COLUMBUS – During the last year and a half, a number of childcare providers have closed their doors, but some are opening up for the first time to fill the gap. 

What You Need To Know

  • Little Incredibles opened its doors in July because a couple recognized the need

  • The center's enrollment is up, but more teachers are needed

  • 1 in 4 daycares may have closed their doors permanently due to the pandemic across the nation, according to Procare Solutions

  • In Ohio, ODJFS indicated 437 licensed centers and in-home daycares closed between Feb. 2020 and Aug. 2021, but couldn't verify if it was pandemic related

  • The National Association for the Education of Young Children said childcare workers surveyed nationally noted being aware of 42% of minority-owned providers shutting their doors permanently and 56% of centers in suburban communities closing

Nathaniel Stewart and his wife knew they wanted to open a childcare center long before the pandemic arrived. So, they spent time finding the right resources, the right space and the right people to get started. When the pandemic came, concern came over the couple as to how they were going to still make it all happen. The Stewarts even questioned if they should still proceed forward with the opening.

“There was a time really where we were unsure during the time of COVID if we wanted to continue on this venture, but I think our passion and understanding the need especially post COVID, if you can say post COVID, we knew that the need would be there,” Stewart said.

So, they decided to open Little Incredibles. Knowing that there could be another wave of COVID-19 hitting, making the need even greater for working parents, Stewart said that just helped accelerate their decision.

After opening in July, there was concern about whether the kids would come, but it didn't take long as enrollment picked up. While that's been a good thing, there's a number they've had to turn away because some parents make just more than the $40,000 threshold to qualify for childcare. Also, now there's a great need for teachers.

“We’ve had a challenging time trying to find teachers as we ramp up with our students and enrollment,” Stewart said.

Without sacrificing education and care, Stewart said it's been tough. 

Still, with a focus on providing five-star care, Stewart continues to look for resources and ways to help families who are struggling to find care. He said he'd like to establish a scholarship fund to help people get childcare.