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Groundwork Ohio, in partnership with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, has released a new resource, Business Innovation in Child Care: Case Studies Across Ohio, highlighting how businesses across the state are advancing child care solutions for their employees and communities. In the weeks ahead, we'll be spotlighting these efforts—sharing examples of initiatives taking place across Ohio. Hancock County Childcare Collaborative The Hancock County Childcare Collaborative was formed in 2024 after United Way of Hancock County and the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey of more than 600 families about their child care needs and frustrations. Fifty businesses also were contacted. Convened by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, the Collaborative includes representatives from United Way of Hancock County, Blanchard Valley Health System, the City of Findlay, the Hancock County Commission, Hancock County Job and Family Services, and the Findlay Family YMCA. Teachers, child care providers, employers, government leaders, nonprofit organizations, and funders are also involved. Funding Child Care Support To support the Collaborative's work, the Foundation created two dedicated funds. The Foundation allotted $100,000 to provide child care support for families who earn too much to qualify for Publicly Funded Child Care assistance and who struggle to afford child care. In January 2026, the Collaborative was awarded a $224,566 Early Care & Education Business Partnerships grant to launch the Hancock County Tri-Share Program. The one-year initiative will be managed by the Findlay Family YMCA. Under the program, most employees will pay 40% of their child care costs, while employers and the grant will split the remaining 60%. The grant can support child care for 40 children, and the Foundation's child care fund will supplement the Tri-Share model. The Blanchard Valley Port Authority donated $50,000 to the effort, noting that access to child care is an economic development issue. Supporting Long-Term Solutions The Foundation's second fund of $50,000 supports the creation of long-term solutions to child care issues. Through the Hancock County Childcare Collaborative, community partners, employers, local government, nonprofit organizations, and funders are working together to support child care initiatives in Hancock County. This version contains only information directly stated in the case study you provided, aside from the standard introductory paragraph you wanted to keep.

Q. Tell us a little about your organization. Where are you located? Who do you serve and what do you focus on? A. We are located in Columbus, Ohio. We serve dads— new, expecting, and with children under the age of 18. Our focus is prenatal and maternal health to help increase infant vitality. Q. When was your organization founded, and what inspired your mission? A. Urban Family Development Center (UFDC) was established in 2015 by Founder & CEO David Fluellen. Urban Family Development Center is committed to providing tools and strategies to families in urban communities to aid in empowering them to overcome poverty. David holds the belief that “Family is Everything.” Community stabilization must start with stabilizing individual families. Urban Family Development Center works to make certain every family has access to the resources required to bring this to fruition. Q. What’s a recent project, program, or win that you're especially proud of? A. Although UFDC always celebrates fathers, in June we provide a huge father focused family engagement opportunity to celebrate all dads in the city. We collaborate with the African American Wellness Agency to create “Dads Matter Day,” held at Franklin Park in Columbus on June 6, 2026. This is the second year of celebrating dads with fishing, grilling and a car show. Q. What’s one issue you're keeping a close eye on right now? A. We are closely watching how fathers are included—or overlooked—in maternal health spaces. Too often, dads are not acknowledged in delivery rooms or at prenatal appointments. We’re focused on teaching fathers how to advocate for themselves, ask informed questions, and ensure their presence is recognized as an essential part of the family’s care team. Q. How do you partner with families and communities in your work? A. We partner closely with families and communities by working alongside trusted organizations such as OSU Moms2B, CelebrateOne, the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, Evolve in Youngstown, and several other local partners. Together, we provide education, support, and resources that strengthen maternal health and empower families across the communities we serve. Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. We got involved with Groundwork Ohio by attending and participating in community events and speaking on the same panels. Q. What do you wish more people understood about the families you serve or the work you do? A. I wish more people understood that the fathers and families we serve are deeply committed to their children, but they often lack access and support. Our work isn’t about “fixing” families—it’s about removing barriers, restoring dignity, and creating opportunities for fathers to be present, confident, and connected. When fathers thrive, entire family systems stabilize and communities grow stronger. Q. How do you work with other organizations or community partners to create change? A. We create change by building intentional, mission‑aligned partnerships across health systems, schools, nonprofits, and public agencies. UFDC collaborates with hospitals on infant vitality, with workforce partners on employment pathways, and with community organizations to expand fatherhood engagement across Ohio. We don’t duplicate services, we braid them together, so families experience a seamless network of support. Collaboration is how we scale impact and ensure fathers are supported at every stage of their journey. Q. What keeps your team inspired or grounded in this work? A. Our team stays inspired by the fathers themselves, their resilience, their growth, and the way they show up for their children even when life is hard. Every success story, every healthy birth, every dad who gains confidence or secures a job reminds us why this work matters. We stay grounded by remembering that we are serving real families with real needs, and that our work has generational consequences. That responsibility fuels us every day. Q. Why is advocacy important to your work? A. Advocacy is essential because systems, not just individuals, help to shape family outcomes. We advocate to ensure fathers are seen, valued, and included in policies, programs, and funding decisions. Without advocacy, fathers remain invisible in spaces where their presence could transform outcomes for children and mothers. Advocacy allows us to elevate community voices, challenge inequities, and push for statewide change that supports healthy families and thriving communities. Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. Ohio becomes the best place to be a young child when every family, especially those facing the greatest barriers, has access to stable housing, quality health care, economic mobility, and strong parental support. That includes recognizing fathers as essential partners in infant vitality and early childhood development. When we invest in parents, strengthen community networks, and build systems that honor the whole family, we create conditions where every child can grow, learn, and thrive.

Written By: Dominique Johnson, Policy Associate at Groundwork Ohio. Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez and Policy Associate Dominique Johnson traveled to Cincinnati on May 1 for a day of conversations with decision-makers, families, early learning leaders, and community partners. Across every discussion, one message remained clear: improving outcomes for young children requires systems and policies that are shaped by the realities families face every day. The visit reflected the many layers of Groundwork’s mission, connecting policy, practice, and family voice in meaningful ways. Lynanne and Dominique began the day by participating in a policy and advocacy panel hosted by the bi3 Fund alongside Ohio Representative Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara B. Wente. The panel was moderated by Christie Kuhns, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. The discussion focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes in Ohio and highlighted the importance of centering family voices in the policymaking process. Panelists reflected on how lived experience can shape more responsive systems and policies at a time when too many Ohio families continue to face significant challenges during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood. Those themes became even more tangible in a conversation later that morning with three mothers from Groundwork Ohio’s Family Action Network, who shared their hopes for their children and the barriers they navigate every day while trying to provide strong early experiences and opportunities. Families spoke candidly about rising costs, the challenge of securing child care, particularly for children with disabilities, and the difficulty of balancing child care needs with unpredictable work schedules. The conversation served as a reminder that advocacy is built through relationships and lived experiences long before policy debates occur in committee rooms or legislative hearings. The challenges families described surfaced repeatedly throughout the day. During a visit to Learning Grove, a nonprofit early learning center serving families across the Cincinnati region, Executive Director and Groundwork Ohio Early Learning Advisory Council member Patti Gleason shared the realities many families face in accessing affordable, high-quality child care. The Groundwork team toured classrooms intentionally designed to create warm, welcoming spaces for children and families across the socioeconomic spectrum. They saw first hand the ways the center is designed to be accessible for families rather than feeling sterile or institutional. The classrooms centered comfort, safety, and connection, with cozy reading areas for parents and thoughtful touches that reflected each child’s individual needs. What we heard from families earlier in the day was reflected in the broader statewide child care landscape. Ohio is among the lowest in the nation for initial eligibility for publicly funded child care (PFCC). Even families who qualify for a child care subsidy often struggle to find an available placement or a program that meets their needs. While progress has been made in recent years, too many families still face barriers to accessing the care and early learning opportunities they need to best meet their child’s needs. Those conversations continued with Chara Fisher Jackson, Executive Director of Preschool Promise and a member of Groundwork Ohio’s Early Learning Advisory Council. This discussion centered on expanding access to high-quality preschools, improving kindergarten readiness, and the importance of ensuring families can realistically access early learning opportunities for their children during the most critical years of development, as well as the need for leaders at all levels of government to support policies and budget investments that prioritize children and families. The day concluded at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, where the Groundwork team met Candace Wang, Vice President for Education, to discuss funding strategies and the importance of long-term investment in community partnerships. Together, the team discussed the important role advocacy organizations play in sustaining this work over time. As state leadership and priorities shift over time with ever-evolving political environments, advocacy organizations help ensure that the needs of children remain at the center of decision-making, and that families do not lose visibility in policy conversations. Every conversation reaffirmed that improving outcomes for children is not the result of one system or one solution. It requires alignment across health care, early learning, policy, and community supports, and meaningful engagement with families. Policies and system solutions that are effective in meeting the real needs of families require we expand outside of the systems themselves and into communities, keeping families with young children at the center as the experts in their own experiences.

On June 8, 2026, Groundwork Ohio Senior Director of Policy Caitlin Feasby Feldman delivered interested party testimony on House Bill 795, sponsored by Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.), to the Ohio House Medicaid Committee, emphasizing the importance of protecting continuity of Medicaid coverage for young children, pregnant women, and families. Following advocacy from parents, families, caregivers, and disability advocates across Ohio, provisions affecting family caregiver services were removed from the bill. Groundwork Ohio's testimony focused on ensuring efforts to strengthen program integrity do not create unintended barriers to care or disrupt access to coverage for Ohio's youngest children and families. In Ohio, Medicaid covers half of all births and provides health coverage for nearly 400,000 children from birth through age five, making it an essential resource for healthy development, preventive care, and family well-being.

On Monday June 8, 2026, Groundwork Ohio Vice President Brittany Boulton delivered proponent testimony to the Ohio House Children and Human Services Committee in support of Senate Bill 218, sponsored by Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson). This legislation would recognize the existing certification process for Department of Defense family child care providers and remove unnecessary duplication in Ohio’s licensing requirements. By aligning state policy with rigorous federal oversight already in place, the bill helps reduce barriers for qualified providers, supports military families, and contributes to efforts to expand Ohio’s child care capacity while maintaining strong safety standards.

In this Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship spotlight, Groundwork Ohio highlights Emma Ginther, a Franklin County leader whose work is shaped by two decades as an early childhood educator and a deep commitment to children, families, and educators. Through her role with the Franklin County Board of Commissioners’ education team, she is helping advance countywide strategies rooted in community voice, equity, and access. Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. What kind of work do you do, and who do you serve? A. Currently I am working at the Franklin County Board of Commissioners with the education team. In this position, I collaborate with a dedicated group to develop and implement county wide strategies that help to strengthen early learning opportunities. A key part of my work involves engaging directly with our community partners, child care providers, and families to understand their needs and experiences. By building these relationships, I help ensure that the strategies we create are not only data-driven but also grounded in the voices of the community. Our goal is to make early learning in Franklin County more equitable, accessible, and responsive to the children and families we serve. Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship? A. The fellowship opportunity was introduced to me by a former fellow in my office, who encouraged me to apply. I was immediately excited by the chance to deepen my understanding of policy and advocacy within the field of early learning. For me, the fellowship represents not only professional growth, but also an opportunity to strengthen my ability to influence systems, elevate community voices, and contribute to long-term change for children and families. Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience? A. I am excited to deepen my understanding of early learning policy and advocacy, and to gain practical strategies for creating meaningful changes in Franklin County. I hope to learn from the experiences of fellow participants, expand my professional network, and bring back actionable ideas to support families and educators in Franklin County. Ultimately, I want to strengthen my ability to influence systemic change and help ensure that every child in Franklin County knows that their education is a birth right. Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. As an early childhood educator, a position I had for 20 years, I became aware of Groundwork Ohio’s advocacy efforts through my participation in the CEO Project’s Day Without Child Care. Q. What’s one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you’re passionate about addressing? A. I am very passionate about worker wage increase in early education. Being forced to leave the field of teaching due to financial hardships and my changing family dynamic I find this issue hits very close to home. I taught for 20 years and never dreamed I would ever leave the classroom. In 2021 my husband was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis causing him to take disability retirement from the state of Ohio and leaving us in a financial slump. I found myself unable to keep my position and be the breadwinner for my family. I left teaching, it was a difficult decision, but I needed to support my family and unfortunately being an PreK teacher could not support us. Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families? A. I was raised as a birth child in a foster home, where my family opened its doors to more than 50 children over the course of 20 years. Growing up in that environment gave me a unique perspective and shaped much of who I am today. From an extremely young age, I witnessed the realities of addiction, poverty, and the inequities that exist within the social service system. These early experiences taught me deep lessons about resilience, compassion, and the importance of advocacy for children and families navigating difficult circumstances. Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. There are three key aspects that I believe would significantly improve the lives of children and families in Ohio. First, every child should have access to high quality early education, ensuring that they are prepared to thrive in school academically, socially, and emotionally. Second, the financial burden of child care should be shared more equitably, with no family spending more than 7% of their income on care. Finally, our educators, who play such a critical role in shaping young children’s futures, must receive fair, livable compensation that reflects both their expertise and the value of their work. Together, these priorities would strengthen families, support the workforce, and create a brighter future for Ohio’s youngest learners. Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space—now and in the future? A. I hope to use my voice as a leader in early childhood education to bridge my lived experience as a classroom teacher with my current role shaping countywide early learning strategies. When I was in the classroom, I saw firsthand how policy decisions directly impacted children, families, and educators. That perspective continues to ground me. I know the voices of educators and families need to be at the table, and I want to help carry those voices forward in spaces where decisions are made. My hope is that my leadership voice remains rooted in authenticity and reflection: a reminder that policy is not abstract, but deeply personal, shaping the lives of children, families, and the educators who nurture them every day.

June 4, 2026 – Columbus, OH – Groundwork Ohio is proud to announce the 2027 cohort of its Early Childhood Fellowship, welcoming 20 emerging and established leaders from nine Ohio counties who are committed to improving outcomes for young children and families across the state. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, the Fellows bring expertise and lived experience from early education, healthcare, mental health, child welfare, family engagement, faith-based leadership, and community advocacy. Over the next year, they will deepen their knowledge of early childhood policy, strengthen their leadership skills, and build a statewide network of advocates working to ensure every Ohio child has the opportunity to thrive. “Ohio’s youngest children need champions in every community,” said Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio. “These Fellows bring both professional expertise and lived experience to the work of improving systems for children and families. We are excited to invest in their leadership and support them as they help shape policies and solutions that make Ohio the best place to be a young child.” Since its launch, Groundwork Ohio’s Early Childhood Fellowship has helped cultivate a growing network of advocates and leaders who are elevating the voices of children and families, informing public policy, and strengthening local systems across Ohio. Groundwork Ohio 2027 Early Childhood Fellows: Abigail Alexander, SPARK Coordinator | Action for Children Adlynn Anaya, Advocacy Coordinator | Imagine Cincinnati Tionna Barksdale, Lead Teacher | Kiddie Academy – Worthington Nicole Bell, Toddler Teacher | Hathaway Brown School Elisabeth Cumberland, Owner/Administrator | Playtime Preschool LLC Vikki Cumberlander, Assistant Principal | KIPP Columbus High School Shaffawn Fields, Foster Care Specialist | Starting Point Jennifer Fisher, Pastor/Nonprofit leader | Imagine Cincinnati Carmen Fryman, Preschool Administrator | Atonement Lutheran Preschool Mary Grisez, Help Me Grow Home Visitor | Stark County ESC Qorsho Hassan, KRC Program Manager | Future Ready Five Rachel Herring, Regional Resource Coordinator | Starting Point Julie Klear, Co-Founder & Creative Director | Zid Zid Kids Sara Krugman, Family Engagement Coordinator | Action for Children Kaylee Louis, Provider Services Coordinator | COAD Jessica Maddox, Lead Teacher/District Autism Specialist Team | Adams County/Ohio Valley Schools Miken Oliver, Owner/Executive Director | Nourish Early Learning Kimberly Rosa, Parent and Youth Ambassador | Starting Point Christie Stemplinski, Early Childhood Education Program Specialist | Starting Point Helaine Wilson, Administrator Throughout the year, Fellows will participate in leadership development, policy education, advocacy training, and peer learning opportunities. They will engage directly with policymakers, collaborate on projects addressing real-world challenges facing young children and families, and develop the skills needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and across Ohio. To learn more about the Early Childhood Fellowship, visit: www.groundworkohio.org/fellowship About Groundwork Ohio Groundwork Ohio is a nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization that champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age 5, that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. We advance quality early childhood systems in Ohio by engaging, educating, and mobilizing diverse stakeholders and strategic partners to promote data driven and evidence-based early childhood policies. Learn more at groundworkohio.org.

Written by: Mary Jane Sanese, Communications Associate at Groundwork Ohio Last week, Groundwork Ohio traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the inaugural First Five Federal-State Partnership Summit hosted by First Five Years Fund and First Five Action. President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez, Managing Director of Communications Sara Loken, and I joined approximately 30 advocates representing 15 organizations from across the country for two days focused on strengthening federal advocacy to advance bipartisan child care and early learning policies at the federal level. The first day of the summit focused on preparing advocates for meetings on Capitol Hill through workshops and strategy sessions centered on federal child care and early learning priorities. Attendees also heard from Alex J. Adams, Assistant Secretary for Family Support leading the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about the importance of supporting children and families through federal policy and partnership. The day concluded with the “Child Care Makes It Work” reception on Capitol Hill, which brought together lawmakers, congressional staff, advocates, stakeholders, and partners from across the country. The event featured remarks from Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), as well as recorded remarks from Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) — all co-sponsors of the bipartisan Child Care Modernization Act — illustrating the growing bipartisan momentum behind strengthening child care and early learning investments for families nationwide. On the second day, we headed back to Capitol Hill to meet directly with congressional offices and discuss federal investments that support young children, working families, and local economies. Groundwork Ohio met with 10 Ohio congressional offices to advocate for continued and expanded investments in child care and early learning programs as Congress begins work on Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations. Supporting Federal Investments That Strengthen Ohio Families Throughout our meetings with Ohio’s congressional offices, Groundwork Ohio emphasized that child care and early learning are not only critical for children and families, but also for Ohio’s workforce and economy. We shared findings from Groundwork Ohio’s recent Ohio Voter Poll, released in partnership with First Five Years Fund and UpOne Insights, which found that nearly 80% of Ohio voters — and voters across the nation — say the ability of working parents to find and afford quality child care is either in a “state of crisis” or is a “major problem.” We also discussed how access to affordable child care directly impacts workforce participation, family stability, and economic growth across Ohio. Groundwork Ohio also highlighted findings from Untapped Potential, released in partnership with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which found that child care challenges result in an estimated $5.48 billion annual loss to Ohio’s economy each year due to impacts on employers, working parents, and workforce productivity. In addition, we shared Groundwork Ohio’s recently released resource, Business Innovation in Child Care: Case Studies Across Ohio, developed in partnership with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. The resource highlights how businesses, communities, and local partners across Ohio are advancing innovative child care and workforce solutions to better support working families and strengthen local economies. These conversations are especially urgent for Ohio. The Ohio Department of Children and Youth has projected Ohio is going to face an estimated $375 million annual child care funding deficit beginning in July 2028, putting access to care at risk for thousands of families across the state. Today, more than 100,000 Ohio children benefit from publicly funded child care, and this funding deficit could put approximately 30,000 children at risk of losing access to child care assistance. During our meetings, Groundwork Ohio emphasized why protecting and strengthening federal early learning and child care funding through FY27 appropriations is critical for Ohio’s families, workforce, and economy — and why cuts to these programs would have serious consequences for children and working families across Ohio. Below are some of the key federal early learning and child care programs Groundwork Ohio advocated for during our meetings on Capitol Hill: Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is the largest source of federal funding dedicated to child care. CCDBG helps low-income working families afford child care while giving states flexibility to support providers and communities based on local needs. Early Head Start and Head Start Early Head Start and Head Start provide comprehensive early learning, nutrition, health, and family support services for eligible children and families. These programs play a critical role in promoting school readiness and supporting children during their earliest years of development. Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program helps states strengthen, align, and expand early learning systems to better support children and families. Together, these federal programs form the foundation of early learning and child care systems across the country and are essential to supporting working families, early educators, and young children. Advocating for the Child Care Modernization Act In addition to FY27 appropriations, Groundwork Ohio also advocated for support of the bipartisan Child Care Modernization Act. The legislation would strengthen and modernize the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), helping states better meet the growing child care needs of families, providers, and employers. The Child Care Modernization Act would: Give parents more child care options through new supply and facilities grants Support child care professionals through more accurate reimbursement rates Provide additional technical assistance to in-home and rural child care providers Continue supporting a mixed-delivery system that includes child care centers, home-based providers, and faith-based programs During our meetings, we encouraged Ohio’s congressional delegation to support and co-sponsor this important bipartisan legislation. Continuing the Conversation in Ohio Groundwork Ohio invited members of Ohio’s congressional delegation to participate in our upcoming 2026 Groundwork Ohio Roadshow Tour as we travel the state listening to families, providers, business leaders, and communities about the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio’s youngest children. Our time in Washington, D.C. reinforced the importance of partnership and collaboration in advancing policies that support children and families. Child care and early learning are essential to Ohio’s workforce, economy, and future, and Groundwork Ohio remains committed to ensuring Ohio’s youngest children and their families remain part of the conversation at both the state and federal levels. The First Five Federal-State Partnership Summit brought together advocates from across the country around a shared goal: ensuring more children and families have access to affordable, high-quality early learning and care. We were proud to bring Ohio’s voice to those conversations. Take Action for Ohio’s Youngest Children As Congress continues negotiations around Fiscal Year 2027 funding, now is the time to speak up for Ohio’s children and families. Federal investments in child care and early learning help parents stay in the workforce, support local economies, and ensure young children have access to safe, quality care during the most important years of development. Join us in urging Congress to protect and strengthen these critical programs by taking action through Groundwork Ohio’s advocacy alert.

By Dr. Jasmine Moses, Policy Manager at Black Child Development Institute - Ohio Follow Black Child Development Institute - Ohio on LinkedIn At BCDI-Ohio, our work is centered on advancing the well-being of children and families across Ohio. We do that by listening to communities, building relationships, and creating opportunities for families to help shape the conversations that impact their lives. Through listening sessions, community conversations, advocacy, and coalition building, we are continually prioritizing learning from the people who know their communities best. June often brings conversations about fatherhood and the important role fathers play in children's lives. While those celebrations matter, we also see this as an opportunity to listen and to reflect. What are fathers experiencing? What supports are helping them thrive? What challenges are they facing? And what can we learn from their experiences? One thing we know is that fathers' voices are often missing from conversations about children and families. Fathers, father figures, male caregivers, and co-parents play an important role in the lives of children. They are helping children learn, grow, and navigate the world every day. Yet too often, we make assumptions about their experiences instead of creating opportunities to hear directly from them. That is why we have launched a statewide Fatherhood Survey. We want to hear from fathers and father figures from every corner of Ohio. Whether you live in a rural community, a small town, a suburb, or a large city, your experiences matter. Whether you are raising an infant, a teenager, or somewhere in between, your perspective is important. The survey asks fathers, father figures, male caregivers, and co-parents to share their experiences, reflect on what is helping their families thrive, and identify the challenges they continue to face. For us, this is about more than collecting data. It is about creating space for fathers to share their stories, experiences, and ideas. We know that families are not all the same, and neither are fathers. The more voices we hear, the better we can understand the diverse experiences of families across our state. The survey is available in both English and Spanish, and we encourage fathers and father figures from all backgrounds and communities to participate. We also need your help spreading the word. If you are part of a community organization, school, child care program, faith community, health care organization, or other network that serves families, we hope you will share the survey with the fathers and father figures in your community. Every voice adds to our understanding. Every story helps paint a fuller picture of what families are navigating. And every response helps ensure that fathers are part of conversations about the well-being of children and families across Ohio. Each network leads to every voice that matters. We look forward to learning from fathers throughout the state and are grateful to everyone who takes the time to participate and share.

On May 27, nearly 300 advocates — made up of parents, caregivers, grandparents, foster and adoptive families, babies, toddlers, and young children from across Ohio — gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse, a powerful day of advocacy, storytelling, and connection centered on Ohio’s youngest children and the families raising them. Advocates traveled from urban and rural communities across the state, representing 28 of Ohio’s 33 Senate districts, more than half of Ohio House districts, and every Congressional district in Ohio. More than half of participating families identified as families of color, and families were recruited and supported through partnerships with 51 community-based organizations statewide. The event comes at a critical moment. A recent unpublished survey from the RAPID Family Voices Project of hundreds of Ohio families revealed a clear gap between parents having a voice and parents having influence. While most respondents said policymakers “sometimes” hear from people with experiences like theirs, far fewer believe policymakers truly listen. In fact, only 12% of parents said policymakers “always” listen to families like them — reinforcing why opportunities for families to share their stories directly with decision-makers are so important. In the weeks leading up to the event, participating families took part in three advocacy trainings designed to help prepare them for the day at the Statehouse. These trainings gave families opportunities to build confidence in sharing their stories, learn more about the policymaking process, connect with fellow advocates from across Ohio, and prepare for conversations with state and federal lawmakers. Families Meet Directly with Policymakers The event brought together families from urban, suburban, and rural communities to meet directly with both state and federal policymakers and share their lived experiences navigating child care, health care, housing, food access, early intervention services, and other systems impacting young children and families across Ohio. Throughout the day, families connected with legislators and staff from across the state, reinforcing the importance of ensuring family voices are not only heard — but reflected in policy decisions. Families met with over 50 legislators and their staff, comprised of Ohio House, Ohio Senate, and Congressional offices. Building Community and Elevating Voices The day began with a special story time led by Vanessa Butler, Senior Director of Community Relations at Groundwork Ohio, who welcomed families and children with a warm and engaging reading that helped set the tone for a day focused on elevating family voices, celebrating children, and building community. Opening remarks were delivered from Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio, and Kara B. Wente, Director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, who emphasized the importance of centering families and elevating the voices of parents and caregivers in policy conversations shaping Ohio’s future. What Ohio Families Shared Ahead of the event, participating families were surveyed about the issues creating the most stress for their families right now. Families identified challenges across Groundwork Ohio’s four core policy pillars: Families also shared the single issue that, if solved, would make the biggest difference for their family’s well-being and future. Their responses highlighted the urgent need for policies that support affordable child care, stable housing and food access, maternal and child health, mental health supports, and economic stability for families raising young children. Elevating Family Stories Families also heard from keynote speaker Rachel Giannini, a nationally recognized childhood specialist, curriculum designer, speaker, and early childhood advocate. Rachel brought energy, joy, and inspiration to the event through an interactive keynote focused on the importance of early childhood, believing in children, and recognizing the incredible work parents and caregivers do every day. In addition to serving as keynote speaker, Rachel hosted her signature “Tats & Chats” experience throughout the day — creating space for children and families to share personal reflections, stories, and conversations centered on parenting, advocacy, and raising young children in Ohio. Throughout the event, Groundwork Ohio also debuted three powerful family story videos featuring families from across Ohio who shared their lived experiences raising young children and navigating systems that impact family well-being. The videos featured Deyonca Wright from Lucas County, Clarisse Loughridge from Mercer County, and Ebony Bowers from Franklin County. Each story emphasizes the importance of listening to families directly and ensuring their experiences help shape policies impacting Ohio’s youngest children and caregivers. Deyonca Wright | Lucas County Clarisse Loughridge | Mercer County Ebony Bowers | Franklin County Bipartisan Legislative Panel A highlight of the event was the bipartisan legislative panel discussion featuring Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), Representative Gary Click (R-Vickery), Representative Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D-Reynoldsburg), and Representative Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon). The conversation focused on affordability, family well-being, advocacy, and the role policymakers play in supporting Ohio families. The panel was moderated by Groundwork Ohio Policy Associate Malissa Harris and Family Action Committee Member Garret Thompson, who guided a meaningful discussion rooted in the lived experiences of families across the state. Library Lounge and Family Activities Throughout the event, families and children also enjoyed a dedicated Library Lounge made possible through the support of Lakeshore Learning and The Literacy Cooperative. The space provided books, activities, and opportunities for children and families to read and engage together during the event. Groundwork Ohio also recognized the many partners, sponsors, volunteers, and community organizations who helped make the day possible. We would like to thank the many recruiting partners who helped connect us with families across Ohio for this event. A Celebration of Advocacy and Community The event concluded with families, caregivers, advocates, and children taking a celebratory stroll around the statehouse, while a collectively chanting “Our Families. Our Stories. Our Statehouse.” — a joyful reminder that Ohio families deserve to be heard by policymakers at every level. The event also marked the official launch of Groundwork Ohio’s 2026 Roadshow — a statewide effort to travel across Ohio, listen directly to families and communities, and elevate local voices shaping the future of policy for young children and families. Most importantly, Family Voices at the Statehouse served as a reminder that families are experts in their own experiences — and that meaningful policy solutions begin by listening to those most directly impacted. When families lead, communities change. And when family voices are centered, Ohio’s youngest children have the opportunity to thrive.

By Sara Laughlin, Family Action Network Member As a parent from Miami County, I decided to attend the Child Care Aware of America’s Child Care Strong: Igniting Opportunity Symposium 2026 because I wanted to be a voice for families in my community. Parents are living the reality of child care every single day, and I felt it was important for our experiences to be heard directly by the people making decisions that affect our children and our futures. Child care impacts every part of my daily life. Because my boys attend Head Start, I am able to work and provide for my family. Without child care, I would have to stay home to care for them myself, making it impossible to earn a living the way I do now. For many families, child care is not just a convenience — it is the foundation that allows parents to work, grow, and support their children. When I arrived at the symposium, the Child Care Aware of America staff immediately made us feel welcome. I was surprised to learn that this was the first time parents had been invited to attend the symposium, and there were only parents from five states present. Knowing that I was one of those voices made the experience feel even more meaningful. One speaker who truly stood out to me was Alisha De Lorenzo, an educator and motivational speaker. She was uplifting, encouraging, and reminded everyone in the room how powerful parent voices can be. Throughout the event, I also heard many stories that sounded just like my own. So many families are struggling with the affordability of child care and the lack of available spots for children. It was comforting, but also heartbreaking, to realize how many parents are facing the same challenges. One moment that really stayed with me was seeing the cost of child care displayed on a graph. I had seen the prices before, but seeing the numbers visually was overwhelming. The national average cost of child care is over $13,000 for one child. That number alone shows why so many families are struggling. Being in a space where parents were truly included felt empowering. It meant so much to be part of an organization that not only wanted to hear my story but appreciated me showing up and sharing it. Policymakers and organizations need to hear directly from families because we are the ones living this reality every day. We face the costs, the waitlists, the stress, and the daily challenges of raising children. Statistics matter, and educators’ voices matter too, but there is something incredibly powerful about hearing directly from a mother or father who is living through it. Attending the symposium made me want to do even more advocacy work. It left me asking myself: What else can I do? Who else can I share my story with? How far can this journey go? The experience empowered me and reminded me that advocacy starts with simply speaking up. I want to help other parents find their voices and encourage them to share their own experiences too. I believe every parent and family advocate should have opportunities like this. Traveling to Washington, D.C., speaking with policymakers, and sharing my story was an incredible experience. Sometimes it only takes one story from one person to completely open someone’s eyes to new possibilities and inspire change. If there is one thing I want readers to remember, it is this: everyone’s story is powerful. It takes all of us working together to create change for our children and families. Start talking. Start sharing. Your voice matters.

Groundwork Ohio's recently released resource, Business Innovation in Child Care: Case Studies Across Ohio, was featured in the Spring 2026 edition of The County Leader, the quarterly magazine of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. The magazine featured Child Care is an Economic Development Issue and Counties Have a Role to Play, a guest column written by Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez. Together, the resource and article highlight the important connection between child care, workforce participation, and economic growth in communities across Ohio. We are grateful to the County Commissioners Association of Ohio for featuring this work and for its continued partnership in advancing conversations that support Ohio's youngest children, families, employers, and local communities. We invite you to explore the Spring 2026 edition of The County Leader and learn more about how communities across Ohio are addressing child care challenges and opportunities.