This week, Groundwork Ohio launched Ready, Set, Soar Ohio, a new initiative supported by a diverse, statewide coalition to ensure that more pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families have access to the support they need to soar to their full potential.
Investing in high-quality early childhood education and health interventions during this critical period has the power to lift up all Ohio children, ensuring they are more likely to be kindergarten ready, graduate from high school, have higher earnings and better health. These prevention strategies also promise to keep Ohio children from being held back a grade, reliant on public assistance and engaging in criminal behavior. Investing in these earliest years pays dividends for children, families and the state.
But across our great state, there are too many infants and toddlers who lack the opportunity to access the high-quality programs, services, and opportunities they need to achieve lifelong success. Check out our video below to learn more.
To learn more about Ready, Set, Soar Ohio, including a list of its diverse partners, visit www.ReadySetSoarOH.org and follow on Twitter at @ReadySetSoarOH.
Is your organization interested in joining the coalition? Sign on here.
Advocating for Young Children in Washington D.C.
This week, Groundwork's Communications & Development Director, Julia Hohner, joined other Ohio early childhood advocates in Washington D.C. for NAEYC's 2020 Public Policy Forum. During the conference, the Ohio team gained expertise and insight from national and state leaders on policies affecting young children and other helpful resources. The Ohio advocates spent time on the Hill meeting with Ohio Congressional Delegation and sharing the importance of investing in our young children, families, and early educators. Thanks to our friends at NAEYC for hosting such a great forum!
Ohio Department of Health Releases 2018 Infant Mortality Report
The Ohio Department of Health released a new report on infant mortality for calendar year 2018. The report examined, in great detail, infant deaths that occurred before their first birthday. The findings showed that from 2017 to 2018, the overall infant deaths declined from 982 to 938, amounting to less than a 1% decrease. Of the infant deaths, premature births and birth defects accounted for half of all infant deaths. The most surprising finding in the report was that despite a decrease in the overall infant mortality rate over the years, black infant mortality continues to be 2.5 to 3 times higher than white infants. Overall, the report findings show that Ohio continues to lag behind the national average for infant mortality.
Attend the Success By 6 Regional Convening
Success By 6 is hosting a regional conference focused on birth to kindergarten family engagement on Monday, March 9th at 8:30 AM - 4 PM at Xavier University in Cincinnati. The objectives of this free regional conference are the following:
Demonstrate the breadth and depth of early childhood partnerships across the region.
Challenge our community’s mindset about birth to kindergarten family engagement.
Hear from families and better understand where we are perpetuating inequities in our direct and indirect practices.
Showcase local work, highlight best practices, learn about innovative strategies and policies that advance progress in engaging families from birth to kindergarten.
Identify where we are missing the mark and consider future opportunities for our region.
Click here for more information about topics and content for the day. Breakfast, lunch and free parking provided. Participating organizations are encouraged to bring parents/caregivers so they can also participate in this engaging opportunity. RSVPs are due by March 2nd, so be sure to register today!
OCALICON Call for Proposals is Now Open
Help inspire change and promote access by bringing your best ideas, strategies, and research to the nation's premier autism and disabilities conference - OCALICON! The conference will take place in Columbus, Ohio from November 11-13. During the conference, you will have the opportunity to share your knowledge, experiences, and best practices with a passionate and energized audience of 3,000+ leaders, professionals, and parents from across the nation and around the world. Don't miss this 3-day world-class learning and networking opportunity focused on autism spectrum disorder, low-incidence disabilities, and sensory disabilities.
Submit your proposal before the March 25, 2020 deadline!
Upcoming Home Visiting Webinar
In follow-up to the National Home Visiting Summit, The Ounce of Prevention is hosting three upcoming webinars focused on diversity and inclusion in home visiting.
Tuesday, March 3rd at 2 PM: Why Racial Equity Matters in Home Visiting Services and Programs featuring Aisha Ray, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Child Development at Erikson Institute
Monday, March 23rd at 2 PM: Network Weaver Webinar: Trust, Not Control featuring Marty Kooistra, Executive Director of the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County
Wednesday, April 8th at 2:30 PM: Professional Development Webinar (save the date)
For more details on webinars and other events, please visit: www.theounce.org.
Each week, Groundwork will now wrap up our newsletter by spotlighting a Groundwork Advisory Committee Member to share the great things these Members are doing for young children in their communities.
Carol Haynes
President/OwnerKiddie Academy - Reynoldsburg, Hilliard, Downtown Website
Q: What led you to get involved in Groundwork Ohio's advisory committee? A: This work provides the opportunity to work with and for disadvantaged populations while researching new solutions and utilizing my skills in health care as an RN, educator, and champion for families. Q: What is your organization currently doing to help support young children and their families? A: My child care organization provides: trauma-informed care, access to doulas, lactation specialists co-working, nursing, child birth classes, support groups, and other supports for families. Q: Tell us a fun fact about you. A: I am a 3rd grade boys basketball coach, North Carolina Tar Heels basketball fan, and I enjoy karaoke - Gloria Gaynor I will survive!