You're Invited: Join Our Discussion on Elevating Family Voice
Research shows that when parents and families are more engaged, children do better. Yet more often than not, families are left out of policy conversations and decisions that directly impact the health, development, and well-being of their children. Join the Center for Family Voice at Groundwork Ohio on Wednesday, July 7th from 10:00am-11:00am for a discussion on how Ohio can put families at the center of early childhood policy development to improve the healthy development of young children.
During the virtual event, we'll be discussing the findings of our new report, "Amplifying Family Voice to Advance Equitable Outcomes for Young Children."
Our event includes an excellent line-up of state and national experts, including:
Shannon Jones, Executive Director of Groundwork Ohio
Lynanne Gutierrez, Assistant Director at Groundwork Ohio
Director Maureen Corcoran, Ohio Department of Medicaid
Ami Cole, President at Molina Healthcare of Ohio
Sherri Killins Stewart, Director of State Systems Alignment and Integration for the BUILD Initiative
You can also share this event with your friends, family, colleagues, and other members of your community using our promotional toolkit.
Final State Budget Includes Critical Investments in Young Children
This week, Governor DeWine signed into law House Bill 110, the two-year state budget. Thanks to the tireless efforts of early childhood champions like you, we successfully made the case that Ohio must invest in proven strategies such as quality child care, maternal and infant health, and home visiting services.
We know we've asked a lot of you these past few months, but it's important that we now thank policymakers for investing in our youngest children. Please write to your state legislators and Governor DeWine and thank them for investing in Ohio’s youngest children in the state budget!
Here are a few provisions in the state budget that we are celebrating:
Extends postpartum coverage for Medicaid-eligible women from 60 days to 12 months after pregnancy
Increases investment in evidence-based home visiting through Ohio’s Help Me Grow program, including a small extension to preschoolers who are in the child welfare system as a result of their parent’s substance abuse
Expands Ohio’s publicly funded child care eligibility from 130% to 142% of the Federal Poverty Level enabling more families with children to return and remain in the workforce
Expands Ohio’s publicly funded child care eligibility from 130% to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level for families with children with special needs, enabling them to get the interventions they need while their parents work
Recognizes that Ohio’s quality child care system is complex and worthy of deliberation within the General Assembly and among stakeholders to ensure any changes to this vital system prepares children for school and lifelong success, enables families to stay connected to the workforce, fairly compensates the professionals within the system, and respects taxpayer investment
While significant challenges and tough decisions still lie ahead, Groundwork Ohio remains committed to promoting policies and programs that enable all infants, toddlers, and their families in our state to thrive!
It's Official: Groundwork Ohio Begins an Exciting New Chapter
We've got exciting news to share: Groundwork Ohio is now an independent nonprofit in the state of Ohio! We are also thrilled to announce our new board members Robyn Lightcap of Learn to Earn Dayton, David Melin of PNC Bank, and Lisa Gray of Ohio Excels.
Our mission and values remain unchanged: We are as committed now as ever to championing high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies for Ohio's infants and toddlers so that all children have the best chance for lifelong success.
Together we have successfully achieved this milestone and together we will take Groundwork Ohio to new heights, all in service to our youngest children, those who care for them, and our future that depends on their success!
Deadline Extended: NAEYC Early Childhood Educator Survey
Early childhood educators: Don’t let policymakers and the public look away from the needs of children, families, and the early childhood education field! Take a few moments to complete NAEYC's survey before the EXTENDED July 4th deadline.
By completing this survey, you will help keep our nation focused on what children, families, educators, and our economy need to thrive. Your responses make a huge difference in helping policymakers and the public understand the continued urgency of the challenges you face, how relief is helping, and how much more is needed.
The deadline to complete the survey has been extended to Sunday, July 4th at midnight ET. Remember, taking the survey earns you a chance to win a $50 gift card!
Want to increase your impact? Share this message with family, friends, and colleagues now!