North central Ohio families are navigating a child care crisis. This series investigates the gaps — and highlights the people and solutions working to close them.
It Takes A Village is a solutions journalism project from Richland Source, Ashland Source and Knox Pages. We’re diving deep into the region’s growing child care challenges — including lack of access, affordability and quality — and the ripple effects they create for families, businesses and the future of our communities.
Through real stories, data and expert insight, we’ll explore:
- The economic toll of child care shortages
- How the early years shape long-term success
- Why care is critical infrastructure — and what we can do about it
This is more than a series — it’s a call to build a stronger village together.


















