Franklin County Roadshow Stop Highlights Two Approaches to Supporting Young Children and Families
October 29 site visits showcase early learning, support for child care educators, and services that help families experiencing housing instability.
On October 29, 2026, Groundwork Ohio's statewide Roadshow visited two child care centers in Franklin County, highlighting the important role early childhood programs play in supporting children's development, working parents, and family stability.
Groundwork Ohio staff split into two teams to visit Lightbridge Academy in Dublin and the YWCA Columbus Family Center. Although the programs serve families in different circumstances, both demonstrated how quality early learning and strong relationships with families can help young children thrive.
The visits also provided opportunities for policymakers and their staff to see these programs firsthand, ask questions, and learn about the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio's early childhood system.
Lightbridge Academy: Investing in Educators and Early Learning
At Lightbridge Academy in Dublin, Groundwork Ohio was joined by State Senator Beth Liston (D-Dublin) for a tour of the child care center, which opened in April.
The team met with the center's leadership and visited classrooms serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Throughout the tour, staff described their approach to developmentally appropriate learning, individualized care, kindergarten readiness, and partnerships with parents.
One focus of the conversation was the importance of supporting early childhood educators. Lightbridge Academy has established a structured pay system that recognizes experience and educational credentials, offers professional development opportunities, and provides tuition discounts for employees with children enrolled in the program.
The center also supports educators pursuing their Child Development Associate credential, recognizing that investments in staff training and compensation contribute to a more stable workforce and stronger learning experiences for children.
The visit highlighted how child care centers do much more than provide supervision while parents work. Educators help children build social-emotional skills, develop independence, prepare for kindergarten, and establish foundations for lifelong learning.
The conversation also turned to state policy challenges that could affect families' access to child care and other essential supports. Participants discussed concerns about eligibility requirements for publicly funded child care, a projected child care funding gap in Ohio's next state budget, and anticipated Medicaid cuts that could put additional financial pressure on families. These challenges underscore the importance of protecting and strengthening public investments in early learning and family supports, particularly as parents and providers are already struggling with rising costs.
YWCA Columbus Family Center: Supporting Children and Families Experiencing Housing Instability
At the YWCA Columbus Family Center, Groundwork Ohio joined U.S. Congressman Mike Carey (R-OH-15) and members of his staff; Columbus City Councilmember Rob Dorans and his aide, Ariel Garrett; and Liza Maynard, representing State Representative Christine Cockley (D-Columbus).
The visit highlighted the critical role child care plays in helping families experiencing homelessness regain stability.
The Family Center was serving 54 women and families in shelter at the time of the visit. Its Safe and Sound child care program, which has operated for more than 21 years, serves children from six weeks through age 12, providing a supportive environment during a period of significant transition.
Staff described how trauma-informed educators work closely with parents to meet children's developmental and emotional needs. Through a combination of federal and local funding and public-private partnerships, the center connects families with early learning and additional resources.
The Family Center also employs four family advocates and brings in community partners to provide health services, financial education, and employment supports. Its Employment Resource Center offers technology education and provides participants with a device upon completion of the program.
With families spending an average of 94 days in shelter, these coordinated services are especially important. Reliable child care can give parents time to pursue employment, secure housing, and take steps toward long-term economic stability while their children receive consistent care and support.
Bringing Franklin County's Experiences to Statewide Policy Conversations
Together, the October 29 visits illustrated the many ways child care programs support Ohio's youngest children and their families.
At Lightbridge Academy, the conversation emphasized educator compensation, professional development, and high-quality early learning. At the YWCA Columbus Family Center, participants saw how child care can be integrated with housing, employment, and family support services to help families navigate difficult circumstances.
Both visits reinforced the importance of investing in early childhood programs and recognizing the essential role they play in children's development, family economic stability, and Ohio's workforce.
As Groundwork Ohio's Roadshow completes its journey across all 33 Ohio Senate districts, the experiences shared in Franklin County will help inform a statewide report and policy recommendations for Ohio's next governor and General Assembly.
Every community and every family has a different story, but the message remains consistent: Supporting young children means supporting the families and professionals who care for them.
Learn More
Explore Groundwork Ohio’s county fact sheets to learn more about the data behind this Roadshow stop.
