A Few Exciting Updates from the Groundwork Ohio Team
Last week, you heard from our President & CEO Shannon Jones on our bold plans to elevate Groundwork Ohio to the next level. Building on Shannon's letter, we're pleased to share with you a few exciting updates from our team:
Lynanne Gutierrez has been promoted to Chief Operating and Policy Officer. A trusted leader, respected policy expert, and proven strategist, Lynanne will execute Groundwork's strategic vision and oversee the implementation of the organization’s policy agenda and integrated external affairs to build upon a powerful movement that prioritizes the needs of every young child in Ohio.
On January 18, 2022, Reem Aly will join Groundwork Ohio as Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer. In this new role, Reem will provide organizational leadership and spearhead Groundwork’s data, equity, and accountability efforts to ensure that our policy agenda reflects research and best practices. Reem will also directly oversee the implementation of our unique “centers of excellence."
Kelsey E. Hopkins is taking on an exciting new role within the organization as Groundwork's Prenatal-to-Three Manager, where she will work to elevate our prenatal-to-3 policy priorities and provide targeted support to our engagement with stakeholders, policy research, and advocacy efforts.
Check out our letter from leadership on what these exciting changes mean for Groundwork Ohio in 2022 and beyond!
Groundwork Ohio is Hiring a Special Projects Associate. Apply Today!
Groundwork Ohio is hiring! Are you or is someone you know passionate about about early childhood policies and looking to join an awesome team? Do you want to help ensure that every Ohio child has the best chance for lifelong success? We are seeking applicants for a Special Projects Associate to join our team!
Check out the job description to learn more about this exciting new role and how to apply. Applications are due by Monday, January 31, 2022.
Mayor Ginther: Early Education is Key to Full and Equitable Recovery
Ohio is facing a workforce crisis and a child care crisis. Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, working parents’ lack of access to affordable, quality child care is directly impacting their ability to work. In turn, workforce shortages are hampering our business and economic recovery.
As Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther recently wrote in a blog for Groundwork Ohio, quality child care and early education are key to a full and equitable recovery. In the blog, Mayor Ginther shares what city and county officials are doing to strengthen the child care industry and help more families access the quality child care they want, need, and deserve.
Help Us Build A Powerful Statewide Family Action Network!
Every family deserves to be respected, valued, and heard. That’s why Groundwork Ohio is building a statewide Family Action Network, a powerful and diverse coalition of Ohio families from across the state who will be provided leadership trainings and opportunities to engage with policymakers!
Last week, we hosted a webinar to share our plans to develop and engage the Family Action Network, including a launch event on May 18, 2022 at the Ohio Statehouse. Watch a recording of the webinar here.
Do you want to be a partner in our efforts? Complete our partner interest form as soon as possible and by no later than February 1, 2022!
ODJFS Announces Modifications to Step Up To Quality Program
This week, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) announced modifications to Step Up To Quality, Ohio's 5-star child care quality rating and improvement system. The changes are intended to ease the burden on child care providers to achieve quality ratings and help ensure working families have access quality child care.
ODJFS engaged with 30 child care and early childhood education providers to develop the modifications, which you can learn more about by clicking here. ODJFS will be implementing these changes in the coming months and will provide updates to SUTQ providers as the changes go into effect.
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