with the broadest possible range of families; providers; public officials; and tax, development, building, and legal specialists. The report reviews child care reports from more than 20 states and summarizes actions being taken to improve day care programs in every state. In conclusion, a comprehensive and realistic agenda to improve child care services in Ohio is presented. A majority of these recommendations require no new monies. (RH)