May 2026 Newsletter

For many working parents, access to high-quality, safe, and affordable chil=
dcare is not just helpful, it is essential to a child=E2=80=99s early devel=
opment. These early experiences lay the foundation for learning, growth, an=
d long-term success.

Recently, I attended the Ohio Child Care Policy Summit hos=
ted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce in Columbus. Throughout the summit, we =
heard compelling examples of how businesses across the state are recognizin=
g that access to affordable childcare is fundamentally an economic developm=
ent issue. Businesses need a reliable workforce, and too often families are=
forced to choose between staying home with their children or working becau=
se of the cost and limited availability of childcare. At SEI, we believe th=
at any solution must also prioritize quality, ensuring that children develo=
p the skills they need to succeed.

A 2025 report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Un=
tapped Potential, found that childcare challenges cost Ohio=E2=80=
=99s economy $5.48 billion annually. Given the scale of this impact, we mus=
t pursue creative and viable solutions. Expanding childcare tax credits for=
businesses and families, strengthening the childcare workforce pipeline, r=
aising income eligibility thresholds for subsidized childcare, and increasi=
ng the number of childcare locations across the state, are all strategies t=
hat could help address this challenge and support both families and employe=
rs.  We must advocate at the State and Federal levels to get the resou=
rces needed to mitigate these issues.