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Dear Groundwork Team: As you know, we have been closely following the work of the Ohio House Taskforce on Poverty and Education as they learn about the achievement gap and identify policies to help close it. We know that high quality early childhood education has to be included in the solution because the data shows that it is narrowing the gap early by increasing kindergarten readiness for Ohio's most at-risk kids. Dr. Howard Fleeter, an economics PhD and resident Statehouse education policy analyst, elevated this message in his presentation to the Taskforce yesterday and touted Groundwork as the go to resource for Ohio early childhood policy and data. Dr. Fleeter's presentation focused on his evaluation of the 2017 Report Card data which underscored the pervasive correlation between a school’s performance index and the percentage of economically disadvantaged students they serve. Not surprisingly, the more poor kids a school serves, the lower their performance. Dr. Fleeter acknowledged that the K-12 system is the consumer of Ohio's early childhood education system and part of closing the gap is intervening early to help level the playing field for poor children even before they enter Kindergarten, citing the " Heckman curve " as a guide for investments. Even more concerning was the racially disaggregated data he shared which tells a parallel, but more harrowing, story for poor minority students on every measure. While it’s hard to pick just one iteration, I will highlight that 87% of African American public school students in Ohio are economically disadvantaged. Groundwork looks forward to exploring this racial inequity as we evaluate and prioritize investments in Ohio's early childhood system. Dr. Howard Fleeter with Lynanne Wolf, Groundwork's Policy & Advocacy Associate Dr. Fleeter's presentation was preceded by a presentation from Superintendent Paolo DeMaria which reflected on the challenges poverty presents in the context of the latest school report card. He offered hope by sharing how some schools are beating the odds. Unfortunately, these examples are truly the exception. Groundwork was also encouraged that Superintendent DeMaria promoted expanding early childhood programs as a way to address the achievement gap. We continue to have opportunities to elevate our early childhood agenda at the Statehouse and appreciate your support as we work towards making early childhood education a priority for Ohio's policymakers. Shannon Jones Executive Director

Groundwork Ohio Launches Vote for Ohio Kids Campaign This week, Vote for Ohio Kids – an initiative led by Groundwork Ohio, the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association , and Ohio Excels , in partnership with business leaders from across the state – announced the 2022 Vote for Ohio Kids campaign, a dedicated, nonpartisan statewide effort to ensure that Ohio’s next governor prioritizes investments in our youngest Ohioans. As part of the campaign, gubernatorial candidates Mike DeWine and Nan Whaley have been formally invited to participate in the 2022 Vote for Ohio Kids Leadership Forum on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Originally launched in 2018, the Vote for Ohio Kids campaign is a coalition of business, education, healthcare, and early childhood advocacy leaders unified behind a powerful agenda that puts Ohio kids front and center and positions them for lifelong success. The Vote for Ohio Kids campaign has targeted five areas in our consensus agenda, each with extensive bodies of research demonstrating their effectiveness and the return they offer on state investment. The Vote for Ohio Kids Leadership Forum will include plenary sessions on early childhood education and healthcare, as well as a guided conversation with the gubernatorial candidates on the importance of investments in Ohio kids. The invitation sent to the gubernatorial candidates was signed by nearly 50 business and community leaders from across the state. You can view the letters sent to Governor DeWine and former Mayor Nan Whaley here . Learn More>> Groundwork Ohio Presents at the 2022 NAEYC Professional Learning Institute This week, Groundwork Ohio's Lynanne Gutierrez, Erin Ryan, Amy Meade, and Lysette Arnold led presentations at the 2022 National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) Professional Learning Institute in Cleveland, OH. NAEYC’s Professional Learning Institute is designed for all early childhood professionals, as well as program administrators, teacher educators, trainers, teachers, preschool teachers, and researchers. Lynanne, Amy, and Lysette presented on the ways Groundwork Ohio is authentically engaging Ohio parents, families, and educators in the policies and practices that impact the healthy development of their children and communities. We were excited to share why elevating family and educator voice is so crucial in early childhood advocacy. Lynanne and Erin gave an Ohio policy update and the ways Groundwork Ohio is engaging our legislators and demanding investments in high-quality early childhood education. Thank you, NAEYC for allowing us to share Groundwork Ohio's important contributions to the early childhood field. We can't wait until next time! Take Action>> Deadline Extended: Apply to Join the Groundwork Ohio Team! Groundwork Ohio is hiring for THREE exciting roles within our growing organization. The deadline to apply to the listed positions is Friday, July 15. Apply today to join an amazing and dynamic team! Director, Communications Director, Advancement Manager, Advancement View Our Job Postings >> Groundwork Ohio Visits Triskett Station Center This week, Groundwork Ohio visited Triskett Station Center, a Horizon Education Center, located in Cleveland, OH. Triskett Station Center boasts a five-star rating from the State of Ohio's "Step Up To Quality" Program. It was great to see JD Smith (center), a current Early Childhood Leadership Fellow in action! Thank you to Dave Smith, JD Smith, Nick Gresko, Lisa Nunn, and everyone at Triskett Station Center for taking the time to give us such a wonderful tour of their center, and for allowing us to see their kiddos in action. We only wish we could have stayed longer! Governor DeWine Announces Free Online Parenting Education to Families This week, Governor Mike DeWine announced a partnership with the Governor’s Children’s Initiative, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), and the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund to bring free parent education materials to Ohio families. “Triple P’s positive approach will help build parenting skills, while providing needed resources and to help parents promote their children’s resiliency and build stronger families,” said Governor DeWine. “With the implementation of this program, I am pleased to see more recommendations of the Children’s Services Transformation Advisory Council achieved.” Groundwork Ohio applauds Governor DeWine’s continued commitment to Ohio’s youngest children and their families to support their healthy development, ensure they thrive, and that they are set up for long-term success. From the beginning of his administration, Governor DeWine has elevated Ohio’s infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children as a priority. We look forward to seeing the positive impact Triple P will have on parents and their families. Interested in singing up for the program? Click below to learn more! Learn More>> States Face a $48 Billion Child Care Funding Cliff We asked 8 child care workers about their joys and frustrations. Here's what they said Kate Middleton hosts a roundtable event on early childhood development Want to increase your impact?  Share this message with family, friends, and colleagues now!

Ohio Business, Healthcare, and Early Childhood Leaders Announce 2022 Vote for Ohio Kids Campaign Gubernatorial Candidates Invited to Participate in the Vote for Ohio Kids Leadership Forum on October 6, 2022 COLUMBUS, OH – Today, Vote for Ohio Kids – an initiative led by Groundwork Ohio, the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, and Ohio Excels, in partnership with business leaders from across the state – announced the 2022 Vote for Ohio Kids campaign, a dedicated, nonpartisan statewide effort to ensure that Ohio’s next governor prioritizes investments in our youngest Ohioans. As part of the campaign, gubernatorial candidates Mike DeWine and Nan Whaley have been formally invited to participate in the 2022 Vote for Ohio Kids Leadership Forum on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. “On the heels of an unprecedented pandemic that has had far-reaching, negative impacts on the health and well-being of Ohio’s youngest children and their families, it is more imperative now than ever that our state leaders chart a path forward that safeguards our most precious resources – our children,” said Shannon Jones, President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio. “Ohio’s next governor must make Ohio’s youngest children a priority to achieve equity and lay a strong foundation for every child.” “Countless studies have shown that increased isolation, economic instability, and gaps in in-person education over the last two years have exacerbated what was already a challenge beyond measure for our state’s children and youth,” said Nick Lashutka, President and CEO of the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association . “Pediatric mental and behavioral health is an extremely complex issue encompassing prevention and clinical care, workforce, funding, and community collaboration. The Vote for Ohio Kids campaign is committed to ensuring that Ohio’s gubernatorial candidates understand the importance of targeted, evidence-based investments in children’s behavioral health to our state’s future.” “We are at a critical juncture as a state and nation to recover and rebuild. Ohio must seize this opportunity to advance strong and steadfast leadership that puts Ohio’s youngest children at the forefront of our state’s agenda,” said Lisa A. Gray, President of Ohio Excels . “By providing a strong foundation for our youngest children and their families, Ohio’s next governor and other state and local leaders can set the roadmap for a healthier, more productive, and economically vibrant Ohio that allows more Ohioans to successfully pursue their careers.” Launched in 2018, the Vote for Ohio Kids campaign is a coalition of business, education, healthcare, and early childhood advocacy leaders unified behind a powerful agenda that puts Ohio kids front and center and positions them for lifelong success. The Vote for Ohio Kids campaign has targeted five areas in our consensus agenda, each with extensive bodies of research demonstrating their effectiveness and the return they offer on state investment. The Vote for Ohio Kids Leadership Forum will include plenary sessions on early childhood education and healthcare, as well as a guided conversation with the gubernatorial candidates on the importance of investments in Ohio kids. The invitation sent to the gubernatorial candidates was signed by nearly 50 business and community leaders from across the state. You can view the letter sent to Governor DeWine here and former Mayor Nan Whaley here . ### About Vote for Ohio Kids Vote for Ohio Kids is a nonpartisan statewide effort dedicated to ensuring all 2022 gubernatorial candidates prioritize policies for and investments in children and their families to achieve equity and secure a strong future for Ohio. The initiative is led jointly by Groundwork Ohio, the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, and Ohio Excels in partnership with business, healthcare, and early education leaders as well as child advocates from around the state. To learn more about Vote for Ohio Kids, visit www.VoteforOhioKids.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook. About the Founders Groundwork Ohio is a committed, nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization formed in 2004 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. Through our unique “centers for excellence” – the Center for Family Voice, the Center for Early Learning, and the Center for Maternal and Young Child Health – Groundwork Ohio is committed to making Ohio the best place to be a young child so that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. To learn more about Groundwork Ohio, visit www.GroundworkOhio.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The Ohio Children’s Hospital Association is the voice of Ohio’s youngest patients, their families and health care providers. Our six member hospitals and their nearly 40,000 employees are dedicated to saving, protecting and enhancing children’s lives. Nothing matters more to the future of our state, nation and world than protecting the health and well-being of our children. Sustaining and growing Ohio’s investment in saving, protecting and enhancing the lives of children is both good medicine and sound public policy. To learn more about the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, visit www.ohiochildrenshospitals.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Ohio Excels is a nonpartisan coalition of business leaders committed to helping improve education for every Ohio student. Our vision is to ensure all Ohio students have access to and are supported to excel in early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary experiences that prepare them for life and success in a changing economy. Ohio Excels provides an informed business perspective to help improve and transform Ohio’s education system so that it better prepares students to meet the demands of our evolving economy. To learn more about Ohio Excels, visit www.ohioexcels.org and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

By: Children's Defense Fund - Ohio , Groundwork Ohio, and The Center for Community Solutions The infant formula shortage has had substantial impacts on families in Ohio and nationwide. Many parents and caregivers are worried about how they will feed their young children and meet their nutritional needs. To help assist Ohio’s families and community partners in navigating this crisis, Groundwork Ohio partnered with our Center for Maternal & Young Child Health, Children's Defense Fund - Ohio and The Center for Community Solutions to create a Resource Guide that compiles information, guidance and key resources on the infant formula shortage. You can download the Resource Guide below or access it online here . Please help us amplify it across your networks by sharing it widely! About the Authors Groundwork Ohio is a committed, nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization formed in 2004 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. Through our unique “centers for excellence” – the Center for Family Voice, the Center for Early Learning, and the Center for Maternal and Young Child Health – Groundwork Ohio is committed to making Ohio the best place to be a young child so that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind ® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start , a Head Start , a Fair Start , a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. Children’s Defense Fund was founded in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by individual donations, foundation, corporate and government grants. CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown. The Center for Community Solutions is a nonpartisan think tank focused on solutions to health, social and economic issues. Community Solutions’ efforts are critical to the work and effectiveness of direct service organizations in Northeast Ohio. These organizations use our data to identify changes in community demographics that will impact their services and identify the gaps and overlaps within these services. They use our analysis to better understand public policies that affect their work and develop advocacy agendas accordingly. They use our timely and affordable training programs to increase their knowledge in order to better serve their constituents. They use the networks and coalitions we offer to build a strong voice on behalf of the most vulnerable citizens in our community. In addition to direct service organizations, funders, as well as policy makers, rely on our data and analysis to inform their decision-making, which can potentially impact all Ohioans.

Groundwork’s Steering Committee held it's fall quarterly meeting yesterday and was honored to host Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) as their legislative guest. Senator Sykes, who serves as the Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Education Committee and a member of the Joint Education Oversight Committee among others, shared his passion and perspective on early childhood education policy. He shares Groundwork's drive to increase investments in quality early childhood programs and getting it to the children who need it the most. Senator Sykes also spoke to the knowledge gap experienced by parents and caregivers who want the best for their children but often don't understand the importance of early learning to inform their choices when building a strong foundation for their child. Parent engagement is critical to supporting our quality early childhood education system.

By Amy Roehrenbeck, Esq., Executive Director, Ohio Child Support Professionals Association Follow Amy on LinkedIn .   This year marks the 50 th anniversary of the Title IV-D program. Signed into law by President Gerald Ford (a child of divorced parents himself), the IV-D program began as a cost recovery program, focused on recouping dollars being spent on public assistance benefits to low-income families. Since that time, the program has grown in its mission and reach both nationally and here in Ohio, where we serve 1 in 4 children and collect over $1.5 billion in support annually. August is Child Support Awareness Month and this offers a great opportunity to learn more about our program!   Ohio’s Child Support Program Serves 1 in 4 Children Ohio’s child support caseload regularly ranks among the largest in the country. Our county agencies administer both judicial and administrative child support orders. These orders are administered for long periods of time, often from child infancy until graduation or emancipation. Unlike other human services programs, there is no income requirement to access child support services, and we serve families across the socio-economic spectrum.   Child support is about more than just money Ohio county child support agencies deliver a robust set of services to ensure children’s well-being. These core services include: Location of parents to obtain paternity and/or support, or to enforce a child support order The establishment of paternity to determine legal fatherhood The establishment of child support and medical support orders to address the financial and healthcare needs of the child Modification of child support and medical support orders when circumstances change Enforcement of child support when a parent fails to pay   Child Support Partners are Key to our Success Child support agencies work with many partners to establish, collect, and enforce orders to ensure that children receive the support they need to grow and thrive. These include employers, courts, private attorneys, sister programs such as Income Maintenance, Child Welfare, and Workforce, hospitals, fatherhood organizations, financial institutions, domestic violence advocates, and many others.   Learn More About the Services Child Support Has to Offer To enhance your work through Groundwork Ohio, we encourage you to reach out to your local child support agency and find out what services are available to assist the families you serve. Whether it’s the determination of paternity for family formation, the pursuit of a child support order to strengthen a family’s economic stability, or a medical support order to secure healthcare coverage, your local agency can help!   Amy Roehrenbeck, Esq. is the Executive Director for the Ohio Child Support Professionals Association. Amy has been in the child support program for 24 years, serving as a county assistant prosecuting attorney before coming to the association in 2007.

By Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellow Brittney McCarey   The future of Ohio’s youngest citizens lies within the walls of their early childhood classrooms. Yet, the educators responsible for nurturing, guiding, and shaping their development are often underpaid and undervalued. This reality not only impacts the lives of these educators but directly influences the quality of education that young children receive. As we advocate for policies like Senate Bill 177 , it is crucial to understand how fair compensation for early childhood educators can lead to better outcomes for children and families across our state.      Understanding the Landscape      Educators in Ohio face a multitude of challenges. Many lack the financial stability necessary for a sustainable career, leading to high turnover rates that disrupt the continuity of care and education for children. According to recent studies, schools with high educator turnover rates often struggle to provide quality early childhood education, a factor critical to a child's success in the later stages of life.      The Urgency for Legislative Action    Ohio's current rankings in critical areas of child welfare highlight the need for immediate government action. For instance:   Ohio ranks 44th in food insecurity, underscoring the need for advocacy to ensure all children access nutritious meals.   With a ranking of 42nd, improving access to Early Head Start for income-eligible infants and toddlers is paramount.   The state’s 30th ranking in infant maltreatment highlights the urgent need for stronger protections and support systems to prevent abuse and neglect.   The lack of adequate support systems for families makes the role of early childhood educators even more critical. They not only educate but often serve as vital support for children and families in need.      The Significance of Senate Bill 177    Senate Bill 177 proposes a transformative shift in early childhood education through the Workforce Investment Now (WIN) for Child Care pilot program. This legislation aims to provide publicly funded child care for educators working at least 20 hours per week, fostering a more stable workforce. By addressing compensation, this bill encourages retention and, in turn, ensures that children receive the consistent, high-quality education they deserve.      Advocating for Change    The path to enhancing educator compensation requires collective effort:   1.  Engage Our Communities:  Form coalitions with parents, community organizations, and educators to advocate for increased funding for early childhood education.   2. Utilize Data: Present data showcasing the long-term benefits of investing in early childhood education, such as improved academic performance and reduced societal costs.   3. Lobby for Support:  Work directly with lawmakers to communicate the critical need for legislative support of Senate Bill 177.   4. Raise Awareness: Launch campaigns to educate the public on the importance of early childhood educators and their role in shaping future generations.   5. Pursue Funding Opportunities: Actively seek federal and state grants that can provide the necessary financial support for early childhood programs.      A Call to Action    The case for increasing pay and retaining early childhood educators resonates well beyond their classrooms. It is a call to action for lawmakers and community members alike to invest in the future of Ohio's children. By supporting initiatives like Senate Bill 177, we not only uplift the teaching profession but also lay a strong foundation for the well-being of families and children in our state. Together, let’s advocate for policies that ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

By Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellows: Bonnie Berg-Simmons Sam Forsythe Laura McFalls Jennifer McNellie Meghan Scott According to the Ohio Department of Education’s latest Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (2024-2025 school year), only 37% of Ohio students began school with skills which will allow them to effectively learn, and this percentage has only gone down since the 2020-2021 school year. Because children who enter school behind academically tend to remain behind, it is critical for kids to demonstrate learning skills early. Early investment in literacy skills not only improves school readiness but also lays the foundation for lifelong achievement.   Family knowledge and involvement can impact children’s early literacy. Because not every family in Ohio has access to high quality childcare, our Fellowship project focused on providing resources and activity suggestions for families, public librarians, and child care providers who work with children from birth to age 5. Our activities can be used by child care providers in a center or a home with minimal or no cost.   We based our activities on the research of Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) , an organization that focuses on caregiver education. They found that how caregivers approach five “practices” (sing, talk, read, write, and play) can make a huge difference in how children are able to learn. Educators can also use six “components” (phonological awareness, vocabulary, print awareness, letter knowledge, and background knowledge) to enhance the practices, although we have tried to avoid using those specific words to make our activities more user-friendly. Instead, we have built the components into our activities.   Sing Singing slows down language so kids can hear sounds which make up words. Singing also exposes kids to syllables, rhyming, and concepts like numbers, sizes, and opposites.   Talk All caregivers talk to their children, but how they talk is more important. Directions like “put away your toys” or “finish your dinner” don't expose kids to a wide variety of words. Telling stories and asking open-ended questions will expose kids to words that they will later encounter in print. Read Research has shown that reading to and with a child is the single most effective way to prepare them to read. Books expose kids to sounds and words which they may not encounter in day-to-day life. In addition, relating the book to a child’s experiences can allow for caregiver-child bonding and emotional connection to reading. Write Writing is essential for representing written language, and fine motor skills must exist before children are old enough to write. Kids can strengthen their hand and finger muscles long before they begin writing with activities like playing with clay, cutting, or painting. Play All types of play help develop language skills. Pretending one object is another, acting out stories, and engaging in pretend play are all ways to strengthen early literacy skills, develop problem solving skills, and deepen knowledge of the world.   Something must be done to reverse the decline in school readiness in Ohio. We hope that increasing access to early literacy resources, information, and activities will lead to improved kindergarten readiness scores throughout the state. A potential side effect will include strengthening the family-child connection.

By Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellows: Angela Martin Dr. Allison Riggle Monica Cardenas Katy Philpot Universal Pre-Kindergarten: Building Foundations, Strengthening Futures Imagine yourself as the parent of a preschool-aged child. Maybe you’ve been there before—or you're navigating that moment now—doing your best to give your child the strongest foundation for future success. Now imagine not  having the means to send your child to preschool, even though research shows that early learning offers lasting benefits.   So, what can we do to support children and families in this position? We can provide universal pre-kindergarten (UPK). The impact reaches far beyond early learning—UPK strengthens our future workforce, empowers families, and builds up communities across Ohio.   Why Universal Pre-K Matters Universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) is more than just an early learning program—it's a critical strategy to ensure all children in Ohio start kindergarten ready to thrive. Ohio faces alarmingly low kindergarten readiness scores.  UPK gives children the support they need at a pivotal stage in their development, helping them build the skills necessary for long-term academic success. UPK benefits both children and families.  It nurtures a child’s growth while also easing the financial burden of childcare, allowing parents to work and provide for their families. It’s an investment in stronger communities.  When children succeed early, we see ripple effects in education, employment, and community well-being for years to come.   What the Research Shows Research tells us that providing learning opportunities for young children generates better outcomes, not just for the child but for the community.   There have been numerous studies that have proven that the money invested in those early educational programs gives measurable returns later.   A preschool lottery system in Boston during the late 1990’s found those students have a higher rate of attending college, less behavior problems and skipping school. This was just one year of preschool offered to receive these benefits.  The Perry School Project in Michigan was conducted in the 1970’s with the participants progressing through school and beyond being studied. It found a 7-10% return on the initial investment, with better economic outcomes for the participants versus their peers who did not receive the added education. They reported better health and needed less social welfare help.   Early childhood educational programs offered in several areas of North Carolina   in the 1970’s showed a 13% annual return on the original investment. Again, it showed better outcomes for those who received early learning versus children who did not.     One Parent’s Perspective Maria Russell, a Columbus mother who is raising three boys, sees the positive impact UPK can have for children. She shares her thoughts:    “As a mommy of three, I know that I am my child's first teacher. Building friendships outside of their siblings & relationships with other trusted adults is something I can't teach but only model at home or in other group settings. Unfortunately, that's not an everyday occurrence. Attending Preschool and being in a classroom setting before they get to kindergarten is so beneficial to help them grow as a student and show them how to build their own friendships.”    Maria understands that UPK does not just help build her children’s educational foundation but also gives them needed social and emotional skills. Children given the opportunity to socialize with peers build their kindergarten readiness abilities.     Benefiting families today creates future benefits  The excessive cost of child care hurts families who are financially struggling. Offering UPK can support these families. It can lower the burden of childcare costs while building a solid educational foundation for their children. Parents can work more, increasing their income and lessening the need for government assistance. When children are given educational experiences earlier in life, they do better in academics and are better prepared for the workforce later in life.   Preparing the future generations for success by providing UPK also aids communities and businesses. Less crime, financial stability and a capable workforce are all direct payoffs of funding UPK for all.   Read more about how  New Evidence Suggests Expanding Access to Pre-K is Good for the Economy   UPK in Action: HOPE Toledo Here in Ohio, HOPE Toledo  is leading the way. Their mission is to support Toledo children from cradle to career, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. By focusing on education as a pathway to economic advancement, HOPE Toledo is demonstrating what’s possible when we prioritize early learning.   How You Can Advocate Every child deserves the best start in life. How do we ensure that all children get what they need to be successful, not just in school but in life? Reaching out to our elected officials can have our voices heard. Contact your elected officials to express your views on this particularly important topic:    Find your federal and state representatives Ohio Legislature District Maps   Hope for the Future Giving the most vulnerable—our young learners—the best opportunities means learning must start before they reach kindergarten. Each dollar spent on UPK sees a 3 to 4 dollar return in investment . It is imperative that we recognize that a small cost today sees payoff in the future, that we save money by investing in education for our preschool children. Give those children, their families, and communities that much needed foundation for success.

By Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellows: Emily Creswell Delaney Jones Samantha Whatley Many of us dream of creating a home that is loving and healthy while thriving in a community that reflects our values. We hold a vision of raising children and providing for them in a way that surpasses our own upbringing. The homes we build will contain comfort, connection and a continuation of what we cherish. Dreams, however, are that. Ethereal and sometimes semi-attainable. We have to adjust when waking life interrupts our visions.   The reality of creating and raising that vision of family requires a combination of conditions that we’re not all privy to: a good education, fair health and a reasonable amount of wealth. So, how is it that we marry the vision of raising a family when in reality the necessities to do so are often hard to find, perhaps lost or completely out of reach?   A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words During a recent community outreach event, I was asked to deliver Easter Baskets to one of our Head Start families. I happily obliged and drove the basket-filled with donated food items- to the location. When I arrived at the modest house, I noticed it was like any other house-a small, neat yard, driveway and some open windows letting in fresh air. Through those windows I heard the sound of children playing. I walked up the steps to the front door and after knocking, the house became quiet. I waited for a few moments before knocking again. And again. After several more minutes, I knocked louder and yelled a friendly, “Hello?” when finally a young boy answered. His first statement to me was actually a question: “Are you the lady from CPS ?” I smiled, held up the basket and replied, “No sweetie, I’m from Head Start. Your mom should know that I was coming over today and I have an Easter Basket for you all-a big dinner!” It was then that I heard mom from back in the house yell out in thanks. She’d just returned home from the hospital the day before after recently giving birth. The infant was premature and underweight but finally, thankfully- stable. The little boy excitedly offered to take the basket and I handed it over wishing him a good Easter holiday.   A Thousand Words and Other Important Numbers Fantasizing about living the American dream creates the questions too many Ohioans find themselves having to ask (or, being asked about themselves) such as: What is required to be viewed as a decent, (and law-abiding) parent? What happens when life happens and things like job loss, illness or other unexpected circumstances create obstacles to what’s considered a healthy, (safe) way of living?   These questions are not unrealistic to ask given the statistics facing Ohio households. In example, according to Feeding America , 1 in 7 people in Ohio face hunger and 1 in 5 children in Ohio are hungry. To further illustrate, it is noted that in 2019 a staggering 19% of Ohio’s children -an estimated 489,160 -”didn’t consistently have enough food for an active, healthy life.”   Consider still the fact that infant mortality in Ohio outranks most other states in the U.S. According to the same source, “The health of the baby and the health of the mother are intimately connected. Of all the infants that died in 2019, nearly two-thirds were preterm, and over 60% had a low birth weight. Research shows that economic and food insecurity negatively impacts the health of pregnant women and babies. Mothers who experience poverty, are in their teens or are people of color are more likely than others to lose an infant, due to socioeconomic health effects.”   A Number of Questions Given the statistics one must question: if a household is living in poverty and there is not enough food available on a regular basis, how do those who are mandated to protect children interpret and report these types of scenes?   Clearly, the little boy in the vignette was familiar with outsiders visiting to assess his home life. The recommendation to reach out to his family was offered by his younger sister’s preschool teacher and led us to ask: When child care workers, healthcare staff, teachers and other mandated reporters notice a child struggling, what does that mean for the family? What if housing accommodations are less than ideal? In cases when parents don’t know what is developmentally appropriate, needed and/or safe, how do we assess their parenting practices and skills? In other words, is the status of being poor and without (means, education, etcetera) to be considered a crime or reportable offense, or, is it a responsibility of ours (mandated reporters, etcetera) to provide resources? How can parents mitigate the reality of their circumstances while advocating for their rights? Is it just that a family without stated necessities struggle to keep their kin intact? Further, what are the ripple effects or cumulative experiences families might face when death, illness, lack of education, hunger, poverty, racism and/or some form of family separation  are more common than not?   One Answer to Consider These are some of the questions we’ve been asking ourselves and the answers we’re arriving at have bound us to the idea that circumstances should not dictate a family’s right to thrive . While we’re mandated to report, we believe we’re also obligated to provide support and thus we’ve created a resource for families that we hope will offer them an opportunity to learn, advocate and regain some sovereignty.   Know Your Rights  is one way we are attempting to address the questions raised. In 2024, ODJFS reported that 1,964 children were removed from their homes in Ohio due to abuse and/or neglect. While the detailed breakdown of what drove the removals isn’t readily available, one can assume that under the umbrella of abuse and neglect are terms we’re all familiar with: food insecurity, homelessness, and unemployment (to name a few). Pair those with the reality that most Ohioans are facing such as inflation and an uncertain job market as well as a volatile political climate and the stakes are raised even higher.   While this online tool is not an all-encompassing answer to our questions, it’s our effort to both highlight areas Ohio families struggle with and provide a few assets that may be useful as they navigate the world of Child Protective Service claims, etcetera. Our goal is that this layered website, (loosely modeled on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs) can help individuals identify and organize the main ‘life’ subject-matter areas they may find themselves struggling under and link them to guidance. Our dream is that this tool helps spread awareness of the struggles faced by families and that at least one household is well-served by its contents.   Will You Consider the Consequences of Inaction? We ask that you take the time to reflect on both what we’ve shared and what you already know. We further ask that you take your reflections, questions and suggestions to policy makers. Many of the organizations that provide the much needed support are already overwhelmed and significantly underfunded and thus our collective attention to the needs of children and families in our state is crucial. If we don’t act, we must then ask what the ripple effects of our inertia will be. We have our dream of this resource helping families but our ultimate fantasy is this: citizens become advocates and share this project to the end that policymakers become compelled to do the necessary work of putting children and families first. It should not be a dream that everyone has a right to thrive. That can and should be our collected reality.

By Wendy Grove, Ph.D., Senior Advisor, Research, Evaluation & Impact State Administrator for Ohio PROMISE Project Director, Ohio’s Early Childhood Inclusive Leadership Fellowship Ohio Department of Children and Youth   Follow Wendy on LinkedIn . This week marks a monumental milestone—the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, ADA has been a beacon of hope and a powerful tool for change, making discrimination based on disability illegal. Its impact is profound and far-reaching, opening doors—literally and figuratively—that were once closed to millions of Americans. The ADA has transformed our society, ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to work, learn, and enjoy life. From accessible buildings to fair treatment in the workplace, ADA has paved the way for justice and equality. It has empowered individuals to pursue their dreams and live their lives to the fullest, whether that means exploring our beautiful State parks , excelling in their chosen careers, attending school in their community, or being able to play with their friends at their local park. In Ohio, the ADA's influence is evident in the robust support systems we have in place for our youngest citizens. Programs like Early Intervention, Preschool Special Education, and Special Education are just the beginning. Across various departments—Children and Youth, Health, Developmental Disabilities, Medicaid, Education and Workforce, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Job & Family Services, and more—we are committed to supporting children with disabilities from birth. Organizations like Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Disability Rights Ohio, and the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities play crucial roles in this effort. Supporting children where they learn, live, and play is not just beneficial for them; it strengthens our entire community. By equipping adults with the knowledge and tools to support each learner, we ensure that every child has joyful, impactful early experiences. To all the service coordinators, developmental specialists, teachers, paraprofessionals, intervention specialists, and service providers—thank you. Your dedication and hard work make a world of difference, helping children learn and grow alongside their peers. For those interested in learning more about the experiences of Ohio families in accessing services, I encourage you to check out Groundwork Ohio’s survey results  from April 2024. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Children & Youth offers an Issue Brief on Accessible Child Care for Children with Disabilities , providing valuable insights from families across Ohio and the nation. In Ohio, we are committed to helping all citizens achieve their potential. If you need professional development or assistance accommodating a child with a disability, visit Ohio Promise . Families seeking support can reach out to Family Support Specialists for help with child care and financial support options at Ohio Promise for Families . As we celebrate this significant anniversary of the ADA, let’s remember that every day presents opportunities to support our fellow Ohioans. Whether through acts of kindness or advocacy, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. People with disabilities are our neighbors, friends, family members, and loved ones. Together, we can continue to build a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.

By Jacob Oates, Director of Programming and Impact   Follow Jacob on LinkedIn .  At Groundwork Ohio, we know that early educators are the backbone of Ohio’s child care system, but too many struggle with low wages and few benefits. Early childhood educators play a vital role in nurturing our youngest learners and enabling parents to work; however, they are severely underpaid. With turnover rates between 15–25%, low wages are driving instability in child care. How does this impact the economy and workforce? A staggering $122  billion in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue each year, according to the PN3 Policy Center . To address this crisis, several states are piloting innovative compensation strategies. The latest brief from the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center makes it clear: States across the country are taking action to strengthen this workforce, and Ohio should be next.  The brief highlights four proven strategies Wage supplements  to raise pay.  Bonuses and stipends  to reward and retain staff.  Targeted tax credits  to ease financial strain.  Expanded benefits  like health care and retirement.  These approaches benefit more than just educators, as they positively impact families, children, and Ohio’s economy by creating a more stable and high-quality child care system. When educators are paid fairly and have access to benefits, child care providers can retain qualified staff, reduce turnover, and offer more consistent and nurturing environments for young children. Families gain access to reliable care which allows parents to stay in the workforce and contribute to Ohio’s economy. Stronger early learning settings also lay the foundation for school readiness, improved long-term academic outcomes, and better health, strengthening Ohio’s future workforce and communities. Investing in early educator compensation is an investment in the success and stability of our state. The State of Early Childhood Educators in Ohio   According to a J anuary 2024 National Association for the Education of Young Children survey of over 10,000 early childhood educators nationwide, including nearly 440 from Ohio, many educators are feeling the strain as federal relief funding expires. Ohio’s results paint a bleak picture:  54% of local child care programs closed  at least one location last year—outpacing openings (27%). 46% of educators report increased burnout , with 33% saying  their economic situation is worse now compared to a year ago. 58% of programs face staffing shortages, 62% are under-enrolled, and over half recently increased tuition just to stay afloat. “ I don’t know how much longer I can continue to keep up with the negative factors that come with this job. Especially when compensation stays the same. ”   As we advocate for policies that build a brighter future for Ohio’s youngest children, investing in early educator compensation must be at the top of the list.  Ohio’s kids and workforce can’t wait.   Read the full PN3 Policy Center brief here .