Local employers boost workers' child care benefits

Ajzeria Crawford's daily commute is much more convenient now that her workplace and child care provider are under the same roof.

Why it matters: She's one of the first parents to use a new center at Columbus State Community College — the latest local effort aiming to address a growing child care crisis .

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• A recent study found the cost of employers providing child care benefits is an investment with outsized returns due to reduced absenteeism, lateness and attrition, Axios' Emily Peck reports .

The big picture: More companies nationwide are considering beefing up such benefits , including stipends and on-site centers, amid a tight labor market and dwindling access to care .

How it works: Columbus State's center opened in May with a capacity of nearly 100 kids and sliding-scale tuition based on income.

• It's about one-fourth full as it staffs up, per a college spokesperson. Enrollment is prioritized for employees and students.
• Crawford, a college data specialist pursuing a medical imaging degree, is both.

What she's saying: Crawford tells Axios she is "at ease" knowing her 3-year-old daughter is just down the hall.

• "But my biggest thing is the convenience of it all," the Lancaster resident says. "Being able to pick up and drop off your child and not worry about being late."

Markesha Little, left, assistant social services director at Columbus State's new child care center, and Peggy Lucas, the college's Applied Sciences & Human Services coordinator. Photo courtesy of Columbus State

Zoom in: Several area employers have operated on-site centers for years, including JPMorgan Chase , Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth and OSU.

• Franklin County is transforming the defunct downtown jail into a center with space for over 400 kids of county and city employees, with anticipated completion in 2028.
• Intel has committed to bolstering child care tuition reimbursements and other perks as it builds its semiconductor plant in Licking County.

The other side: Google and General Mills recently announced closures of on-site centers due to costs and low enrollment, respectively.

What we're watching: Action for Children , our region's child care referral agency, recently received a state grant to work with businesses to expand care benefits, spokesperson Christiana Sallard told Axios.

• Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering a host of child care-related bills , including tax credits to incentivize employers to offer benefits.

The bottom line: "In the last few years, employers have become a lot more aware of the impact of child care (or the lack of it) on workplace retention and recruitment," Sallard said.