Summer is more than a break from school. It is an opportunity to strengthen children’s minds, nurture emotional well-being, and deepen family connections. Discover simple, meaningful ways to bring literacy, outdoor play, exploration, and joy into everyday summer experiences while helping every child feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive.

This comment urges federal leaders to reconsider proposed changes to the child care rule that could destabilize families and providers. Drawing on on-the-ground experience in Ohio, it explains how affordable, reliable child care supports children’s development, family stability, and local economies. Removing key protections risks shifting financial strain back onto those already under pressure and weakening a system families depend on every day.