By Rachel Neal
A strong and dependable workforce is the backbone of Ohio’s economy, but it can only reach its full potential when families have access to affordable and available child care. As President and CEO of the Darke County Chamber of Commerce, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when working parents cannot find reliable care. Parents miss shifts, projects stall, and employers face higher turnover and lost productivity. In rural communities like Darke County, the challenge goes beyond affordability—there simply are not enough child care providers to meet demand. When families can’t access care, the entire local economy feels the impact.
Across rural Ohio, families face difficult choices, often piecing together care with relatives or adjusting their work schedules because licensed providers are limited or full. This shortage forces some parents to reduce hours, turn down opportunities, or leave the workforce altogether. Child care is essential infrastructure that allows parents to remain employed, support their families, and contribute to their communities. Without enough providers, even families who can afford care may have nowhere to turn.
That is why the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is so important. CCDBG helps families afford care for children under 13, easing financial burdens while supporting healthy child development and workforce participation. At a time when costs continue to rise and rural provider shortages persist, CCDBG remains a critical tool in helping parents stay employed and children access safe, stable care.
Recently, both parties in Washington came together to pass a full-year federal spending bill that included continued CCDBG funding. This bipartisan action reflects what communities already know: child care is essential to economic stability. This support helps working families, strengthens employers, and allows rural communities like Darke County to remain competitive. We must continue prioritizing policies that not only help families afford care but also encourage the growth and sustainability of childcare providers in underserved areas.
Ohio is home to more than 813,000 children under the age of five, and nearly 67 percent live in households where all available parents are working. In rural counties, those families often face fewer options and longer waitlists. Addressing both affordability and provider availability is essential to maintaining a strong workforce and healthy local economy.
Protecting and expanding child care programs like CCDBG means supporting working families, strengthening businesses, and ensuring rural communities can thrive. As a business leader, I know that when families have access to reliable child care, our workforce is stronger, our businesses are more productive, and our communities are better positioned for the future.
