This week was a big week of announcements for many of Ohio's children, families, and providers as Governor DeWine has continued sharing plans for the re-opening of Ohio.
During Tuesday's press conference, Governor DeWine announced that families currently receiving SNAP benefits or free or reduced-price school meals will now receive additional financial relief through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. Read the press release from the Ohio Department Job & Family Services to learn more about the P-EBT program by clicking here.
Yesterday, Governor DeWine announced that child care programs can reopen on May 31st under new guidelines to protect the health and safety of children, families, and staff. These new guidelines and best practices can be downloaded here. In addition to his reopening plan, Governor DeWine mentioned that there will be a new grant program available to providers to support them during the pandemic and a new research opportunity to learn more COVID-19 in child care settings. For more details regarding the recent announcement and to read Groundwork Ohio's statement, check out yesterday's update here.
Earlier this week, we sent out child care action alerts asking you to raise your voice for children, families, and providers and we need your help more now than ever. The latest House coronavirus bill text, the HEROES Act, includes $7 billion for CCDBG funding for the child care industry and may be voted on as early as today. But child care providers, advocates, and national organizations are calling for much more.
Today, we're asking you to call Congress urging them to include at least $50 billion in dedicated, flexible funding for child care in the HEROES Act. Even if you already sent a message to your representative, please take one minute to pick up the phone and give them a call to ask for their support. All you need to do is click on the button below to receive a call-in script along with the phone number for your representative. The House could vote on this as early as TODAY... so don't delay! Call now.
On Friday, May 22nd from 3-4 PM, join the Ohio Legislative Children's Caucus for the opportunity to hear from a panel of child care experts and state policymakers as they discuss the needs of Ohio's child care system and the ways the legislature can support children and families. Panelists will include:
Carol Haynes, President & Owner of multiple Kiddie Academy child care programs in Central Ohio
George Goddard, ECE Division Director at the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development
Lynanne Gutierrez, Policy Director and Legal Counsel at Groundwork Ohio
Click here to learn more about the Children's Caucus and the sign up for the webinar.
In case you missed it in last week's update, we wanted to remind child care professionals that we need your help as we continue to advance access, quality and equity for Ohio’s child care system. How can you help? It's easy -- all you need to do is share your story with us in our brief survey. We are collecting stories demonstrating how quality has made a positive impact in your profession and for young children and their families. We will then use and share what we learn from you with policymakers and stakeholders across the state to protect and honor your work and celebrate the difference it is making in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable children.
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