Rep. Brewer Introduces Two, Family Focused, Childcare Bills

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Darnell T. Brewer (D-Cleveland) today introduced two bills aimed at addressing Ohio’s growing childcare crisis.

The first bill will establish the At-Home Infant Care Program through the Department of Children and Youth. This program, modeled after similar legislation in Montana, will provide financial assistance to eligible caretaker parents, allowing them to stay home full-time to care for children under two years of age. This legislation is beneficial for all family makeups, allowing one parent to work while one parent stays at home or by making sure that a single parent can care for their child while earning a living income.

“It is our responsibility as lawmakers to find solutions to the childcare crisis and to make sure every child in Ohio receives the care they deserve, and every parent and provider has the ability to deliver that care,” said Rep. Brewer.

The second piece of legislation establishes a uniform statewide childcare inspection process. Currently, each county Job and Family Services performs inspections for family childcare providers, with no uniform standards across counties. Under this legislation, the Department of Children and Youth and Ohio Job and Family Services would be responsible for developing consistent inspection procedures, and when possible, apply the uniform standards for all childcare settings. Consistency can help providers understand expectations more clearly, inspectors follow standardized protocols, and families gain confidence knowing that the same core standards apply regardless of setting.

“This bill does not create unnecessary bureaucracy. It does not impose new burdens without purpose. Instead, it enhances coordination between agencies, promotes uniformity where appropriate, and strengthens the quality of oversight in childcare environments,” concluded Rep. Brewer.

This legislation now awaits committee assignment.