Jeff Newman

The Franklin County Commissioners discussed and showed support for CelebrateOne, specifically focusing on improving a sub-award agreement with Columbus Public Health. This agreement aims to support a holistic approach to combating infant mortality across Franklin County through various programs, community interventions, education, and outreach strategies. Key initiatives discussed included crib assessments and distribution, community engagement in targeted neighborhoods, a multimedia safe sleep campaign, and the Building Health Care Futures initiative, which is a community health worker program in partnership with The Ohio State University nursing school.

The council reviewed vacancies, discussed OCALICON input and training topics, and received updates on the Early Childhood Advisory Council budget, including funding for Help Me Grow, Early Intervention, and the Imagination Library. The council also reviewed changes to Step Up To Quality goals, the Family and Children First Council, and Ohio RISE. Policy updates included changes to chapters 5101:2-12, 5101:2-13, 5101:2-14, and 5101:2-18, as well as permanent pandemic day camp rules and revisions to Chapter 16 rules. The State Plan for FFY 2022-2024 was discussed. Updates from the Bureau of Child Care Licensing and Monitoring included information on temporary pandemic school age programs, rates in the portal, and tuberculosis testing. The Bureau of Child Care Operational Support provided updates on the Time, Attendance and Payment system, the In-Home Aide Pilot, and Ohio Benefits. The Farm to Table initiative was discussed, along with categorical eligibility for kinship and updates from the field. A proposal was made and accepted to pursue funding for foster care children in kinship placements to be eligible for PFCC, regardless of income.

The council meeting covered various topics including a website tour and rule walkthrough, updates on the Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC), including the number of children served in publicly funded child care and the reopening of child care programs. Discussions included workforce challenges, ARPA funding initiatives (operating/new pandemic stabilization grants, workforce recruitment grants, access development grants, and administrative infrastructure support), SUTQ 2025 goals, and a study committee to examine PFCC and SUTQ. Updates were also provided on the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) program, including the state plan, federal reports (QPR, ACF 901 ARP Stabilization Report, ACF 404 State Improper Payment Report), and federal monitoring. The Bureau of Child Care Licensing and Monitoring reported on the annual report and Cleveland supervisor changes. The Bureau of Child Care Operational Support discussed updates to OCLQS and OPR, CCIDS/EA updates, and the Time, Attendance, and Payment System (TAP). Finally, updates from the field were shared, including information on the impact of free preschool programs and new Ohio Approved trainings.

The meeting covered various topics including updates on the Breastfeeding Support for Early Childhood Education program, the Ohio Kinship & Adoption Navigator Program, and the Post Adoption Specialist Services Subsidy program. Discussions also included the Early Childhood Advisory Council updates, Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) Renewal Grant, and updates from other agencies such as the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Ohio Department of Health. The meeting also addressed the Bureau of Child Care Policy and Technical Support updates, Bureau of Child Care Licensing and Monitoring updates, Bureau of Child Care Operational Support updates, Child Care Policy updates, and updates from the field. Key discussion points included workforce challenges, funding for child care programs, and the impact of the cost of living on families' ability to afford child care.

The meeting covered various topics including budget updates for the Benefit Bridge pilot, Imagination Library, and Child Care, highlighting expanded eligibility and copayment discounts. A study committee was established to evaluate publicly funded child care and Step Up To Quality. An OhioKAN program presentation was given, along with OFA Program Office updates, including budget changes and state plan submissions. Discussions also included licensing inspections, professional development, and rate updates. A letter was drafted proposing changes to child care eligibility for children in foster or kinship care. Finally, updates from the field were shared, including information on the CDA amnesty program.