CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - Cuyahoga County is working to expand the supply of affordable, high-quality childcare so parents can continue to work and meet the needs of our local economy. This initiative comes as a result of Cuyahoga County being selected for the inaugural cohort of a new program from the National Association of Counties (NACo) designed to strengthen local childcare systems in response to workforce needs.

“Cuyahoga County is committed to investing in the future of our children, and we recognize that equal access to high quality, affordable childcare is essential to working parents, and to building a strong, sustainable workforce,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “We are grateful for this partnership with NACo to help advance our vision for the future of childcare in our communities.”

Made possible by the Investing in America Child Care Partnership, Cuyahoga County’s Office of Early Childhood/Invest in Children and Department of Development have organized a multi-sector stakeholder working group to collaborate on these issues. These leaders will be supported by a national infrastructure to coordinate with federal agencies and identify opportunities for policy innovations and scaling. The launch of this project recognizes the critical role that local governments play as conveners of business and other important partners in addressing childcare supply challenges.

“I am excited for this partnership that builds on 25 years of commitment by Cuyahoga County to invest in high-quality affordable childcare,” said Dr. Shawna Rohrman, Director of Invest in Children. “This process will help us take a closer look at the affordability, availability, adequacy, and accessibility of childcare, which is a vital resource for healthy children and parents’ ability to work and support their family.”

Currently, childcare supply is limited, and conventional approaches have often exacerbated the issue. However, the Childcare Supply Network presents a unique opportunity to act as a catalyst for collaboration among local government, businesses and stakeholders while allowing for the braiding of funds to enhance childcare services. By utilizing federal infrastructure funds to support wraparound services like childcare, county governments and their communities can effectively address workforce needs and sustainably strengthen local childcare systems. This approach will help foster long-term economic growth and opportunity.

“A thriving local economy needs a workforce it can rely on, and working parents need quality childcare they can rely on,” said Debbie Berry, Chief of Integrated Development. “Growing our supply of affordable childcare is an essential element of growing our economy. It’s an investment that pays dividends for children, families, and businesses.”

Through participating in the Childcare Supply Network, Cuyahoga County will promote the coordination of resources and the identification of opportunities for policy innovations, while scaling effective strategies to build childcare supply.