Some childcare advocates are calling on lawmakers to change a budget proposal that would impact Ohio early learning centers. The Senate budget proposal would make changes to Ohio's Step Up To Quality program, which rates participating childcare facilities with one to five stars. Senate President Matt Huffman says the requirements to get those stars are too burdensome and many providers choose not to participate.
But supporters of Step Up To Quality say the program gives taxpayer money to facilities that can show they provide a base-level of early childhood education.
The Senate proposal would eliminate the 2020 mandate that all child care centers and home providers meet the minimum rating of one of five stars in order to receive a state subsidy for low-income children.
Joining Cincinnati Edition to discuss Step Up To Quality and concerns about the Senate's budget proposal is Learning Grove COO Patti Gleason.
We reached out to Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman's office. Despite offering several options for an interview he was not able to join us on our program.
Listen to Cincinnati Edition live at noon M-F. Audio for this segment will be uploaded after 4 p.m. ET.
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