Active: May 1, 2026 Deadline
Ohio Child Care Cred (CCCP) Cost-Sharing
The current CCCP funding cycle closesMay 1, 2026. Funding is guaranteed through June 30, 2026. Submit your joint employer/employee/provider application tochildcarecred@childrenandyouth.ohio.govnow.
May 1
2026 Application Deadline
40/40/20
Cost Split
CCCP
Program Name
88
Counties Covered
Active
Program Status
45F
Federal Credit Available
All
Employers Eligible
⚖️ How the Cost Split Works
Employer Pays
40%
of total tuition
Ohio Pays
40%
via CCCP
Parent Pays
20%
of total tuition
Ohio Pays
~33%
state match
Parent Pays
~33%
of total tuition
📊 The Ohio Savings Stack
| Benefit Layer | Small Business (<$32M) | Large Business |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio CCCP Match (40%) | ~$4,800/child/yr | ~$4,800/child/yr |
| Parent Share (20%) | ~$2,400/child/yr | ~$2,400/child/yr |
| Federal 45F Credit (2026) | 50% of employer share | 40% of employer share |
| Net Employer Cost | ~$2,400/child/yr | ~$2,880/child/yr |
💰 Real-World Employer Savings
| Cost Component | Without Program | With Buckeye Stack |
|---|---|---|
| Annual infant care cost (Columbus) | $12,000 | $12,000 |
| Ohio CCCP Match (40%) | $0 | -$4,800 |
| Parent Share (20%) | $0 | -$2,400 |
| Employer Share before 45F (40%) | $12,000 | $4,800 |
| Federal 45F Credit (50% of employer share) | $0 | -$2,400 |
| Net Employer Cost | $12,000 | $2,400/yr |
Ohio employers save 80% using CCCP + Federal 45F — apply before the May 1, 2026 deadline!
📋 Available Programs & Incentives
Ohio HB 96 Employer Tax Credit
State Tax Credit
50% of employer contributions (up to $500K/yr)
Eligibility: All Ohio employers with qualifying child care expenses
Ohio Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
State Subsidy
Sliding-scale co-pay based on income
Eligibility: Families at or below 145% FPL
Federal Section 45F Credit
Federal Tax Credit
Up to 50% of employer costs (max $600K/yr)
Eligibility: All U.S. employers with qualifying child care expenses
Ohio Step Up to Quality Rating
State Program
Quality ratings for child care providers
Eligibility: Licensed Ohio child care providers
Duo-Share (Employer + Employee)
Employer Benefit
Flexible split — employer covers 25–75%
Eligibility: Any Ohio employer, no state program required
📍 Geographic Coverage
Tri-Share and employer child care programs are available to employers and families across all cities and counties in this state. Key areas include:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
HB 96 created a 50% employer tax credit on contributions toward employee child care costs, up to $500,000 per employer per year. This credit can be stacked with the Federal Section 45F Credit.
Yes — Ohio employers can stack the HB 96 state credit (50%) with the Federal Section 45F Credit (up to 50%). Together, these credits can offset nearly all employer child care contributions.
Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo have the highest employer participation rates. The HB 96 credit is available statewide to all Ohio employers.
Ohio does not have a formal Tri-Share program. However, HB 96 creates a strong employer incentive. We recommend a Duo-Share model — contact us for a free consultation.
Ohio's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) serves families at or below 145% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Contact Ohio ODJFS for current income thresholds.
Step Up to Quality is Ohio's quality rating and improvement system for child care providers. Higher-rated providers receive additional funding and are preferred partners for employer child care programs.
Contact the Ohio Department of Taxation at tax.ohio.gov for guidance on claiming HB 96 credits.