Senate Passes Roegner Bill Exempting Military-Certified Child Care Providers From State Licenses

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 218, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), legislation which exempts childcare providers certified by the Department of War from state license requirements.

“Senate Bill 218 recognizes the unique training, accountability, and professionalism already required of armed forces–certified childcare providers," said Senator Roegner. "By exempting these providers from duplicative state licensure, this legislation reduces unnecessary barriers while maintaining high standards of care for military families. It supports those who serve our country by making quality childcare more accessible, flexible, and responsive to the needs of Ohio’s armed forces community.”

Senate Bill 218 would exempt family childcare providers that are certified by any branch of the U.S. armed forces, including the Coast Guard, from state law regulating childcare providers, including the requirement that certain family childcare homes be licensed by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) in order to operate in Ohio. In order to be certified by the Department of War, childcare providers must meet requirements which are more stringent than those enforced by the DCY. These requirements include:

• Monthly unannounced home visits.
• Annual safety, health, fire, water, and multi-discipline team inspections in accordance with state requirements.
• Annual license renewal.
• Providers must have liability insurance of at least $500,000.
• The completion of 40 hours of orientation and 24 hours annually, including CPR certification.

Senate Bill 218 now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration.

 
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