Ohio would shift child care payments to enrollment and support preschool grants

The Department of Children and Youth would calculate child care payments based on enrollment. This applies to publicly funded child care providers and the children enrolled with them. Beginning July 1, 2027, the department may recognize certain missed-care days for payment, subject to parent approval and the stated limits. Beginning July 1, 2027, certain absent days may count while payments are based on attendance. No later than July 9, 2028, the department must calculate payments based on enrollment.

The attorney general would coordinate with the child care department on suspected wrongdoing and investigate when an investigation is found appropriate. This process covers criminal or improper activity related to Ohio's publicly funded child care program. The attorney general may bring a criminal or civil case if the local prosecutor declines to act or does not respond within the required time. After receiving investigation findings, the local prosecutor has 60 days to state whether they will bring a case, or 120 days if they request more time.

The Department of Children and Youth would award grants to eligible early learning programs based on the number of eligible children they serve. The grants support eligible early learning programs in Ohio serving eligible preschool-age children. Grants depend on available funds, and a child may participate only if a slot is available. A child must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien and meet other rules; the income limit is 200% of the federal poverty line, unless the child has an IEP, is placed with a resource caregiver, or is homeless.