Central Ohio forum warns child care system is 'fragile' as many providers operate at a loss

A forum hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Club at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on the state of child care in Central Ohio painted a bleak picture for providers and families, with panelists and local officials urging sustained public and private investment to prevent further closures.

"Forty-seven percent of child care providers report that their monthly revenue does not cover their expenses," said Tasha Booker, chief executive officer of Action for Children, summarizing findings from the organization’s Central Ohio Care Provider Survey. Booker added that 58% of surveyed providers said they were unsure they would be open in 12 months and that Franklin County data show 64% of local providers feel they are in survival mode.

The report, now in its seventh edition, was the centerpiece of the conversation. Dr. Catherine Applegate, director of child care and education initiatives at Action for Children, said the survey shows persistent problems across years and that providers are "emotionally taxed" and "financially taxed." "We know these problems exist. The data is there. What are we gonna do about it?" she asked.

State and policy context featured heavily. Kara…