Though childcare in Ohio faces a few challenges, overall the state seems to be doing better than average. Those needing childcare in Ohio enjoy perks such as a number of recreational parks and zoos, as well costs that are on the lower end of the national average.
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The state offers good news when it comes to paying for childcare. While the national averages for infants range from $4,650 to $18,200, Ohio falls towards the lower end of the spectrum at $7,750. Similarly, low prices can be found for four-year-olds, whose care costs $5,900, and for school-aged children, whose care costs $4,700.
The low prices bode well for the state’s estimated 569,262 children under the age of six who potentially require childcare. Of those children, an approximate 40% are children of single parents who maintain either full or part time employment. That remains consistent with the national average of nearly 39%.
When expanding the picture of working parents to all those with children under the age of eighteen, Ohio has 594,985 working married mothers compared to 280,400 single working mothers. Nationwide, there are over 15,000,000 married mothers in the workforce and over 6,000,000 single mothers in the work force.
The good news for these hard working single parents is that there are plenty of childcare centers in Ohio. There are 5,804 childcare centers in the state, of which 5% are nationally accredited.
For parents who would prefer their child be taken care of in a family childcare center, Ohio has 5,348 of those types of centers, of which only one percent are nationally accredited. While that number may seem low, only one percent of the family childcare centers are nationally accredited across the nation.
Regardless of what type of childcare a family chooses, they will want a state that provides educational and fun activities for their children. Ohio is home to such child pleasing tourist attractions as Cedar Point, Kings Island and Six Flags amusement parks. For those who prefer a little less roller coasters in their lives, the Columbus Zoo and Cincinnati Zoo are two major attractions within the state.
For childcare that aims towards the educational content, the Ohio Historical Society, located in the state capital of Columbus, boasts dozens of historical sites throughout the state. These sites include the Warren G. Harding Presidential Home and Tomb and President Rutherford B. Hayes Home and Museum.
