Representative Williams Urges Unannounced Inspections of Childcare Facilities in Columbus Area

COLUMBUS-State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) today sent a letter, co-signed by 42 Representatives, urging Kara Wente, Director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), to increase the frequency of unannounced inspections of childcare facilities, specifically in the Columbus, Ohio area, to ensure greater accountability.

This move comes as a result of public reports alleging that certain childcare facilities participating in publicly funded childcare programs are fraudulently billing the State of Ohio for children who are not in attendance.

"These allegations raise serious concerns regarding program integrity, the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and the overall credibility of Ohio's publicly funded childcare system," wrote Williams. "Unannounced inspections are an essential tool to identify violations, deter fraudulent practices, and reinforce confidence in the oversight of publicly funded programs."

The letter specifically requests that DCY:

• Conduct increased unannounced inspections of Columbus-area childcare facilities receiving state funding;
• Audit attendance records and billing submissions to identify potential fraudulent reporting;
• Immediately suspend or withhold any further state payments to any childcare facility where inspections or audits indicate probable fraud, false attendance reporting, or other material misrepresentations, pending full investigation and adjudication;
• Refer any substantiated cases of fraud to the appropriate prosecuting authorities;
• Provide the General Assembly with a summary of findings and any resulting enforcement actions or recommended policy changes; and
• Continue cooperation with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' inspection programs and assets.