Investing in What Works: Why Programs Like Toledo Day Nursery Deserve Ohio’s Support
- Groundwork Ohio
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
By Troy Hunter, Managing Director of Policy
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Imagine This
You wake up with excitement in your chest. You're four years old, and it’s Monday, your favorite day because It’s time to go to Child Care. You rush to get dressed and head out the door with your grown-up. When you arrive, you're greeted by warm, familiar faces, teachers who know you, love you, and make you feel safe. You smile, drop your things in your cubby, and begin the day.
You explore colors and numbers, build towers with friends, and proudly show off your art. At lunch, you eat until your belly is full. You can’t wait to play on the playground. But today, you trip and scrape your knee. Tears start to fall as you run into the arms of a teacher who kneels down, wipes your face, and gently says, “You’re safe now.” You end the day with a full brain, full belly, and full heart.
This is the daily experience of children at Toledo Day Nursery.
Groundwork had the privilege of visiting Toledo Day Nursery (TDN) with colleagues from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and HOPE Toledo. Julia Myers and Chelsea Davis are the Directors of TDN’s two sites, work tirelessly with their staff to provide nurturing and engaging learning environments for the students in their care. Founded in 1871, TDN holds the distinction of being Ohio’s oldest child care center and one of the oldest in the United States. But while its history is impressive, what’s even more remarkable is how TDN continues to innovate and lead the way for what high-quality early education can, and should, look like today.
WeVision EarlyEd Demonstrating What’s Possible
Toledo Day Nursery is a proud WeVision EarlyEd Solutions Lab site, an initiative supported by the Bainum Family Foundation. Through this work, TDN is part of a national movement that aims to transform the child care system based on the real needs and experiences of families and early educators.
WeVision EarlyEd envisions a system where child care is seen as a public good, quality is consistent and predictable, and families, practitioners, and policymakers share in decision-making. TDN is showing that this vision is achievable right now with the right support. By partnering with families, valuing the voices of educators, and maintaining the highest standards through NAEYC accreditation, TDN is demonstrating that the high-quality child care is not only possible, it’s already happening here in Ohio.
Advancing Preschool Access for Every Child
TDN is also a partner in HOPE Toledo’s Pre-K initiative, working toward a future where every 4-year-old in Toledo has access to high-quality preschool. HOPE Toledo’s vision is that early education is the foundation for a strong workforce, a strong economy, and a strong community.
With more than 80% of Toledo’s children entering kindergarten unprepared (based on KRA scores), the need could not be more urgent. Research tells us that 90% of brain development happens before age five , and we must act boldly to close gaps before they widen.
Through its partnership with HOPE Toledo, TDN is helping ensure that:
High standards for curriculum and teacher quality are maintained;
Families can access tuition assistance;
Comprehensive services like health, nutrition, and mental health are integrated into early learning environments;
Accountability remains strong with program evaluations and community governance.
Meeting the Needs of Toledo Families
Toledo Day Nursery is having a big impact in the community:
TDN expanded access to Early Head Start, adding a new classroom to serve even more infants and toddlers.
Through grants and partnerships, TDN made significant investments in indoor and outdoor learning materials, ensuring rich environments for growth and exploration.
TDN’s Young Artist Exhibit engaged families and the broader community, highlighting the creativity and potential of the children they serve.
Importantly, TDN continues to meet basic family needs by providing diapers, wipes, formula, coats, and essential supplies, ensuring that families feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.
Public funding from sources like United Way, Hope Toledo, and Publicly Funded Child Care made up a majority of TDN’s support and revenue in 2023, demonstrating the transformational role of public investment in sustaining high-quality early learning opportunities.
Why High-Quality Early Childhood Education Matters Now More Than Ever
Our visit to Toledo Day Nursery reinforced that when we invest early, we change outcomes for life. Yet Ohio’s children and families still face major barriers to accessing affordable, high-quality early education.
In the most recent round of changes to House Bill 96, the Ohio House restored $100 million over the biennium for the Child Care. But the work is not finished. The Ohio Senate now has an opportunity to further prioritize child care access, maternal and infant health, and home visiting programs.
Programs like TDN prove that investment in early learning is how we build stronger communities, grow our economy, and create opportunity for every child.
Take Action: Support Ohio’s Youngest Learners
You can help ensure that every child in Ohio, no matter their zip code or family income, has the chance to start strong.
Join Groundwork Ohio in advocating for investments in early learning, child care, and family support.