Integrating Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Policy to Grow Healthy Kids and Families in Ohio

October 27, 2021

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Join Groundwork Ohio's Center for Maternal and Young Child Health for a virtual discussion on integrating policies that support early childhood mental health to strengthen the foundation of Ohio families and communities. Our speaker lineup included:

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• State Representative Gail Pavliga

• Lynanne Gutierrez, Assistant Director & Legal Counsel at Groundwork Ohio

• Kelsey Hopkins, Policy Associate at Groundwork Ohio

• Kiana R. Trabue, MPH, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Bethesda, Inc./bi3

• Holli Ritzenthaler, MSSA, LISW-S, Assistant Vice President of Community Counseling at OhioGuidestone

• Meghan Schmelzer, Senior Policy Analyst, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Policy Team at ZERO TO THREE

• Dr. Judy Romano, MD, FAAP, Past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics - Ohio Chapter

Amplifying Family Voice to Advance Equitable Outcomes for Young Children

July 7, 2021

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Join the Center for Family Voice at Groundwork Ohio and esteemed guests for a discussion on how Ohio can better empower families to drive change and improve the healthy development of Ohio’s young children. Groundwork Ohio will also share findings from a new report, "Amplifying Family Voice to Advance Equitable Outcomes for Young Children." Our speaker lineup included:

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• Lynanne Gutierrez, Groundwork Ohio

• Shannon Jones, Groundwork Ohio

• Director Maureen Corcoran, Ohio Department of Medicaid

• Ami Cole, President at Molina Healthcare of Ohio

• Sherri Killins Stewart, Director of State Systems Alignment and Integration for the BUILD Initiative

Urgent Call to Action to Save Ohio Child Care

June 15, 2021

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Join us for a 30-minute webinar to learn more about the state of child care in Ohio's biennial budget, the Senate's damaging language on child care, and how you can join thousands of Ohioans in this urgent call to action to save quality child care. This event is brought to you by a unified front of child care advocates and professionals. Our speaker lineup included:

• Lynanne Gutierrez, Groundwork Ohio

• Karen Lampe, Ohio Association of Child Care Professionals

• Todd Barnhouse, Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association

• Kimberly Tice, Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children

• Chad Nunamaker, Southwest Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children

• Gloria Blevins, National Black Child Development Institute - Cleveland

• Chelsea Kiene, Groundwork Ohio

• Julia Jackels, Groundwork Ohio

Laying the Groundwork: in the Ohio Senate Virtual Summit

April 23, 2021

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Watch the recording of our virtual Laying the Groundwork Summit: in the Ohio Senate on April 23, 2021. This virtual summit was an opportunity to learn how Ohio's biennial budget can support quality early childhood experiences for Ohio kids, families and communities and how you can engage throughout the budget process. Our stellar speaker lineup included:

• Rhian Evans Allvin, CEO for NAEYC

• Senator Matt Dolan, Chair of Finance Committee

• Senator Jay Hottinger, President Pro Tempore

• Senator Vernon Sykes, Finance Committee Ranking Minority Member

• Senator Kenny Yuko, Minority Leader

Briefing on Child Care for the Southwest Ohio Legislative Delegation

April 12, 2021

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You are invited to meet with members of the southwest Ohio legislative delegation on Monday, April 12 at 11:00 AM. This virtual convening of legislators, constituents, and community leaders will discuss the importance of investing in infants, children, and their families in the Ohio budget and what has been proposed to date. Your state legislators need to hear from you.

Laying the Groundwork: in the Ohio House Virtual Summit

March 19, 2021

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Watch the recording of our virtual Laying the Groundwork Summit: in the Ohio House on March 19, 2021. This virtual summit was an opportunity to learn how Ohio's biennial budget can support quality early childhood experiences for Ohio kids, families and communities and how you can engage throughout the budget process. Our stellar speaker lineup included:

• Governor Mike DeWine

• Director Kristi Burre from the Governor's Office of Children's Initiatives

• Assistant Minority Leader Kristin Boggs

• Finance Committee Ranking Minority Member Erica Crawley

• Finance Subcommittee on Health & Human Services Chairman Bill Roemer

• Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz

The State of Babies in Ohio's FY22-23 Budget

March 12, 2021

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Ohio's state biennial budget process is now in full swing, but what does this budget mean for pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families? Join us on Friday, March 12th from 10:00 - 11:30 AM as we provide stakeholders with an update on the state biennial budget and what is needed to ensure that young children and families remain a top priority in the budget. During the meeting, you will have the opportunity hear from the following esteemed panel in addition to some special legislative guests:

• Lynanne Gutierrez, Groundwork Ohio

• Director Maureen Corcoran, Ohio Department of Medicaid

• State Senator Louis Blessing

• State Representative Allison Russo

• Dyane Gogan Turner, Chief of the Bureau of Maternal, Child and Family Health at Ohio Department of Health

• Reem Aly, Vice President at Health Policy Institute of Ohio

• Zach Reat, Director, Data Management and Analysis at the Health Policy Institute of Ohio

The Small Business Case for Child Care

March 5, 2021

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Join Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices and Groundwork Ohio for a webinar on why access to child care is important to small businesses as a key workforce issue. Throughout the webinar, you will have the opportunity to hear from small business owners about why child care matters to them and how small businesses can partner with early childhood advocates to address this issue. Speakers will also discuss what can be done through local, state, and federal policies to expand access to child care. Guest speakers include:

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Featuring:

• Mayor Andrew Ginther, City of Columbus

• Janetta King, Midwest Regional Director for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices

• Sharon DeLay, President of GO-HR

• Haleema Shafeek, President of GOFS Commercial Interiors

• Jarrod Turner, CEO of TBT Construction Services Inc. 

• Shannon Jones, Executive Director of Groundwork Ohio

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The Importance of Child Care to Ohio Businesses

Password required to gain access to the video: GS022021

February 25, 2021

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The Columbus Chamber is excited to announce a new partnership in 2021 with Groundwork Ohio, which will focus on advancing public policies in support of quality early learning and childhood development. This event aims to educate and engage business leaders in this effort, highlighting the economic case and workforce impact of ensuring the success of Ohio’s youngest children.

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Featuring:

• Holly Gross, Columbus Chamber of Commerce

• Shannon Jones, Groundwork Ohio

• State Representative Kristin Boggs

• Caitlin Codella Low, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

• Charna Martini, Cardinal Health

• City of Columbus First Lady Shannon Ginther

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COVID-19 and Child Care: Lessons Learned for Moving Forward

February 24, 2021

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Join researchers from the Ohio COVID-19 Child Care Study as they discuss COVID-19 among staff and families affiliated with child care programs across the state and lessons learned for managing the impact moving forward. The virtual seminar will also highlight key voices with expertise in child health and wellbeing in addressing the value of child care and the importance of sustained investment.

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Featuring:

• Darcy Freedman, PhD, MPH, Director, Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Presenter 

• Mary Beth Marks, MBA, Interim Program Manager, Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Moderator

• Lynanne Gutierrez, Esq., Assistant Director and Legal Counsel, Groundwork Ohio

• Carol Haynes, RN, MS, Executive Director/President/Owner, Kiddie Academy®

• Kristie Ross, MD, MS, Chief, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital

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Why Local Leadership Matters to Young Children

February 24, 2021

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Join Groundwork and our partners at the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, Ready, Set, Soar Ohio and the National Association of Counties for a webinar on Wednesday, February 24th from 9:30- 10:30 AM. During this webinar, you will learn from national and Ohio county leaders on what you can do to expand high-quality services for infants and toddlers in your community. 

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Featuring:

• Rashida Brown, National Association of Counties

• Shannon Jones, Groundwork Ohio

• Rachel Massoud, County Commissioners Association of Ohio

• Commissioner Carolyn Rice, Montgomery County (OH)

• April Jenkins, El Paso County Department of Human Services (CO)

• Ken Cornell, Children's Trust of Alachua County (FL)

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Leading for Equity: Understanding Your Role in Advancing Childhood Equity

October 28, 2020

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Join us for this virtual training designed to provide you with foundational knowledge on why racial equity matters for children and to empower you to advance racial equity in your work and across systems. The training is hosted by Groundwork Ohio, Learn to Earn Dayton, National Black Child Development Institute of Cleveland, OCALI, Ohio AEYC, and YWCA of Dayton. 

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Note: Professional development credit was only available for real-time participation in the live webinar.

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Featuring experts from the BUILD Initiative:

• Dr. Aisha Ray

• Michelle Stover-Wright

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Early Childhood Town Hall with State Senators Nickie Antonio and Matt Dolan

October 23, 2020

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Watch the recorded town hall discussion on impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Northeast Ohio’s early childhood system and how policymakers at the state level are addressing the urgent needs of young children and families. 

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Featuring:

• Senator Matt Dolan, Ohio Senate District 24

• Senator Nickie Antonio, Ohio Senate District 23

• Katie Kelly, Executive Director, PRE4CLE

• Lynanne Gutierrez, Assistant Director and Legal Counsel, Groundwork Ohio

• Michelle Curry, Executive Director, Merrick House

• Karla Martin, Quality Enhancement Director, Starting Point

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The Workforce Behind the Workforce Report Release

October 20, 2020

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Watch the recorded unveiling of our 2020 report on advancing the early childhood education profession in Ohio's child care settings.

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Featuring:

• Dr. Debra Brathwaite, Dayton-Montgomery County Preschool Promise

• State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard)

• Kimberly Tice, Ohio AEYC

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Building the Way to a Healthier Future Report Release

October 13, 2020

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Watch the recorded unveiling of our 2020 report on ensuring children are safe from lead hazards in child care facilities. 

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Featuring:

• Gabriella Celeste, Ohio Lead Free Kids Coalition 

• Ami Cole, Molina Healthcare of Ohio, Inc.

• Lee Anne Cornyn, Governor’s Office of Children’s Initiatives

• Katie Kelly, Executive Director of PRE4CLE

• Wyonette Cheairs, Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition

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Drafting a New Blueprint for Success: Report Release Event

October 7, 2020

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Watch the recorded unveiling of our 2020 equity report. The release event includes an overview of the new report, which explores additional metrics and offers high-level recommendations for advancing equity for young children in Ohio, followed by a discussion among state policymakers about the importance of advancing early childhood equity.

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Featuring:

• State Senator Nicki Antonio (D-Lakewood)

• State Senator Dave Burke (R-Marysville)

• State Representative Erica Crawley (D-Columbus)

Ready, Set, Soar Ohio Campaign Relaunch 

September 23, 2020

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Ready, Set, Soar Ohio is a diverse statewide coalition of early childhood, education, health, advocacy, philanthropy and business organizations, community leaders, policymakers and families. 

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Featuring: ​

• Director LeeAnne Cornyn, Governor's Office of Children's Initiatives

• Rozlyn Grant, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at The Centers

• Commissioner Carolyn Rice, Montgomery County

State and Federal Discussions to Support Child Care Relief

May - August, 2020

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• Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (August 14, 2020)

• Congressman Tim Ryan (July 30, 2020)

• Senator Rob Portman (July 29, 2020)

• Congressman Troy Balderson (July 23, 2020)

• Senator Sherrod Brown (June 26, 2020)

• Congressman Steve Stivers & State Senator Stephanie Kunze (May 28, 2020)

• Ohio Legislative Children's Caucus (May 22, 2020)

Child Care Round Table Discussion with Ohio Mayors

July 17, 2020 ​

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Community leaders from Dayton and Akron discuss the critical role child care plays in supporting families, businesses, and the local economy.

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Featuring:

• Mayor Daniel Horrigan, City of Akron

• Mayor Nan Whaley, City of Dayton

• Laura DiCola, Summit Education Initiative

• Palmer Jason, Good Shepherd Academy Child Care

• Ronette Moss, Akron Area YMCA

• Charmaine Webster, Dayton/Montgomery County Preschool Promise

Supporting Children & Families in Accessing Preventative Healthcare

May 27, 2020 ​

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Over the past few months, pediatricians have seen a sharp decrease in well-child visits. Early education and health providers can help in reassuring families that pediatrician offices are safe and necessary to monitor their child's development and growth as well as to maintain their vaccination schedules.

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Featuring:

• Michele Dritz, MD, FAAP, Ohio AAP & Cornerstone Pediatrics

• Suzanne Prescott, Director of Butler County Educational Service Center

• Sheri Davis, RN at Butler County Educational Service Center

• Kelly Vyzral, Senior Health Policy Associate, Children's Defense Fund - Ohio

Supporting Child & Family Mental Health During the Coronavirus Pandemic

May 7, 2020 ​

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This training is targeted toward parents, caregivers, and providers who are seeking guidance and tools to support young children during times of community stress such as the coronavirus pandemic. (Note: Credit only available for live participation in the webinar)

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Featuring:

• Dr. Valerie Alloy, Lead, Early Childhood Mental Health Initiatives, Bureau of Children and Families, Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services

• Stephanie Davis, Assistant Director, Office of Early Learning & School Readiness, Ohio Department of Education

• Dr. Robert Ammerman, Pediatric Psychologist, Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and Scientific Director, Every Child Succeeds

• Dr. Laura Maddox, Director of Center for the Young Child, OCALI

• Erin Lucas, Director of Early Childhood Programs, Hopewell Health Centers

Promoting Children's Resiliency and Preventing Child Abuse during the Coronavirus Pandemic

April 8, 2020​

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This training is targeted toward parents, caregivers, and providers who are seeking guidance and tools to support young children during times of community stress such as the coronavirus pandemic. (Note: Credit only available for live participation in the webinar)

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Featuring:

• Dr. Jonathan Thackeray, Dayton Children's Hospital

• Lee Johnson III, ZERO TO THREE

• Dr. Melissa Merrick, Prevent Child Abuse America).

Supporting Early Childhood Educators' Mental Health 

March 24, 2020​

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During this time of elevated stress and anxiety, especially for those work with young children and their families, take a moment to breathe, take care of yourself, and learn more about supporting your own mental health.

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Featuring:

• Dr. Nefertiti Bruce Poyner