Summit to address child care concerns

HURON TWP. — Across the Firelands region, employers are facing a common challenge: attracting and retaining a reliable workforce. While businesses continue searching for solutions, one issue consistently rises to the top: access to affordable, dependable child care. To address this growing workforce concern, the Child Care Resource Center will host the Regional Business Partnership Summit from 12:30-2:30 p.m Tuesday at the Sandusky-area Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Doors open at noon. The summit will bring together business owners, human resource professionals, economic development leaders, child care providers, workforce organizations and community stakeholders to discuss practical strategies that support working families while strengthening businesses and regional economies. Child care is no longer just a family issue: It is a workforce issue. When employees cannot access reliable child care, businesses experience higher absenteeism, increased turnover and greater difficulty recruiting talent. This summit is designed to help employers understand the solutions available and the return those investments can generate. A highlight of the event will be two projects created from Ohio's Business Partnership Grant, an innovative state-supported initiative that, in the Firelands region, allows employers to invest in child care solutions through a 75% state investment and 25% employer contribution model through June 2027. The program enables businesses to partner with child care providers, create family-friendly benefits and improve workforce stability while minimizing employer costs. The second is the North Coast Childcare Access for Retention and Employment initiative. Attendees will learn: • How child care impacts workforce participation and business performance • Strategies for offering child care as an employee benefit • Ways to reduce absenteeism and improve retention • How employers can participate in the business partnership grant • Real-world examples from organizations already investing in workforce-supportive solutions The summit will feature remarks from Erie Wobser, CEO of the Greater Sandusky Partnership, and Nico Samaniego, president and CEO of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, along with a panel of employers and human resource leaders who will share their experiences implementing family-friendly workplace policies and child care supports. "When businesses have access to the talent they need, they can grow, invest and strengthen our communities," Wobser said. "Child care is increasingly part of that workforce equation. Supporting solutions that help working families access reliable care strengthens our labor force, supports local employers and contributes to a more competitive regional economy. The event is sponsored by Horizon Education Centers and is expected to attract employers and workforce leaders from throughout northern Ohio. Business owners, human resources professionals, workforce leaders, community partners and child care providers are encouraged to attend. Registration and event information are available at ccrcinc.com. People can also email jdodge@ccrcinc.com or call 440-242-0413, ext. *231, for more information. Bio blast The Child Care Resource Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families, supporting child care providers and expanding access to high-quality early childhood education and care. Through resource and referral services, professional development, workforce initiatives and community partnerships, the center helps connect families, employers and communities with solutions that support thriving children and a strong workforce.