{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Understanding the New Landscape of Childcare","description":"Just how broken are the economics of childcare? It\u2019s no secret they're preventing Ohio\u2019s childcare providers from meeting the current demand for their services from employers, parents, and families.  A stunning recent report from Action for Children, The Child Care Provider Survey, uncovered critical issues facing child care providers in central Ohio, including concerns about staffing, capacity, and tuition increases. More than half of providers reported that their monthly revenue does not cover expenses. With the ending of pandemic-era support funding, recent findings by Action for Children emphasize the need for sustained, flexible investment in central Ohio\u2019s childcare centers and Family Child Care programs. This mixed picture produces a domino effect \u2013 not enough staff limits enrollment, which reduces revenue and causes tuition to rise \u2013 an unstable reckoning that shortchanges families, employers, and communities. This CMC forum unpacks the deeply set factors causing central Ohio\u2019s childcare providers to struggle. We\u2019ll look at how the region can chart a path to a more equitable and sustainable future for the childcare that\u2019s ideal for children, parents, and employers together. Featuring: Eric Karolak, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Action for Children Kara Wente, Director, Department of Children and Youth, State of Ohio Aslyne Rodriguez, Director of Government Affairs, COTA Carol Haynes, Executive Director, Kiddie Academy The host is Cierra Johnson, Anchor and Reporter, NBC4 This forum was sponsored by PNC Bank, The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and Columbus State Community College. It was supported by The Ellis. The presenting sponsor of the livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on February 14, 2024.  ","author_name":"The Columbus Metropolitan Club","author_url":"http:\/\/columbusmetroclub.org","html":"