How government shutdown could affect child care in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Thousands of children in Ohio could soon lose access to early education and childcare as the federal shutdown drags on.

"Every day the shutdown continues, it's Ohio families and children who are paying the price," Ohio Head Start Association Executive Director Julie Stone said. "And Head Start is not a political issue. It's a lifeline for the families we serve."

Seven Ohio Head Start Programs will run out of funds on Saturday, forcing potential closures and furloughs across the state.

"Our folks are very creative at making things work, but can't operate a program without money to operate it," Stone said. "And that money needs to be allocated as part of either an appropriations bill or a continuing resolution that will get the funding flowing again."

Head Start