Over the past several months, PRE4CLE has partnered with members of Early Matters Northeast Ohio (EM NEO)— a growing coalition of organizations working to advance public and private policies that expand access to high-quality, affordable child care. EMNEO works to better understand how we can engage employers and business leaders in advocating for solutions that support Ohio’s working families, workforce, and economy.

EMNEO connects with workforce, philanthropic, and business leaders through conversations who share a commitment to strengthening our region. Additionally, EMNEO is eager to explore how we can align efforts, build partnerships, and elevate child care as a critical component of Northeast Ohio‘s economic future.

One message emerged clearly: child care is not only a family issue, but also a workforce, economic development, and community prosperity issue. Across sectors, leaders recognize that access to reliable, high-quality, affordable child care is essential. Furthermore, child care helps parents participate in the workforce, support employers’ talent needs, and creates stronger outcomes for all.

Moving forward, EMNEO will continue building relationships, identifying opportunities for collective action, and engaging employers and community leaders in meaningful advocacy efforts. By creating a stronger regional network, we can help ensure that Northeast Ohio recognizes child care as a critical investment in its workforce, businesses, families, and communities.

If you know an employer, business, or economic development network that would benefit from learning about this work—or want to help strengthen regional advocacy—we’d welcome the chance to connect. Please contact Katie Kelly for more information.