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This blog will be updated regularly as new information becomes available. Please check back for the latest updates and developments. February 20, 2026 State Legislative Update House Bill 647  (Rep. Plummer [R-Dayton]/ Rep. Young [R-Washington Twp.]): Read a summary of what policies this bill would change here .   The bill includes an appropriation of $5 million  to cover administration of additional oversight.  House Bill 649  (Rep. Williams [R-Sylvania Twp.] / Rep. Swearingen R-[Huron]): Read a summary of what policies this bill would change here .  A newly published   fiscal note  from the nonpartisan Legislative Service Commission indicates that the bill would incur one-time costs totaling between $9.9 - $16.1 million as well as ongoing costs between $4.8 - $7.9 million each fiscal year.  Sponsor testimonies for House Bill 647   and House Bill 649  were delivered on Tuesday February 17 during the Ohio House Children and Human Services Committee meeting, which you can watch here . House Bill 647 sponsor testimony given by Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Tom Young (R-Washington Twp.) begins at minute 6:35. House Bill 649 sponsor testimony given by  Reps. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) and D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) beings at minute 39:00. Next week, The Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara B. Wente has been invited to offer testimony before the House Children and Human Services Committee on House Bill 647 and House Bill 649. House Bill 647 will receive a second hearing for proponent testimony on Tuesday at 10:30 am.  You can receive committee updates by subscribing here.   Federal Legislative Update Congress is on recess until February 23. There is currently a partial government shutdown in effect as Congress will continue to negotiate appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security. However, the large package of bipartisan appropriations for child and family-serving programs signed into law a couple weeks ago is untouched by government shutdowns as their funding is secure through the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, 2026. On February 12, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee convened a hearing focused on child care access and affordability in light of recent discussions regarding program integrity. During the hearing, senators expressed bipartisan disapproval of fraud, as well as strong agreement that federal support for child care programs is essential for eligible families. A recording of the hearing is available here  and remarks from U.S. Senator Jon Husted of the Ohio delegation begin at minute 40:00. His comments include the following: “It is so important that we have quality, affordable, accessible child care. I’ve worked on this issue for many years, and I remember as a parent the first time I dropped every one of my little ones off at child care so I could go to work. … It’s as expensive as college if you have two or three children in child care. When you send your children off to school for the first time after child care, it feels like you got a pay raise — that’s how expensive it is. That’s why I’m glad that we did, in the Working Family Tax Plan, the $2,200 per-child tax credit, and we did more to help employers provide child care.” January 16, 2026 Ohio legislators have recently introduced two proposals in response to this topic: House Bill 647, sponsored by Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Tom Young (R-Washington Twp.) was introduced on Wednesday January 14. The legislative sponsors and the Department of Children and Youth presented information on this bill at a press conference the same day. On Thursday January 15, Reps. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.). and Attorney General David Yost held a press conference  on another proposal, which has not yet received a bill number. Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) is also anticipated to be a lead sponsor on this bill. We look forward to analyzing these bills further as they move through the legislative process. Hearings will not begin in the Ohio House until the chamber reconvenes in February, at the earliest, for either proposal.  January 8, 2026 Ohio’s publicly funded child care program helps families access safe, reliable care so parents can work and more than 100,000 children each year can learn and grow. These investments support family stability, promote healthy child development, and strengthen Ohio’s workforce and economy. For many families, child care assistance is the difference between staying employed and falling behind.  Recent reports of potential fraud are concerning. Fraud is unacceptable and diverts resources from Ohio families who rely on child care, and credible allegations must be investigated swiftly and thoroughly. Strong oversight is essential, but any changes to safeguards must avoid disrupting access to care or causing harm to families, providers, and communities. Policymakers should work in partnership with providers and families to ensure funding continues to reach eligible children and support safe, reliable care.  Ohio has established oversight and accountability measures, including regular reviews of more than 5,200 publicly funded child care programs, to ensure taxpayer dollars are used as intended to support young children. Governor DeWine first addressed publicly funded child care in a press statement on December 31, 2025, followed by a January 5, 2026 press conference and additional statement outlining the protocols in place to protect public funds and the safety of Ohio’s children, families, and early childhood professionals.  “ Ohio takes allegations of fraud in our child care system seriously. We have built multiple layers of accountability into our system, and we actively encourage Ohioans to report concerns so we can investigate and take action.”  — Governor Mike DeWine, Press Statement, January 5, 2026 As public interest in these allegations grows, child safety must remain the top priority. Any review or investigation must be conducted by the appropriate authorities to avoid compromising safety or disrupting care for children and families.  “An adult cannot just walk into a facility without an appointment or a child to pick up or drop off. That is there to protect the children… People should not be able to knock on a door and enter these day care centers unless they have a real reason to be there.”   — Governor Mike DeWine, Press Conference, January 5, 2026 Currently, there is no suspension of Ohio’s federal child care funding. While additional documentation and verification requirements are now in place for states drawing down federal funds, Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth have expressed confidence that Ohio can meet these requirements and do not anticipate payment disruptions. State leaders also noted that even without additional federal funds, the program could continue uninterrupted for approximately 8–10 weeks.  Ohio’s state and national leaders must remain focused on protecting the integrity of child care programs while continuing the bipartisan progress that has expanded access and strengthened support for working families and young children across the state. Groundwork Ohio will continue monitoring developments as the conversation evolves.  At the federal level, Congressional appropriations remain underway. Congress has 22 days to pass nine spending packages before the January 30 deadline. The child care community is urging lawmakers to include the FY26 Labor-HHS-Education bill passed by the Senate last summer, which includes modest but critical funding increases for child care and early learning programs. Recent polling shows that most Ohioans view federal child care funding as a good public investment and support increased funding.  Thanks to advocacy from the Groundwork Ohio network, nearly 3,000 messages were sent to Ohio’s Congressional delegation in late 2025 urging adoption of the Senate proposal. Groundwork will activate its network again next week to continue holding federal and state policymakers accountable to Ohio’s youngest children and working families.

In this staff spotlight, we’re highlighting Groundwork Ohio’s Senior Director of Community Relations. With a leadership style rooted in equity, faith, and relationship-building, she works across sectors to advance policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. Get to know the passion and purpose behind her role. Q. What’s your role at Groundwork Ohio, and how long have you been on the team? A. I currently serve as the Senior Director of Community Relations at Groundwork Ohio. I actually rejoined the organization in October 2024 and previously served as a Policy Associate. Since my return, my work has focused on building and strengthening relationships across women leaders, the business community, family-serving organizations, and local policymakers to advance policy solutions that support Ohio’s youngest children and families. Q.  What drew you to this work and to Groundwork’s mission? What’s your “why”? A. My “why” is deeply rooted in equity, opportunity, and faith. I believe that the earliest years of a child’s life shapes everything that follows. Families deserve systems and support that work with them, not against them. Groundwork’s mission to center data, lived experiences, and policy advocacy felt like a natural alignment with how I believe change happens: through relationships, trust, and sustained investments in people. This purpose-driven work allows me to use my voice, skills, and passion for the healthy development of human beings to help build systems that better serve children and families across Ohio.    Q.  What does a typical day look like for you in your role? A. No two days look exactly the same, which I love. My days often include meeting with partners across the state, planning coalition discussions or webinars, or thinking strategically about how we engage stakeholders in meaningful ways. A big part of my role is connecting dots: between people, ideas, and opportunities for impact.   Q.  What’s a project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of? A. I’m especially proud of leading the relaunch of Groundwork Ohio’s Amplified Podcast: Reloaded , as well as building out engagement strategies for our Women’s Coalition . Creating spaces where people feel informed, empowered, and invited to join our advocacy movement has been beyond meaningful.   Q.  How would you describe the culture at Groundwork Ohio? A. I continue to be amazed by each member of our team and their ability to exercise their own gifts and skills within their respective roles. Our organization is collaborative (internally and externally), inspiring, and embodies servant-leadership.   Q.  What’s one thing you’ve learned from the families or communities we serve? A. I continue to be reminded that families are experts on their own lives. When we listen with humility and create space for families to lead, the solutions that emerge are stronger, more relevant, and more sustainable.   Q.  How do you stay grounded or take care of yourself outside of work? A. I stay grounded through my faith, reflection, and being present where I am. I value quiet moments, journaling, going on long walks, and nourishing conversations with people who know me well. Rest and boundaries are practices I continue to grow into.   Q.  What do you like to do in your free time? A. I absolutely love watching documentaries and podcast episodes, especially those centered on history and pop culture.   Q.  What’s your favorite type of food or go-to meal? A. A chicken bowl with chips from Chipotle. Hands-down.   Q.  What’s a fun fact your coworkers might not know about you? A. During my senior year of high school, I sang the National Anthem for our assembly with surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen.   Q.  If you could describe your role in three words, what would they be? A. Relational. Strategic. Purpose-driven.

This spotlight features Garret Thompson, a Miami County parent, advocate, and Groundwork Ohio 2026 Early Childhood Family Fellow , and Family Action Network member, whose leadership is rooted in lived experience. As a single, involved father, he brings a powerful and often underrepresented perspective to early childhood advocacy—one shaped by navigating systems, advocating for his son, and working to ensure families have the support they need to thrive. Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. What kind of work do you do, and who do you serve?   A. I live in Troy, OH and work third shift as department coordinator and secondary supervisor for Clopay. I am managing time for efficient production, accounting imports and exports and ensuring quality safety checks.   As a parent advocate, I collaborate with local, state, and national organizations to elevate family voices and advance policies that support children and families, including Council on Rural Services (CORS) Policy Council, Ohio Parent Advocacy Network (OPAN), Ohio Head Start Association, Inc (OHSAI), National Head Start Association (NHSA), United Parent Leaders Action Network (UPLAN), National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement (NAFSCE), and Groundwork Ohio Family Action Network. All of these organizations work with parents and families, advocating for their rights as educators, the rights of children to receive the best opportunities and for their communities to better themselves with the barriers that are prevalent to them. In these organizations I mentor new members, discuss and vote for policies and improvement and continue to nurture and develop my own leadership skills. Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship? A. This fellowship naturally seems like the next step in my personal and professional growth, and my desire to see real change. Not only is this be a great learning opportunity, but I feel I bring a different perspective to the table.   As a single, involved father, I have personally experienced many of the roadblocks our society, government, and local policies create for men. This fellowship is also a wonderful networking opportunity— to be able to come together with other like-minded individuals and put us in a new position to use our voices for advocacy.   Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience? A. I would like to take my early childhood advocacy to the next level professionally, and make a career out of my passion. While I have had wonderful guidance in developing and sharing my story, I look forward to sharpening my public speaking skills. Not only will I learn more about myself in this fellowship and “my why” for advocacy, I will also learn from others, hearing their stories and seeing their perspectives. I want to be able to share their stories respectfully and believe bettering my skills will allow that.   Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio?   A. As an Ohio Head Start Association, Inc (OHSAI) board member and Ohio Parent Advocacy Network (OPAN) member, I became more involved with advocacy. A fellow member of OPAN shared her experience with Groundwork Ohio and inspired me to get involved, knowing I could bring something different to the table. The partnership OHSAI has with Groundwork Ohio, and the encouragement of the team, gave me interest in becoming more involved.   Q. What’s one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you’re passionate about addressing? A. As a parent/caregiver, we often do not know how to advocate for our children. My son had an IEP and as his father, I did not know how to fill out the paperwork or go about getting him the best services. It was thrown at me without much explanation or guidance on what to do next. I just wanted to help my son the best I could but with no experience, I felt lost. If it wasn’t for Head Start, who guided me through the process, I am not sure how things would have turned out. If a child is attending a center or school where there are no designated family advocates to help parents with this process, they may not be aware of all the services available and all the help you can get for your child.   Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families?   A. Ohio single fathers do not have the same rights and resources as single mothers. A father, in the state of Ohio, that wants to be involved with their child must go through court to have custody rights. If not, then they cannot make important decisions for their child's health or well-being, or even know what school they attend without the mother’s permission. I am all for the programs that help mothers and their children, but in my experience, it has been a lot harder for a father to get the same help. I had a good job and the opportunity to find a good lawyer to help me obtain rights for my son. Without my lawyer and the staff, I would not be where I am today.   On a local level, I want to create a supportive father group. This group would educate fathers on ways to become involved with their children. Many men do not know where to start when it comes to their rights, custody agreements, and even communication with their child’s school. I want to empower those that truly desire to step up with the skills to do so. Eventually, I would like to see policies on a state level change when it comes to father’s rights.   Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. I think it is important for Ohio’s children and families to be able to get the education and services they need to be successful, regardless of their economic status. Success is all about opportunities given and unfortunately, they are not all presented equally.   Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space—now and in the future? A. First, I want to use my voice to encourage others to use their voice. Our voice matters and our stories deserve to be told. Second, there are not many other single fathers who have had the same opportunities that I have had to speak on issues that affect involved fatherhood. I want to impact policy changes for the equality of fathers’ and mothers’ rights, and I strive to mentor young fathers who are going through similar struggles I have gone through. Lastly, in today’s world, showing any vulnerability is weakness and we aren’t “supposed” to show weakness. Being a leader just starts with leading by example, continuing to tell my story, and standing up for what I believe in.

By: Lynanne Gutierrez , President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio January invites reflection, but more importantly, it demands focus on what young children need right now.   As the parent of three young children, I’m reminded daily how closely children watch the world around them. Their questions are simple and direct, often beginning with “but why?” Over time, I’ve come to see that question as a test of our decisions. When we can’t answer it with clarity and confidence, it’s usually a signal to pause and refocus on what truly matters. At Groundwork Ohio, that focus has always been the same: Ohio’s youngest children and the adults who care for them. From pregnancy through age five, children are building the foundation for their health, learning, and sense of safety. In these early years, stability, routine, and trusted relationships matter most — something we see reflected clearly in our 2025 Early Childhood Dashboard . Babies and young children feel stress even when they don’t have the words to name it. Changes in routine, caregiver anxiety, or the sudden absence of a trusted adult can disrupt a child’s sense of safety in lasting ways. Decades of research show that prolonged or unbuffered stress can shape development for years to come. What we know about early childhood is clear and it matters most in moments like these. The turmoil we are experiencing is not a distraction from the work. It IS the work. Babies do not have the luxury of waiting for calmer times. Families need systems that hold steady even when the environment feels uncertain. Every child should feel safe going to child care and school, visiting their doctor, playing with friends, and participating fully in their community. That is not political. It is foundational. For families raising young children, their needs are constant and practical: stable income, affordable child care, healthy pregnancies and children, and systems that work when families need them most. Working families don’t benefit from constant policy shifts, and babies don’t have time for delay. What they need is follow-through on commitments already made and solutions already proven. Across Ohio, families, providers, early childhood professionals, and local leaders show up every day to meet those needs. Groundwork Ohio remains committed to working alongside policymakers and partners at every level to strengthen the stability children depend on and to elevate what’s working for families. This isn’t theoretical. Policy decisions unfolding right now directly shape whether children feel safe and secure in their daily lives. As Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants is set to end, tens of thousands of Ohio residents — many of them parents and young children — could face new uncertainty. In moments like these, we will be watching closely to ensure that state and federal actions account for children’s safety, stability, and well-being. As we move through 2026, we are asking three simple questions: Are leaders making decisions with young children and working families at the center — not as an afterthought? Are state and federal policies working together to create the stability families can count on? Are families and professionals equipped with the tools and voice they need to engage decision-makers and hold systems accountable? Our role is to lead with clarity, elevate what’s working, challenge what isn’t, and keep the experiences of young children at the center of every decision that affects them. Progress isn’t always loud. More often, it looks like steady leadership, strong partnerships, and the discipline to stay focused on what helps children thrive. Groundwork Ohio remains committed to ensuring that babies and young children are not harmed by circumstances beyond their control. By centering early development and trauma-informed approaches, we can help families and communities build resilience and opportunity for the next generation. Thank you for standing with us — not only in moments of urgency, but in the steady, focused work of carrying what matters forward with intention and care. With care and resolve, Lynanne Gutierrez President & CEO Groundwork Ohio

HOPE Toledo is a community-driven organization focused on ensuring children and families have access to high-quality early learning opportunities. In this Q&A, the HOPE Toledo team shares their mission, recent successes, and why advocacy and community partnerships are essential to making Ohio the best place to be a young child. Q. Tell us a little about your organization. Where are you located? Who do you serve and what do you focus on? A. HOPE Toledo is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization with a focus on education at the “bookends” of the Pre-Kindergarten to 5 continuum.  We are located in Toledo, Ohio, and serve the northwest Ohio region.  We provide service to children and families through partnerships with early childhood education centers and child care providers.  We know that a strong start in early childhood makes a difference in the long-term success of that child Q. When was your organization founded, and what inspired your mission? A. HOPE Toledo began in concept in 2019.  The seeds were sown around early childhood education and a community desire to establish a “universal access to Pre-K” program.  A group of dedicated community stakeholders came together to determine how best to bring this to life.  This led to HOPE becoming a 501 (c) (3) organization and the launch of our “demonstration project” focused on Pre-K. Q. What’s a recent project, program, or win that you're especially proud of? A. We are extremely proud of the early childhood education work we have supported.  Over the past four years, we have seen more than 1,000 children served in our partnering preschool classrooms.  The success has been engaging 26 child care providers, serving nearly 40 early childhood educators, and creating a “community of learners” while providing Conscious Discipline training to each. Of the children leaving our HOPE Toledo Pre-K classrooms and entering kindergarten, we have seen an increase in KRA performance at the “demonstrating” level of more than 75%. Q. What’s one issue you're keeping a close eye on right now? A. It’s two things: Head Start funding and potential changes to property tax usage.  Both of these can have a direct impact on the families we serve if either is removed or limited. Q. How do you partner with families and communities in your work? A. We directly engage both families and communities in the work we do. We do this in multiple ways, the first of which is being a good partner with the child care centers in the HOPE network and ensuring we have connected with their families.  We also provide ongoing knowledge-sharing and referrals to resources within the community.  We share that through newsletters and various touch points. Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. We had heard about them for years, but became directly connected in 2019 as we were building the work.  Through participating in various Groundwork Ohio activities, we have not only developed as an organization, but we have also connected with strong resources that have only enhanced the early childhood sector in our community. Q. What do you wish more people understood about the families you serve or the work you do? A. That they are competent, passionate, and deserving members of our community.  Unfortunately, I have heard more often than I care to admit that the families we serve should “do a better job in taking care of their own children.”  Well, every mom and dad that we have encountered in this work is doing everything in their power to care for their children, but the current structure in place is simply unaffordable   Q. How do you work with other organizations or community partners to create change? A. We have worked very hard to establish and cultivate relationships with community partners and organizations.  We work with entities from the arts and culture arena (Library, Art Museum, Opera), as well as direct relationships with Toledo Zoo for memberships and Imagination Station (science center) for onsite activities. Further, we partner with social service entities to connect to resources like housing, rental assistance, transportation, food, etc.  The relationships are very strong and yield great results Q. What keeps your team inspired or grounded in this work? A. Simple - the children we serve (and ultimately their families). Q. Why is advocacy important to your work? A. For all of the great programmatic work that takes place, if there is no advocacy, the policies and decisions made in our lawmaking bodies can ultimately undo all of the work done.  We must have advocacy in conjunction with strong programmatic work.  That is the best strategy. Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. Equitable access to affordable education and care for children from prenatal to career.  As a state, we MUST make our children and youth a priority. Education will drive economic growth, increase health outcomes, aid in workforce development, and job attainment.

Q. What’s your role at Groundwork Ohio, and how long have you been on the team? A.  I am a Policy Associate here at Groundwork Ohio and I joined the team in June 2024. Q.  What drew you to this work and to Groundwork’s mission? What’s your “why”? A. I worked in child care for nine years, which drew me to want to learn more about policy. I started as a teacher and then became the assistant director at the same center, Little Miracles. I was part of the first cohort of Groundwork Ohio’s Early Childhood Fellowship, and when Groundwork Ohio launched the Family Action Network, I thought, I am a mom too, and I want to share my story. I began advocating as a parent, but with my background in early childhood and providing high-quality child care, I bring a unique perspective because I understand why the first five years of life are so important. My “why” is my three children. I want them to grow up in a world where they have access to quality child care for their children, access to health care, and stability.   Q.  What’s a project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of? A. I am proud of our Family Action Network and its growth in the past year. The parents inspire me and keep me grounded in why I chose to do this work in the first place. I have cultivated a community of parents who want to have their voices heard while developing a trusting relationship with them.   Q.  What’s been a defining moment for you during your time at Groundwork? A. A defining moment for me was when I created a comprehensive slide presentation about child care for our team, breaking down the history of child care funding and policies in Ohio. Taking the time to deeply research Ohio’s child care landscape, understand the challenges families and providers face, and then confidently share that information with my colleagues really solidified my expertise and my confidence in contributing to policy conversations. Q.  How do you stay grounded or take care of yourself outside of work? A. I stay grounded by working out and taking time to spend with friends or my husband outside of being at home. This year, a couple ladies and I have a girls group chat and we have challenged ourselves to do something at least every month. It helps bring laughter and joy which helps overcome the challenges that we see families facing and the impact of policies on families.   Q.  What do you like to do in your free time? A. In my free time, I spend a lot of time with my children. We could be playing Roblox, going to the library, or exploring somewhere new around Ohio. My children play sports and one of my daughters is in Girls Scouts so I am usually busy running around to evening or weekend activities. Our family is big Columbus Crew fans, so you will catch us on our couch watching the games. We are hoping to take everyone to watch a game this year. Also, I play in an adult fun league for soccer on Friday nights. I started playing in January 2025, but I played in high school. Q.  What’s your favorite memory or moment from working at Groundwork so far? A. My favorite moments have been when we answer the workplace question cards, a team building activity we regularly participate in, where each staff member draws a card with a thought-provoking prompt. Each time we do, I learn something new about my colleagues that I didn’t know before. These moments create lasting memories and strengthen the relationships we’re building—it’s a reminder that we’re all people first.

The Family Action Network Spotlight  series highlights parents and caregivers across Ohio who are using their lived experience to advocate for policies that support young children and families. In this week's spotlight, we feature Holly Unger , a member of Groundwork Ohio’s Family Action Network, who shares how advocacy, community, and parent voices can help create systems that better serve families across the state. My name is Holly Unger, and I’m a mom to nine incredible children. Our home is full of noise, love, challenges, and victories that have shaped me into the advocate I am today. The journey of raising a large family with unique needs, strengths, and IEPs has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of having systems that truly support families. My “Why” for Advocacy I became involved in advocacy because I believe every child deserves a fair and equal start, and every family deserves dignity and support. Watching my own children navigate early childhood programs and special education opened my eyes to how deeply policies affect real family life. Too often, parents feel unheard. I realized that if I didn’t speak up, not just for my kids, but for all kids, nothing would change. That became my why. How I Connected With Groundwork Ohio & FAN My advocacy journey started with Early Head Start and Head Start, eventually serving on both the Region V and National Head Start boards. Through that work, I found Groundwork Ohio and the Family Action Network. FAN connected me to other parents with lived experience and gave me a space where my voice and my story were not only welcomed but valued. What Advocacy Means to Me Being part of the Family Action Network isn’t just about attending meetings. It means standing shoulder-to-shoulder with families across Ohio. It means using my lived experience to push for policies that work in the real world. Advocacy, to me, is turning pain into purpose and challenges into change. A Moment I Felt My Voice Made a Difference One moment I’ll never forget was when I spoke about the barriers families face in navigating IEP services. After sharing my story, several leaders told me they finally  understood  the gaps and frustrations parents deal with daily. I later saw conversations and decisions shift because of what I said. That moment showed me that one parent's voice can help move systems. Issues I Care Most About I care deeply about improving access to: quality early childhood education mental health supports services for children with disabilities programs like SNAP-Ed that help families thrive systems that don’t overwhelm families but uplift them I want families to be able to get help without shame and without fighting endless obstacles. What I Want Policymakers to Understand Families like mine are doing the best we can, often while navigating complex systems that weren’t designed with us in mind. We’re not looking for special treatment, we're asking for fairness, respect, and opportunities for our children to succeed. The best policies come from listening to the people living these realities every day. What I’ve Learned About Advocacy I’ve learned that advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. Real change takes time, but every story, every meeting, and every shared experience matters. I’ve learned that the lived experiences of families are powerful and when parents speak, people listen. What Keeps Me Motivated My kids are the reason I keep going. Even when the work feels heavy, I think about the future they deserve and the barriers they shouldn’t have to face. I also think about the families who feel voiceless or alone. Knowing that my advocacy can open doors for others keeps me moving forward. My Hopes for Ohio’s Children and Families I want an Ohio where every child no matter their ZIP code, background, or ability has the chance to reach their fullest potential. I want families to have access to support that is easy to navigate, responsive, and respectful. And I hope our leaders continue to put parents’ voices at the center of every discussion. To Families Who Feel Alone You are not alone. So many families share your struggles, hopes, and fears. There is a community waiting to welcome you, lift you up, and help you be heard. Your voice matters, and when we come together, we are unstoppable. Why Lived Experience Matters Families with lived experience bring truth to the table. We know what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change. Centering our voices leads to policies that are more effective, more compassionate, and more human. What It Means for Every Child to Reach Their Full Potential It means giving children the foundation they deserve, safety, love, opportunity, and a system that supports their growth. When children are able to reach their potential, families thrive, communities grow stronger, and our future becomes brighter.

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork Ohio” series, we are spotlighting our amazing colleagues so you can get to know the dynamic components comprising our mighty team. This week, we are getting to know Elizabeth O’Loughlin. Elizabeth joined the Groundwork Ohio team in October 2025. Elizabeth serves as Executive Assistant/Operations Manager, supporting organizational leadership and day-to-day operations to help ensure the team can focus fully on advancing Groundwork Ohio’s mission. She brings a background in corporate operations and executive support, where she built strong skills in systems management, organization, and strategic support.   Coming from the corporate sector, Elizabeth was drawn to Groundwork Ohio by the opportunity to apply her skills in a mission-driven environment where her work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes for children, families, and caregivers across Ohio. She believes strong internal systems are essential to creating sustainable impact.   Check out our Q&A with Elizabeth to learn more about why she is a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio.     Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why”! A: Before joining Groundwork Ohio, my career was rooted in the corporate sector. While I gained valuable experience building systems and supporting leaders, I was increasingly drawn to work where the impact felt more tangible and directly connected to people’s lives.   Growing up, I saw how access to stability and support can shape opportunities over time. I also became aware that not every family has the same access to resources or the ability to navigate complex systems without falling through the cracks. That understanding shaped my desire to use my skills to support work that amplifies the voices of children, families, and caregivers who are too often overlooked.   Early childhood policy and advocacy matter because the systems families encounter early on can either support long-term success or create lasting barriers. Being part of Groundwork Ohio allows me to contribute in a meaningful way by ensuring the people doing this work have the operational support they need to create real, lasting impact.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work? A: One lesson that has guided me throughout my career is that strong systems make strong impact. I have seen how disorganization and unclear processes can slow good work down, and how thoughtful structure can give teams the freedom to focus on what truly matters. By being a steady backbone for leaders and teams through organization, clarity, and follow-through, I help empower others to do more.   Q: What’s your word for 2026? A: Intention. In 2026, I am focused on being intentional with how I spend my time and energy and aligning my work with the impact I want to help create for my team, for families, and for the mission we serve.   Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A: Outside of work, I love hosting my family and friends in my home and creating a warm, welcoming space where people can slow down and connect. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Kyle, and our rescue dog, Moose, and I find a lot of joy in planning gatherings, game nights, and shared meals. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places, which helps me recharge and gain new perspective.   Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers. A: In my vision for the future, children, families, teachers, and caregivers have the resources they need to support themselves and one another. Systems are designed to create equal opportunities rather than additional hurdles, so families can spend less time navigating barriers and more time focusing on growth, stability, and well-being.   When caregivers are supported and communities are equipped with the right tools, children are better positioned to thrive. Investing early and equitably benefits not only individual families but Ohio as a whole.   Connect with Elizabeth O’Loughlin on LinkedIn  or by email .

On January 13, 2026, Groundwork Ohio joined 49 national organizations in signing a Joint Statement on the Federal Child Care Program  — a unified call to federal leaders to uphold and protect the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), a cornerstone of affordable, quality child care for working families across the country. Congress is back in session, and lawmakers face a January 30 deadline  to pass a full-year FY26 Labor–H appropriations bill. The stakes could not be higher for Ohio’s youngest children and the families, providers, and communities who depend on stable federal investments in early learning and child care. Voters across the political spectrum view federal child care funding as a critical investment. Two-thirds of Ohioans (66%) believe federal support for child care and early learning for low-income working families is a good use of taxpayer dollars, including 74% of Ohio parents. Just as importantly, Ohioans want Congress to do more: a majority of Ohio voters (54%)—and 69% of parents—support increasing federal funding for quality child care programs. (Source: Ohio Voter Poll, September 2025 ) Read the full statement below: JOINT STATEMENT National Organizations on Federal Child Care Program January 13, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal state partnership that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families with young children to afford safe, quality child care. CCDF is largely funded by the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and administered by states. It supports working families in every state and congressional district and plays a critical role in healthy child development and a strong local workforce. The following joint statement is issued by 46 national organizations to emphasize the urgent need to ensure that federal child care resources continue to reach eligible families with young children, while maintaining active oversight and accountability. “For decades, CCDF has made it possible for hard-working families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school. It supports working families, strengthens local economies, and promotes the healthy development of young children. Without this program these families would not be able to afford child care, leading to strained finances, stress, and increased instability for their children. The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a trusted bipartisan program with a long history of support. Fraud at any level is unacceptable and takes valuable child care away from eligible families. Every dollar of CCDF funding must be used wisely and as intended, to support programs and hard-working educators in providing critical child care for eligible families and children. Simultaneously, it is essential that the strong oversight and internal controls already in place to govern these resources are ensuring the funding is being used properly, and that it continues to reach hard-working, eligible families. We urge leaders to act with urgency to ensure that the Administration for Children and Families disburses CCDF funding without further disruption, while working in partnership with states as they deliver CCDF funding efficiently and responsibly. We also urge Congress to protect and prioritize child care investments during the Appropriations process, continue the strong, bipartisan support for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, and build upon efforts to increase access to affordable, quality child care.” Signed, Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors Advance Illinois All Nations Rise All Our Kin American Federation of Teachers Arizona Early Childhood Alliance Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs BridgeCare Child Care Aware of America Children First Action Fund Children's Institute Common Good Iowa Council for Professional Recognition Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children Early Childhood Education Consortium Fight Crime: Invest in Kids First Children's Finance First Five Years Fund First Focus on Children Fractal Education Group GEEARS: Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students Groundwork Ohio Illinois Action for Children Illinois Developmental Therapy Association Institute for Child Success Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma Maine Children’s Alliance Metropolitan Family Services Mission: Readiness Moms First National Association for the Education of Young Children National Association of Family Child Care National Child Care Association Parents as Teachers National Center Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Raising Illinois ReadyNation Rhode Island KIDS COUNT RI Association for the Education of Young Children Save the Children Start Early Texas Licensed Child Care Association Third Way TOOTRiS Western New York Child Care Action Team & Child Care Next NY YMCA of the USA YWCA USA Zero to Five Montana

The Federal Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was created under  HR 1 , the federal tax and spending reconciliation law signed by President Trump in July 2025. The program, overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), was established to help offset Medicaid cuts impacting rural communities, which face some of the greatest existential threats under  $911 billion in federal Medicaid spending cuts  over the next 10 years. While the $50 billion budgeted for RHT funds are not a full replacement of lost dollars, this program offers an opportunity to stabilize rural health systems, expand access to care, invest in infrastructure, and support long-term sustainability.    The Ohio Department of Health, along with entities in all 50 states,  submitted an application for RHT funds  after seeking public feedback. During the public feedback period, Groundwork Ohio  provided comment to the Ohio Department of Health on October 3, 2025,  emphasizing the importance of rural health innovations that are tailored to meet the needs of infants, toddlers, and their families in underserved areas of the state. Highlights of top priorities for young children and families identified by Groundwork Ohio are below with full comments linked above.    RHT priority area 1: Make Rural America Healthy Again   Groundwork Ohio recommendations:  (1) Increase support for lead prevention programs, (2) improve access to home visiting programs and community hubs providing safe and effective prenatal care, (3) improve Medicaid coverage for eligible women and children, (4) offer targeted resources that support meeting the basic needs of residents in rural areas.  RHT priority area 2: Sustainable Access   Groundwork Ohio recommendations:  (1) Enhance care coordination in high-need rural ZIP codes, (2) improve rural transportation networks (including non-emergency transport).  RHT priority area 3: Workforce Development   Groundwork Ohio recommendations:  (1) fund trainings to increase availability of community health workers (CHWs) and paraprofessionals, (2) offer financial incentives that increase rural health workforce growth.  RHT priority area 4: Innovative Care   Groundwork Ohio recommendations:  (1) Increase home visiting access, (2) increase housing supports for pregnant mothers, (3) prioritize lead abatement in homes built before 1978.  RHT priority area 5: Tech Innovation   Groundwork Ohio recommendations:  Expand perinatal telehealth services.  RHT priority area 6: Other Activities   Groundwork Ohio recommendations:  (1) Create a pilot of administrative practices that minimize unnecessary Medicaid churn for young children ages 0-3 who are eligible for Medicaid coverage but at risk of disenrollment due to administrative barriers.    These priorities reflect alignment with broader statewide efforts to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, improve birth outcomes, and reduce infant mortality and chronic childhood conditions with solutions tailored specifically to the needs of families living in rural areas.     Included within the  final project narrative  submitted by the Ohio Department of Health are suggestions to improve maternal and infant wellness – specifically (1) access to high quality home visiting services to improve outcomes for pregnant women and children in rural communities, (2) addressing maternity care deserts with legislative changes and supports to rural hospitals to add quality, low-cost birthing centers.    All 50 states received RHT funding , with Ohio’s first-year award approved for just over $202 million – the 25 th  highest total amount. While these funds create opportunities to sustain rural health access in the wake of challenging budget cuts, it is notable to consider this equates to  less than $100 per rural resident  given Ohio’s substantial  rural territories .    Interested in learning more?    Check out the Ohio Department of Health’s  Rural Health Transformation Program website   Read this policy explainer from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio:  Rural Health Transformation Program funding in Ohio

On January 5, 2026, federal health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  announced a substantial reduction in the recommended childhood vaccination schedule  from 17 to 11. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and rotavirus are among those  recommended only for high-risk children or after consultation  with a health care provider.   A  statement from the Ohio American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)  denotes opposition to the newest federal guidance, indicating these changes work against evidence-based practices that have protected Ohio children for decades. Ohio AAP continues to recommend routine immunizations against all 17 diseases, noting they are “safe, effective, and backed by strong science.”  This reflects similar responses from the  American Medical Association , the  Children’s Hospital Association , and  Nationwide Children’s Hospital , with each having firmly asseverated the previous U.S. childhood vaccination schedule has been based on decades of research designed to protect children. Disruptions to vaccine coverage leaves children vulnerable against diseases that had previously been considered contained under universal immunization practices.  While the CDC’s new vaccine schedule is not a mandate but rather a recommendation,  experts at AAP have raised concern  that this change can create uncertainty and lead to lessened vaccine uptake.  In a  press conference on January 7, 2026 , Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Director of the Ohio Department of Health, addressed the issue, noting that there are no immediate changes to health insurance coverage of all 17 previously recommended vaccines. Director Vanderhoff anticipates “pediatricia ns almost certainly will continue to recommend these vaccines to their patients.”  We recognize that any changes in federal guidance can raise questions for best practices to keep children safe and healthy. If you are the parent of a young child, we recommend discussing vaccine safety and efficacy with your child's pediatrician to determine the best possible choice. Follow the Ohio AAP   to stay informed and follow this issue.

As the Early Childhood Mental Health Coordinator at the Greene County Educational Service Center, Carrie supports the adults who care for Ohio’s youngest children every day. In this Fellow spotlight, she shares why child care and mental health supports matter, how policy impacts families, and what she’s most excited to learn through the Groundwork Ohio Leadership Fellowship. Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. What kind of work do you do, and who do you serve? A. My name is Carrie Taylor and I am the Early Childhood Mental Health Coordinator at the Greene County Educational Service Center. Our team works with the adults who work with children including parents, educators, school and child care staff, Early Intervention and Help Me Grow programs, Head Start as well as others. We provide consultation, mental health awareness and professional development. Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship? A. I applied for the Groundwork Leadership Fellowship because in my work I see the how policies affect families both in positive and negative ways. I want to learn more about how to advocate for families and policies that affect them. Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience? A. I am most excited to learn about the best ways to advocate for the families in my community. Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. I first heard about Groundwork from a colleague of mine. I attended the Momentum Institute last year as well as advocacy day and decided I wanted to get more involved.   Q. What’s one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you’re passionate about addressing? A. I am passionate about improving child care for Ohio families. Teachers are stressed as well as parents. Parents need safe, reliable child care. Teachers and staff need support and education to adequately provide for the children in their care. Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families? A. I have four children and safe child care and schools matters to me. I want my children, as well as all children to be cared for in a loving and safe environment where the adults in their lives feel supported. Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. I’m a proud Ohioan who was born and raised here. I think Ohio has a lot to offer families. We have good public schools, many communities in Ohio have a good variety of programs for children, we have lovely parks and recreation activities.  I feel invested in my community and state to make all children get what they need to learn and grow.    Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space—now and in the future? A. I use my voice in professional community groups as well as one on one with staff and parents. I think it’s important to collaborate on how to make children and parents feel supported.