What we’re advocating for
Early Matters NEO engages in public policy advocacy, driving awareness of child care issues, engaging with policymakers, and mobilizing champions. We work closely with partners across Northeast Ohio and the state to ensure our policies are aligned and connected.
Our Policy Priorities
Forward-thinking business leaders are stepping up to address the child care crisis—because they know it's a workforce and economic issue that no single employer can solve alone. By working collectively, employers, providers and policymakers can ensure a brighter future for generations.
-
Provide incentives enabling employers of all sizes to invest in child care solutions that meet their workforce needs.
2026 - 2027 State Policy Priorities:
Expand and strengthen the Ohio Early Care and Education Business Partnerships, a public-private partnership financing model to share the cost of child care between employers, families, and the state.
-
Invest state funding to expand access and affordability of child care, ensuring more parents can enter, remain in, and advance in the workforce.
2026 - 2027 State Policy Priorities:
Permanently increase eligibility for Publicly Funded Child Care to at least 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
-
Address barriers that child care providers face in recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce and alleviate rising costs for providers, stabilizing and growing the child care sector to meet employer and employee demands.
2026 - 2027 State Policy Priorities:
Provide incentives, such as raising subsidy rates, for child care centers to operate during nontraditional hours, aligning with workforce needs.