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YWCA Columbus recently announced its 2026 Women on the Rise honorees , recognizing five outstanding women leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Central Ohio. We are proud to share that Marti Ridley , Groundwork Ohio’s Director of Digital Communications , is among this distinguished group. A respected leader in the nonprofit digital communications space, Marti brings strategic vision, creativity, and deep expertise to her role. Her work helps shape how Groundwork Ohio tells its story—strengthening our digital presence, engaging communities across the state, and ensuring our advocacy for Ohio’s youngest children and families is both impactful and accessible. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marti is a steady and deeply supportive presence on our team. She is known for her positivity, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others—qualities that make her not only an exceptional communications leader, but also a trusted colleague and mentor. This recognition is especially meaningful given YWCA Columbus’s longstanding commitment to economic mobility , the empowerment of women , and access to quality child care —priorities that closely align with Groundwork Ohio’s mission and values. We are grateful for our continued partnership with YWCA Columbus as we work together to advance opportunities for women, children, and families across Central Ohio and beyond. Please join us in congratulating Marti on this well-deserved honor.

What does it look like to advocate for Ohio’s youngest children while raising young kids of your own? In this staff spotlight, Brittany Boulton shares her “why,” what inspires her leadership, and how families across Ohio fuel her commitment to early childhood policy every day. Photo credit: Amy Ann Photography Q. What’s your role at Groundwork Ohio, and how long have you been on the team? A. I am the Vice President at Groundwork Ohio and I joined the team in January 2024. Q. What drew you to this work and to Groundwork’s mission? What’s your “why”? A. My career has centered on working to make sure every Ohio family has the opportunity to pursue the healthiest, best future they can. Investments in young childhood have the greatest return, both financially and developmentally. As a mom of three young children, I have seen firsthand the impact of timely prenatal care, access to routine pediatric well visits, and high quality early learning opportunities. Every mother and child in Ohio could and should have access to these critical resources. Q. What does a typical day look like for you in your role? A. My workday changes based on the Ohio legislative calendar at the Statehouse down the street from Groundwork’s office. If we are in state budget season or a busy legislative month, I might be seen walking over to advocate for legislative activity that benefits moms, babies, and kids in one of the many committees that touch their lives. I could be meeting with legislators, their staff, or stakeholders from the early childhood movement including families, child care providers, health care professionals, and business leaders. If the legislature is not in session, I am planning for when they will be! I am traveling the state to meet with community leaders whose work impacts children, taking advantage of learning opportunities with early childhood advocacy peers from other states, and working with our team to broaden and deepen our coalitions, hone our messaging, and stay on top of the best policy ideas growing around the country.   Q. How would you describe the culture at Groundwork Ohio? A. The Groundwork team is mission-driven, reliable, warm, and collaborative. We have worked intentionally to create a team on which every Groundworker – regardless of role – has the opportunity to show up as a leader for young children. We try new things, we learn which approaches work and which could be even better, and we constantly evolve and stretch to keep kids at the forefront of shifting political and policy landscapes. We take our work seriously but we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we love opportunities to laugh and share a meal with one another. Q. What inspires you to keep showing up and doing this work every day? A. A quick scan of our most recent Ohio Early Childhood Data Dashboard  will show you that Ohio’s young children deserve better. Ohio continues to rank in the bottom 10 states for infant mortality, 65% of Ohio’s children are not ready for kindergarten, and families are struggling to cover the costs of child care and other basic needs like food and housing. I have met families and early childhood professionals around the state that are living proof of these data points. These are not just numbers, they are caregivers, moms, dads, and babies. They’re our neighbors and fellow classroom parents, the caregivers in my own son’s infant classroom. It is a great privilege to do this work and I am motivated and inspired every day by the people I meet who commit their lives to young children. Q. What do you like to do in your free time? A. In my free time, I co-lead my daughters’ Girl Scout troop, volunteer on my Columbus neighborhood Area Commission, and spend as much time at home with my family as I can. I married my husband Justin in 2012 after we met as Statehouse staffers and my favorite way to spend downtime is snacking and catching up in the kitchen with him about work, the kids, Ohio news and politics, and the boring day-to-day of running a household. Our brilliant daughters are 7 and 9 and we welcomed our sweet little son this past June. As I write this, he is 6 months old and the smiliest baby I’ve ever met! We also decided to rescue a cat and a dog this year upon a very successful lobbying campaign led by our older children. My 2026 New Year’s resolution is not to bring home any new creatures, human or furry! Q. If you could describe your role in three words, what would they be? A. Strategic, Communicative, Motivating Q. Who is someone—inside or outside of work—who inspires your leadership? A. She will be embarrassed when she reads this, but I am regularly inspired by our President & CEO, Lynanne Gutierrez. She shows up so consistently and fully to her role leading Groundwork, despite having her own crew of tiny people and animals to look after each day. Whether we are meeting with a team member, a legislator, or just stuck in transit with an Uber driver, she has a magic power for making people feel heard. She listens deeply and never forgets the tiniest of details – from technical policy to the books your kids mentioned they like. I can struggle not to let my own mind drift to the next meeting or project throughout the day, and I strive to be more deliberate and intentional like Lynanne is with everyone she meets. Q.  What’s your favorite memory or moment from working at Groundwork so far? A. I can’t pick just one! I’ll share a brief highlight reel: taking an unscheduled tour of a child care center during our 2024 Roadshow, looking out at the crowd of hundreds of advocates packing the Statehouse Atrium and proudly cheering for the early childhood movement on our Budget Advocacy Day, bringing my children to our Working Families Rally on the Statehouse lawn when my son was just 13 days old (and my daughters ate their weight in popsicles), and; welcoming Governor and First Lady DeWine to share their work connecting with children around Ohio at our Momentum Institute this fall.

The child care crisis in Ohio is gaining statewide attention. A recent article written by Jessie Balmert of the Gannett and USA Today Network was published across newspapers throughout Ohio, shining a spotlight on how rising child care costs are forcing families to make increasingly impossible choices. The article highlights that for many families, the struggle begins even before their babies arrive. Sara McLaughlin of Troy was still pregnant when she placed her twin boys on a waiting list for Head Start. It took another six months after Ruzi and Brooks were born to secure spots in the free federal preschool program — a program that frequently faces staffing shortages and funding freezes.   “I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have Head Start,” McLaughlin said. Her only backup option is her 86-year-old grandmother.   Stories like Sara’s reflect the broader reality across the state. Nearly three-fourths of parents say child care is expensive , according to Groundwork Ohio polling . The average cost of sending an infant and a four-year-old to a child care center in Ohio has climbed to $25,532  — a 16% increase in just one year , according to an analysis from Child Care Aware of America . Lynanne Gutierrez, President and CEO of Groundwork Ohio, emphasized that while incremental improvements matter, they are not enough to address the scale of the crisis.   “All progress is good progress. But without public investment and structural changes, child care will remain too expensive and out of reach for most Ohio families,” she said.   “We’re not nearly going to be able to meet the demands that families have in any realistic amount of time with those one-by-one solutions,” Gutierrez added. “It’s not that we should stop. It’s just, could you imagine if we had that along with a strong public investment? Then we’d really be cooking with gas.”   Business leaders are also stepping forward. According to Untapped Potential , a report by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Groundwork Ohio, Ohio loses $5.48 billion each year  in untapped taxes and employer earnings due to the child care crisis. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce has made access to affordable, reliable child care one of its top priorities.   “Businesses understand that child care is a barrier to them receiving the best talent,” said Justin Barnes of the Chamber. “They want to contribute to a solution.” And while some lawmakers have supported pilot programs and tax credits to expand employer-sponsored child care or test new models, the scale of the challenge remains daunting. Ohio is facing a potential $600 million child care funding shortfall when temporary federal relief dollars expire — a cliff that threatens families, providers, and employers alike.   Child care providers are already under strain. “It’s never been more expensive,” said Vanessa Freytag, former president and CEO of 4C for Children . Providers face rising costs for diapers, utilities, food, and rent — multiplied across dozens of children — while families shoulder more of the burden.   State leaders recognize that eligibility for child care assistance remains among the lowest in the country. “We want to invest in our low-income families,” said Kara Wente of the Ohio Department of Children & Youth . “We’re still one of the lowest states… we’re always trying to push that up. Unfortunately, we were not successful.” In addition to spotlighting the experiences of families and providers, the story also noted that several Ohio lawmakers are voicing concern about the escalating child care crisis. Leaders such as Rep. Andrea White (Kettering), Sen. Michele Reynolds (Canal Winchester), and Rep. Mark Johnson (Chillicothe)  acknowledged the strain that rising costs place on families and the urgent need to strengthen Ohio’s child care system. Their comments reflect a growing, bipartisan awareness that the current approach is unsustainable — and that meaningful, long-term solutions are overdue.   These stories, data points, and perspectives all point to the same conclusion: Ohio’s child care system is stretched beyond its limits, and families are paying the price. Without meaningful, sustained public investment, the crisis will only deepen — threatening family stability, workforce participation, and the long-term success of Ohio’s youngest children.

In this Spotlight, Julia Myers , the Director of Toledo Day Nursery and Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Leadership Fellow, reflects on her professional journey, personal experiences as a parent, and her vision for transforming early childhood education in Ohio. She shares what drives her advocacy, the challenges she sees, and her hopes for every child, family, and educator in the system. Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. What kind of work do you do, and who do you serve? A. I am the Director at Toledo Day Nursery , where I lead efforts to provide quality early childhood education and care, serving children from six weeks to six years old. Toledo Day Nursery, with its rich history dating back over a century, remains committed to nurturing young minds. Through initiatives like WeVision Solution Labs , we strive to make the ideal real by offering scholarships and advocating for the youngest learners. I've been in the director role for five years. On a personal note, I'm a mother to two wonderful children, and my husband is dedicated to education as a junior high language arts teacher. Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship? A. Working in downtown Toledo, I've frequently encountered the challenge of parents struggling to find high-quality early childhood education for their children. These calls for help have been a constant reminder of the gaps in our education system that need addressing. Through my collaboration with organizations like Hope Toledo and T he Bainum Foundation 's Solution Lab schools, I've gained invaluable insights into the importance of early childhood education and the need for systemic change. My time with these organizations has ignited a passion for advocating that early childhood educators receive compensation comparable to public school teachers. The dedication and impact these educators have on young lives are immeasurable, and yet they are often undervalued. Ensuring fair compensation is crucial to attracting and retaining talented individuals who can provide the nurturing and educational foundation young children need. The first five years of a child's life are critical, shaping their future learning and development. These formative years must be funded and supported with the same commitment as public schools. By applying for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship, I aim to further my advocacy efforts and contribute to a future where every child has access to the education they deserve. Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience? A. I am most excited to find my voice in speaking to those who need to hear about the importance of early childhood education. Advocacy in this field requires not only passion and a strong will but also the confidence to speak effectively in public settings. Through the Fellowship, I hope to learn how to communicate with authority and knowledge, ensuring that my message resonates with diverse audiences. Public speaking is an essential skill for an advocate, and I am eager to gain experience and training that will allow me to articulate my ideas confidently and persuasively. This opportunity will be instrumental in helping me develop the poise and eloquence necessary to inspire change and champion the cause of early childhood education. Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, I first learned about Groundwork Ohio through a webinar on early childhood education that I attended from my home office. The pandemic, with all its disruptions, highlighted the essential nature of early childhood education, especially as families and educators grappled with unprecedented challenges. Groundwork Ohio emerged as a powerful voice advocating for the needs of young children and their families during this period of uncertainty. Their commitment to addressing the disparities in early childhood education became apparent as they tirelessly worked to ensure that the youngest members of our communities were not overlooked in policy discussions. I was particularly impressed with how they utilized digital platforms to continue their advocacy efforts, reaching out to policymakers and the public alike to highlight the critical need for robust support systems for early learners. Groundwork Ohio's leadership in pushing for equitable access to quality early education during the pandemic resonated deeply with me. It motivated me to engage more actively in this field, as their dedication and proactive stance served as a beacon of hope during those difficult months. Their work inspired me to further my involvement in advocating for substantial changes in early childhood education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive from the very start. Q. What's one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you're passionate about addressing? A. One critical issue in the early childhood education system that I am deeply passionate about addressing is the need for affordable and high-quality education that ensures families feel heard and seen. Too often, parents face overwhelming barriers when seeking the best educational opportunities for their young children, primarily due to prohibitive costs and inconsistent quality standards. This not only affects the children's developmental outcomes but also places undue stress on families striving to provide the best start for their little ones. Affordable education should not come at the expense of quality. It's essential to create a system where high-quality early childhood programs are accessible to all families, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This involves not only sufficient funding but also ensuring that the programs maintain rigorous standards that foster a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. Additionally, compensating teachers appropriately is a crucial component of this issue. Early childhood educators play a pivotal role in shaping the minds and futures of young children, yet their efforts are often undervalued. By advocating for fair compensation, we can attract and retain skilled educators who are passionate about their work, thus enhancing the quality of education provided. Moreover, it's vital that families feel seen and heard in this system. This means involving them in conversations about their children's education, understanding their needs, and respecting their insights. By fostering a collaborative environment where parents and educators work together, we can create a supportive community that prioritizes the best interests of the child. Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families? A. Becoming a parent has profoundly influenced the way I lead and advocate for young children and their families. This personal journey of discovering my own identity as a parent while simultaneously managing the responsibilities of running an educational program has been both enlightening and transformative. It has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges families face and the importance of creating supportive environments for both children and their caregivers. Navigating the intricacies of parenthood while overseeing a program has taught me resilience and adaptability. The daily balancing act of meeting my family's needs and ensuring the program's success has mirrored the struggles many parents face. This firsthand experience has fueled my empathy and commitment to advocating for policies that support families, recognizing that every family deserves to thrive without being overwhelmed by financial or systemic barriers. In my role, I've encountered the financial pressures that come with providing quality education while also sustaining my own household. This dual perspective has opened my eyes to the critical need for affordable child care solutions and accessible resources for all families. It has strengthened my resolve to push for systemic changes that alleviate these burdens, ensuring that no family has to choose between their financial stability and their child's early development. Furthermore, this journey has reinforced the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership. As I've navigated my own parenting challenges, I've learned to embrace the uncertainties and imperfections that come with it. This has allowed me to connect more deeply with families, fostering an environment where they feel understood and supported, rather than judged. Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. Universal Early Childhood Education and funding it appropriately. Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space—now and in the future? A. I hope to continue advocating for those who need support, whether it be a parent, a child, or an educator.

Meet Monica Gaulden, a longtime early childhood champion whose commitment to families shines through her work every day. As a Recruitment, Retention, and Training Supervisor with Family Connections’ SPARK program, Monica supports parent partners and helps equip more than 600 families with the tools they need to prepare their young children for kindergarten. Her passion for advocacy, lived experience, and belief in the power of nurturing relationships guide her leadership in the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship. Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. What kind of work do you do, and who do you serve? A . My name is Monica Gaulden. I have three daughters and have been married for more than 20 years. I currently serve as one of the Recruitment Retention and Training Supervisor for Family Connections SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) program. SPARK is a free kindergarten readiness home visiting program in Cuyahoga County that partners with families of 3- and 4-year-olds that are not yet in kindergarten. We presently serve over 600 families with the goal of equipping parents and caregivers to successfully transition their child into kindergarten. In my role, I provide oversight, training and ongoing support to a team of five parent partners ensuring they have the tools and strategies to effectively coach families and promote school readiness. Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship? A. I had the pleasure of attending the Groundwork Advocacy Day. Being in a room with more than 400 fellow advocates who support children, and families was truly illuminating. Listening to heartfelt testimonies was both inspiring and motivating. I left the event with a renewed fire for advocacy and a deeper awareness of how policies and state legislation impact constituents. I have a new understanding of Ohioans and their needs. Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience? A. Everyone I have spoken with from the previous Fellowship cohort indicated that it was one of the best things they had ever done. They indicated that the level of comradery and networking opportunities was beneficial. I am looking forward to learning more creative ways to advocate and support the families we serve. Having the opportunity to engage with policy makers and legislators will give me a better understanding of how to make an impact. Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. I have been familiar with Groundwork Ohio through the promotion of early childhood advocacy with Starting Point. They promoted the involvement and understanding of Groundwork Ohio. Q. What's one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you're passionate about addressing? A. Some of the biggest challenges are the cost of high-quality child care. Families' affordability should not determine a family's ability to receive quality child care. Another issue is the pay scale for child care professionals. The average hourly wage for a child care professional is $16.33 per hour. Another issue is the mental health of those who care for young children. Whether it's bereavement or sickness, wellness and mental health should all be considered and supported by those who work with young children. Lastly, prenatal and maternal health of women who are unable to or lack the understanding of quality health care during their pregnancy. I hope to develop a better understanding of each one of these topics. Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families? A. As a young child, I always wanted to work with children and families. As I studied and grew more in my career, I developed a greater understanding of the importance of high-quality child care and developmentally appropriate practices. Imagine how different life would be if everyone entered this world loved, cared for, and nurtured in such a way our lives would be enriched and empowered. There possibly would be no war or hurt and pain if everyone understood the principles of love and understanding. Therefore, from what I have learned, high quality child care is the foundation that can positively impact children and families. Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. A combination of high-quality child care, affordable health care, and early intervention for mental health support are all resources that will support the early foundation of parents and their children. Lastly, employment with wages that allow individuals to financially support their family. Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space-now and in the future? A. I hope to develop more efficient and effective ways to use my voice to impact legislation and policy makers. I need to listen more effectively and become a more impactful advocate.

By Kathy Lawton, PhD, BCBA-D, Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Erica Wallace, Ohio Association of County Boards Follow Kathy  and Erica on LinkedIn. During the first three years of a child’s life, every interaction and responsive experience strengthens the foundation for future development, learning, and well-being. Early Intervention services offer children and families the support they need when it matters most. Early Intervention is more than a program – it’s a proven investment in stronger families, healthier communities, and reduced long-term costs in education, social services, and healthcare. By helping families build confidence and competence to support their children’s development within everyday routines, EI transforms early challenges into lifelong opportunities for success Every day in Ohio, Early Intervention (EI) is transforming the lives of real families and laying the foundation for a lasting impact on long-term development and improved outcomes for families over their lifetime. Here are just a few examples of recent Early Intervention experiences in Franklin County: The Early Intervention Service Providers and Service Coordinator partnered with the family every step of the way helping them navigate complex medical referrals, coordinating with specialists, and providing the encouragement and information they needed to make confident decisions about their child’s care. Together, they secured a specialized eye surgery designed to grow with the child until age 20. Because of this early support, his vision has greatly improved he now only needs glasses, sees clearly, and is thriving. This story shows the heart of Early Intervention and why it’s such a powerful investment by stepping in early, we can change the trajectory of a child’s life and potentially prevent the need for future special education or long-term developmental supports The Early Intervention team supported a mother who was nervous about going into the community with her daughter, who struggles with outbursts. The provider did a library visit with mom. Mom witnessed her daughter interacting with other kids for the first time and was also able to connect with another mom of a child with autism. Mom ended the visit feeling uplifted and encouraged. During a recent visit with a family, a child signed “more” for the first time to request a favored activity. Dad was so excited and started immediately texting the good news to his family! A child made a word approximation for the first time during an intervention session, and she was so happy because she previously thought he wasn’t talking at all. Actual stories like these are living examples of the power of Early Intervention. Early Intervention is not just a support service, it’s a strategic, evidence-based investment  in the future of Ohio’s children and families.  Early Intervention (EI) services play a critical role in supporting the healthy development of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. In Ohio, children are eligible for EI if they have a diagnosis likely to result in a developmental disability or delay, or a developmental evaluation was administered and indicates a developmental delay or through informed clinical opinion After eligibility is determined, a child and family-directed assessment (FDA) are conducted. The child assessment, conducted by qualified personnel, identifies the child’s functional strengths and needs across key areas such as communication, physical (including vision, hearing, gross and fine motor), social-emotional development, and cognition. The family-directed assessment identifies the families’ priorities and concerns.    The team, including the family, then uses comprehensive information from the assessment process to develop unique outcomes to address the child’s needs and family’s priorities.  Next, the team identifies the early intervention services needed to meet these outcomes and identifies the best primary service provider (PSP) to deliver the services.  All this information is incorporated into the child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Timely and comprehensive eligibility determination, assessments, and IFSP development ensures children receive the services they need as early as possible. Every family has access to a team of professionals, with one serving as the primary service provider (PSP). The PSP provides intervention services in the family’s natural environment using familiar people in familiar contexts and brings in other service providers as needed to achieve the family-identified priorities . Throughout a family’s Early Intervention experience, an Early Intervention Service Coordinator  (EISC) is the central point of contact supporting the family through the EI process. The EISC coordinates the eligibility and assessment process and development of the IFSP, monitors ongoing service delivery to ensure services are delivered consistently with the IFSP, connects families to appropriate services and resources, and ensures consistent follow-up and support throughout their EI journey. A large body of research shows that Early Intervention works . Early Intervention is consistently acknowledged to be an effective way to improve the long-term developmental outcomes of young children and families (Perez & Rios, 2024). Early Intervention supports the development for families of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences (Tollan, Jezrawi, Underwood, & Janus, 2023) and with children who possess a spectrum of impairments (Lee, 2004; Teacher Institute, 2025). Of note, Early Intervention can reduce long-term Special Education placements by 50% and supports overall kindergarten readiness (Linder, 2025). By identifying delays early and connecting families to the right supports through EI, we can reduce the need for more intensive—and more expensive—services later in life . This not only improves individual outcomes, but also contributes to cost savings for schools, healthcare systems, and communities. Decades of research have consistently shown that the upfront financial investment of early intervention saves society money long-term (Linder, 2025; WHO, 2018).  Early intervention programs can produce cost savings of up to $17 for every $1 spent by reducing the need for later special education and health services (Linder, 2025). To ensure Early Intervention services are timely, effective, and accessible to families across Ohio, sustained and sufficient funding is essential.  Without it, programs may not be able to meet growing demand or deliver the high-quality support that young children and their families need during this critical period of development. We recognize and appreciate the State of Ohio’s recent investment in Early Intervention , particularly the increase in funding to support service coordination and evaluation. This step demonstrates the state’s commitment to young children and their families, and it’s already making a difference in local communities. Ohio has taken important and commendable steps  by increasing funding for EI, particularly in the areas of service coordination and evaluation. These increases reflect a growing recognition of how critical it is to reach children early and provide comprehensive, family-centered care. These investments are already helping to stabilize service delivery and ensure more equitable access across counties. However, continued and sustained funding growth is necessary . As demand for services increases—due to greater awareness, population changes, and growing developmental needs—we must ensure that the EI system can keep up. No eligible family can be turned away, or experience delays  due to insufficient resources. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and every family should have access to the support they need during these crucial early years. By continuing to invest in Early Intervention, Ohio is not only supporting today’s families, but also laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient, and more productive future for all.       Works Cited Lee, M. (20204) NCACIA: National Crimes Against Children Investigators Association https://www.ncacia.org/post/why-early-intervention-is-key-to-preventing-child-abuse-and-neglect . Accessed 9/24/25. Linder, J. (2025).   Early intervention boosts development, saves costs, and improves lifelong skills. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org-early-intervention-statistics/ . Perez, M. & Rios, N. (2024). The effectiveness of early intervention programs for children with special needs. Journal of Literacy and Education, 4, 14-18. Teacher Institute (2025). The critical role of early intervention for Multiple Disabilities: https://teachers.institute/disability-intro/early-intervention-multiple-disabilities/ . Accessed 9/24/25. Tollan, K., Jezrawi, R. Underwood, K., Janus, M. (2023). A review on early intervention systems. Current Developmental Disorders Report, 10, 147-153. WHO: World Health Organization, 2018. Nurturing care for early development: A framework for helping children survive and thrive to transform health and human potential. Mission and Key Principles of Early Intervention: Mission and Key Principles | Ohio Early Intervention

Meet Caitlin Feldman —Groundwork Ohio’s Senior Director of Policy, whose journey from hospice care to early childhood advocacy shapes everything she does. Witnessing deep disparities in end-of-life care fueled her drive to transform systems at the very start of life, ensuring infants, toddlers, and families have what they need to thrive. Guided by purpose, lived experience, and a steadfast belief in what families deserve, Caitlin brings compassion, clarity, and conviction to building a stronger future for Ohio’s youngest children. Q. What’s your role at Groundwork Ohio, and how long have you been on the team? I joined Groundwork Ohio in July of 2023, starting as the Statewide Coordinator of the Safe Babies approach and I now serve as the Senior Director of Policy. In my current role, I support the strategic advancement of our policy priorities alongside my fantastic and dedicated policy teammates! Q. What drew you to this work and to Groundwork’s mission? What’s your “why”? A. Prior to joining Groundwork, I was in direct patient care in the hospice sector where I saw vast disparities in quality of care and end-of-life dignity depending on who a patient’s insurance payor was, what ZIP code they lived in, what facility they could afford. Those indicators expanded my thinking about our systems as I questioned what intentional designs could lead to such stark differences from one person to another. Systems-level advocacy is essential to promote stronger outcomes for all citizens, and by investing early - setting infants, toddlers, and families up for success from the start – we have the collective power to shape a person’s lifelong trajectory from the very beginning to the very end.   Q. How would you describe the culture at Groundwork Ohio? A. Energizing, supportive, fun, inspiring, but most of all, motivating! I’m biased, but I truly think I’m on the best team where we get to do the best work. Q. What inspires you to keep showing up and doing this work every day? A. Ohio’s babies and their families deserve policies that put long-term outcomes over short-term cost savings. Solutions should be crafted with  families – the way it always should have been, before we built impenetrable systems designed to keep people out. I show up for the moms and the babies; for the families who are working hard, doing everything right, and still struggling to secure a strong future for their children. And I show up because I truly believe that we can do better if we work together. Q. What’s one thing you’ve learned from the families or communities we serve? A. Being part of a statewide organization enables me to see local innovation from a bird’s eye view. The innovations that work in Portsmouth might not work in Sandusky, and that’s why locally driven solutions are essential. Despite challenges and limited resources, Ohio’s communities work together to fill gaps that strengthen local early childhood systems that meet the actual needs of local citizens. That resilience despite adversity inspires me to work with local partners to elevate their work, escalate local needs to decision-makers, and promote state policies that strengthen the fabric of our systems in ways that enable local services to thrive rather than scrape by in survival mode. Q. What do you like to do in your free time? A. When I’m off-duty, you can catch me hiking, thrifting, reading, or watching a good show with a warm mug of tea in my hands. Q. Who is someone—inside or outside of work—who inspires your leadership? A. I am inspired by the women who raised me in the example of their strength and determination, and the men who have loved and supported them as they shine. Together, they taught me from a young age that good work is never truly done, kindness is not weakness, and my values can guide where I leave my fingerprints in this world.

Learning Grove is a leading nonprofit advancing early learning, youth development, and family support across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.  With 11 community-based early learning centers, robust before- and after-school programs, and innovative workforce development and family engagement initiatives, Learning Grove serves children from infancy through young adulthood. Guided by a commitment to equity, partnership, and research-based practice, the organization is building a stronger future for children, families, and the entire region.   Q. Tell us a little about your organization. Where are you located? Who do you serve and what do you focus on? A. Learning Grove is a trusted nonprofit serving Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. We operate 11 community-based early learning centers (7 in Ohio) offering care from infancy through preschool. We also provide highly effective before- and after-school programs across the region’s school districts and offer college and career readiness support for thousands of local high school students. We serve a racially and socioeconomically diverse population, focusing on empowering young children, students, and families through high-quality, play-based, research-informed education that fosters social-emotional and critical thinking skills. In addition, Learning Grove offers consultation and talent development through Learning Grove Solutions. This arm of our organization leverages our experience and expertise in early childhood, after-school, career guidance, and family support to assist child care and Head Start providers, teachers and schools, other service providers, and even private employers—sharing our unique vantage point on the interconnected systems that support early learning, health and mental health, school success, and work.     Q. When was your organization founded, and what inspired your mission? A. Learning Grove was formed in 2019 through the strategic merger of Cincinnati Early Learning Centers and Children, Inc.—both with over 40 years of regional service. Our mission—to develop and support innovative, quality learning experiences that empower children, youth, and families across diverse communities in two states—was inspired by a shared vision to unify resources, elevate early learning, and build stronger futures across the region.   Q. What’s a recent project, program, or win that you're especially proud of? A. Our work with partners brings us both inspiration and strength. At Learning Grove, we are committed to identifying barriers and areas that need improvement—and then collaborating to develop solutions that ensure we are offering the very best for children and families. One example is our mentoring project with Cincinnati Preschool Promise. What began as an effort to develop strategies for supporting student teachers has grown into a framework we now use in our new teacher development. Similarly, our partnership with United Way revealed the need for much more intensive orientation training and ongoing coaching, which we are now embedding across our programs. We also expanded our Early Head Start and Head Start services in partnership with Cincinnati Community Agency, allowing us to serve more children while launching a joint initiative to strengthen coaching practices and collaboration between our teams. In addition, support from the Community Learning Center Institute helped us design new programs that enhance the services we offer to families. Our partners help make Learning Grove stronger. Together, we develop new strategies that not only improve our own programs but can also be shared more broadly to strengthen the early childhood field as a whole.   Q. What’s one issue you're keeping a close eye on right now? A. We’re closely monitoring public sector support for child care, including family eligibility policies and reimbursement formulas. At 145% of the federal poverty level (FPL), Ohio has the lowest eligibility threshold for Publicly Funded Child Care in the entire nation and provides very limited state funding beyond the required federal match. Of significant concern to Learning Grove are recent changes added late in the state budget that modify payment categories and time increments for Publicly Funded Child Care—creating new administrative challenges in an already underfunded system.   Q. How do you partner with families and communities in your work? A. Families are our foundation. We know that parents are their child's first and most important teachers. We engage with families daily—supplementing our direct services—through resource coordination, mobile classroom outreach, community events, and partnerships that bring programs into neighborhood schools and into our own classrooms.   Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. We have been a partner and supporter of Groundwork almost since its inception. We rely on Groundwork Ohio for information about legislation, policies, and funding for children and families. We value the organization for its expertise and its ability to unite diverse voices for child and family policy. When we were able, we supported them financially at modest levels.   Q. What do you wish more people understood about the families you serve or the work you do? A. We wish more people understood that our families aren’t looking for handouts—they’re looking for opportunities. They are deeply committed to giving their children the strongest possible start in life, but the challenges they face are often far more complex than most people realize. From navigating multiple jobs and childcare gaps to managing housing, healthcare, and transportation barriers, the daily realities can be overwhelming. Our role is not to “fix” families, but to walk alongside them as partners. We start by listening—really listening—to what they see as their biggest challenges, and then we work together to connect them with resources and supports that make sense for their unique situation. In doing so, we remove barriers and create pathways forward. At the heart of our work is more than childcare—it’s about trust, hope, and relationships. Families know they can count on us not only to care for their children but also to stand with them as they navigate complex systems and processes for their children.   Q. How do you work with other organizations or community partners to create change? A. We collaborate with schools, businesses, and community agencies, and join regional and statewide initiatives like Groundwork Ohio to amplify impact across systems and strengthen access to high-quality early learning for families who need it most.   Q. What keeps your team inspired or grounded in this work? A. We are focused on the belief that all children deserve access to quality early learning experiences regardless of zip code. We are inspired by the joy and resilience of children and families.  We are motivated to help children grow and develop and families succeed. Listening daily to families and working in communities with multiple partners keeps us grounded and reinforces the values that guide us every day: Roll up your sleeves. I’ve got your back. Do the right thing all the time.     Q. Why is advocacy important to your work? A. Advocacy is essential to achieving Learning Grove’s mission. While we work closely with foundations, United Way, and individual donors to raise significant private support, those funds alone cannot sustain or scale our programs. Private dollars are critical for piloting innovative concepts and testing new strategies, but lasting impact requires stable public funding. Influencing laws and policies at the federal and state levels is the only way to ensure that high-quality early childhood services are accessible to the families and children who need them most. Determined to support the work of our partners and to help lead system-level change, Learning Grove dedicates 1.5 FTE members of our executive team to drive and lead our advocacy efforts.   11. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. First, we need to develop a broad understanding of brain development in young children—how early we can influence it, and the incredible impact it has on future success. Most people want the best for children, but many don’t understand the difference between early learning and babysitting. Many policymakers believe if kids are safe and entertained, that is enough—but we know it is not. We struggle to get sufficient funding to provide the quality of early education that supports a child’s healthy growth and development. Second, we need policies that ensure equitable access to programs, including eligibility levels, copays, and other enrollment requirements. It is extremely difficult, often impossible, for low-income working families to afford the care their children need. To build widespread understanding of the importance of early brain development, we must engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders—parents, teachers, providers, business leaders, and the public. Where we have seen positive change in investment in Ohio, it has been driven by voters at the local level rather than state policymakers. We need that same sense of urgency and commitment at the state level to truly make Ohio the best place to be a young child.

By: Dominique Johnson, Policy Associate Follow Dominique on Linkedin . Healthy pregnancies lead to healthy children. Healthy children grow into healthy adults, who then have healthy pregnancies and raise the next generation of healthy children. This is the cycle of health that every family deserves. For too many Ohio families, particularly Black families and those living in poverty, that cycle is disrupted at every stage. Systemic inequality and economic instability cuts across pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adulthood, leaving generational imprints on health and opportunity. Breaking this cycle requires investing in families from the very beginning, starting with maternal health.   Where the Cycle Starts Ohio continues to see some of the nation’s worst maternal and infant health outcomes. Maternal mortality rate: 24.5 deaths per 100,000 births. Infant mortality rate: 6.6 deaths  per 1,000 live births. Babies born to Black woman die at 2.2 times the rate of white babies. These outcomes are not inevitable; they are the result of policy and investment decisions that create and perpetuate systemic barriers. In our 2025 Early Childhood Data Dashboard , we found evidence that before and during pregnancy, many Ohioans struggle with: Access to care:  Nearly 1 in 4 pregnant women in Ohio did not receive prenatal care in the first trimester in 2022. Women of color were far less likely to access timely care. Geographic barriers:  In rural Ohio, 23.4% of residents travel over 30 minutes to the nearest birthing hospital. Provider shortages : Ohio has 13 counties with no OB/GYN providers and 18 counties with no pediatricians. Pre-existing health conditions: Across Ohio, many women enter pregnancy already facing serious health challenges. Among women in counties with some of the highest disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, 29.5% were estimated to have a pre-pregnancy condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or anxiety. These conditions increase risks for both mothers and babies, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and preventive care. Racism in health care compounds these barriers. African American women are more likely to receive lower-quality care and experience the chronic stress of racism. This chronic stress accelerates biological aging, also known as “ weathering” . Weathering increases the risk of preeclampsia, embolisms, and other life-threatening conditions. When mothers face these systemic challenges, their babies enter life with unequal odds of survival.   Poverty and Generational Inequality About half of an individual’s earning potential is inherited from their parents , meaning a family’s financial well-being is a significant predictor of lifelong health and achievement. In Ohio, too many children are starting behind, as one in five children ages 0-5 lives in poverty. Poverty has many links to health outcomes, also known as social drivers of health. Insufficient finances lead to challenges with consistent access to transportation, food, housing, and services that families rely on. In Groundwork Ohio’s 2025 Early Childhood Data Dashboard , we found 29.9% of all young children 0-5 experienced food insecurity but 46.3% of Black, non-Hispanic young children face uncertainty about where their next nutritious meal will come from. Ohio’s aging housing stock creates additional generational health inequities. With 66% of Ohio’s homes built before lead paint was banned in 1978, approximately 425,000 of those homes shelter children under age six. Ohio’s youngest children are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead poisoning, where even low levels of exposure without symptoms can disrupt brain development. This creates challenges as children enter kindergarten, as those with lead poisoning history experience more academic challenges with greater risk for reduced IQ, learning difficulties, shortened attention spans, behavioral challenges, and diminished educational attainment . As a child ages into adulthood, the links to health crystalize even further as early lead exposure increases the risk of anemia, hypertension, kidney disease, and reproductive complications.   Breaking the Cycle: A Full Picture of Health Equity Maternal and infant health cannot be disentangled from the broader conditions that families face across their lives. When mothers lack access to prenatal care, when infants enter the world with higher risks of mortality, when young children are exposed to poverty, poor nutrition, inadequate child care, and environmental toxins, the cycle of poor health is set in motion and passed to the next generation. Ohio has made progress. We’ve seen infant mortality decline, with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s latest report showing the state’s current infant mortality rate of 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births - the lowest in years. Medicaid coverage for extended postpartum care, doulas, and some home visiting services is also a meaningful step forward, giving families the support they need before, during, and after pregnancy. These solutions are essential and must be met with an ongoing commitment to evaluate outcomes and support investments that evolve to meet the needs of young children and families. Breaking the cycle of generational health inequities requires investments in broad health initiatives. Safe and affordable housing, early learning, health care access, food security; these priorities are essential, as health outcomes are not just determined at the hospital or doctor’s office. A child’s zip code, access to services and basic needs, and a family’s economic mobility is just as consequential. The opportunity is before us: build a future where no child is held back by the circumstances of their birth and where every parent has the tools to thrive.

Behind every early childhood classroom are educators whose passion extends far beyond the walls of their schools. In this week’s Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship Spotlight , we meet Ellen Rhomberg, a dedicated Early Childhood Specialist from The Wellington School who’s blending her expertise as an educator and new mom to advocate for stronger systems that support Ohio’s youngest learners. Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. A. I am the Early Childhood Specialist at The Wellington School in Franklin County, where I support teachers, children, and families in our Little Jags, Pre-K, and Kindergarten programs. My work blends curriculum alignment, teacher coaching, family engagement, and state compliance. I’ve spent over 12 years in early childhood education—and now, as a new mom myself, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience into the work I do each day. Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship? A. I applied because I want to grow as both a practitioner and advocate. I’ve seen firsthand how policy impacts classrooms, and I want to use my voice to help shape systems that truly work for children, families, and educators. Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience? A. I’m excited to connect with other leaders across Ohio, deepen my knowledge of early childhood policy, and learn strategies that will help me better advocate for families while staying rooted in what children actually need to thrive. Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. I first learned about Groundwork Ohio through colleagues in the early childhood community who encouraged me to explore opportunities for leadership and advocacy. Q. What’s one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you’re passionate about addressing? A. I’m passionate about advancing equitable access to play-based, developmentally appropriate learning. Too often, academic pressures overshadow what young children truly need, and I want to help re-center the value of play and joy in early education. Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families? A. My lived experience as both an educator and now as a parent deeply informs my perspective. I understand the challenges teachers face in the classroom, and I also know what it feels like to navigate early childhood systems as a mom. This dual lens keeps my advocacy grounded and personal. Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. Ohio must invest in strong supports for families, equitable access to quality early learning, and policies that honor children’s rights to play, grow, and feel a sense of belonging from the very beginning. 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 to bridge the gap between policy and practice—lifting up both the educator’s and the parent’s perspective. My goal is to help shape a system where families feel supported, teachers feel empowered, and every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Warren County Commissioner Shannon Jones, Governor Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine and Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez More than 200 early childhood professionals, family advocates, and community leaders gathered in Dublin on October 23, 2025 for Groundwork Ohio’s annual Movement Building Institute— Momentum: Writing the Next Chapter for Ohio’s Youngest Children . The event brought together diverse voices to reflect, learn, and take collective action toward advancing opportunity, equity, and support for Ohio’s youngest children and their families. The morning began with a presentation from Robert Blizzard of UpONE Insights, who shared new polling data  on Ohio’s political landscape and what voter sentiment may mean for the future of child- and family-centered policies. The newly released poll 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.” Robert Blizzard, Founder/CEO, UpONE Insights That conversation continued with “Writing Ohio’s Next Political Chapter: What the Future Holds,”  a panel moderated by Brittany Boulton , Groundwork Ohio’s Vice President. Panelists Christie Angel (BroadView Talent Partners), Michael Hartley (Swing State Strategies), and Aaron Pickrell (Remington Road Group),  offered insights into Ohio’s shifting political climate, possible gubernatorial contenders, and what those changes could mean for advancing early childhood policy. Communications and media also took center stage during “Shaping the Story: Advocacy, Journalism, and Ohio’s Youngest Citizens.”  Moderated by Sara Loken , Groundwork Ohio’s Managing Director of Communications, the conversation featured journalists Laura Bischoff  (Gannett/USA Today Network), Laura Hancock  ( Cleveland.com & The Plain Dealer), and Karen Kasler (Statehouse News Bureau). Panelists discussed how they elevate early childhood issues through storytelling, particularly during an election year, and shared practical advice for advocates working to connect with the press. In the afternoon, Caitlin Feldman , Groundwork’s Senior Director of Policy, hosted “This Moment Matters: Stories of Policy and Partnership,” featuring Joseph O’Hern (First Five Years Fund), Elisabeth Wright Burak  (Georgetown University’s Center for Children & Families), and Rachel Hope Anderson (Hope & Consulting). Together, they highlighted how partnerships and advocacy are driving real change—from expanding access to child care and family supports to protecting vital programs like Medicaid and WIC. Groundwork Ohio Senior Director of Community Relations Vanessa Butler then led attendees through a reflective exercise focused on identifying ways to continue and strengthen their commitment to early childhood advocacy. The day concluded with Groundwork Ohio’s Movement Maker Awards , celebrating individuals and organizations leading the way for Ohio’s children. Groundwork presented The Groundwork Champion Award  to three partners whose leadership and collaboration have laid the foundation for lasting change: County Commissioners’ Association of Ohio , accepted by Association President and Clermont County Commissioner David Painter. Ohio Chamber of Commerce , accepted by Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Rick Carfagna. Richland County Foundation Women’s Fund , accepted by Women's Fund Chair-Elect Amy Goyal and Chair Amy Hiner. The Amplifier Award recognized the Ohio Head Start Association  for its unwavering commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The Award was accepted by Executive Director Julie Stone. The Spark Award celebrates emerging leaders who bring creativity and boldness to early childhood advocacy, and was presented to Maleka James  of Dayton Children’s Hospital, and Whitney Gordon and Deanna Szente , members of Groundwork Ohio’s Family Action Network and passionate voices for young children and families across Ohio. Finally, Groundwork Ohio was proud to honor Governor Mike DeWine  and First Lady Fran DeWine  with the Belief in Every Child Award —recognizing the Governor and First Lady’s decades-long dedication to improving the health, education, and well-being of Ohio’s children. Former state legislator and current Warren County Commissioner Shannon Jones, also the founder of On Key Strategies, introduced Governor and First Lady DeWine and shared her experience supporting their steadfast service to children while Governor DeWine served in the United States Senate. Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez joined Governor DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine for a fireside chat reflecting on their enduring commitment to Ohio’s youngest children and families and their vision for making Ohio the best place to be a young child. Throughout the event, one message resonated clearly: Groundwork Ohio and its partners remain committed to building momentum for the future. Together, we will continue to mobilize families, elevate their voices, hold policymakers accountable, and shape a brighter future for every Ohio child. Thank you to all who joined us for this inspiring day of learning, connection, and action. Visit www.groundworkohio.org/momentum to view speaker bios and see our full Momentum agenda. Momentum 2025 Media Coverage Governor and First Lady DeWine honored with Belief in Every Child Award  - Portsmouth Daily Times Richland County Foundation Women’s Fund honored with statewide award  - Richland Source Women’s Fund honored for tackling child care barriers  - Mansfield News Journal

Behind every movement for change are parents who turn their love for their children into action. In this week’s Family Action Network Spotlight, we hear from Shelley Hill, a mom of three young girls from Madison County, whose journey from parent to advocate reminds us that we’re all each other’s village.  She shares how her experiences as a working parent inspired her to speak up for all families—and why storytelling is the heart of advocacy for Ohio’s youngest children. Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your family. Where are you from, and what does family life look like for you? A. I am a Michigan native whose family was transplanted to Ohio two and a half years ago. My husband and I are fulltime working parents with three children and two dogs. Our children – all girls – are 6 years old and twin three-year-olds. We are in the absolute sweetest season, soaking up as much as we can with our kids at the ages they are while trying to hold tenderly the changes of growth that inevitably come with time. We love being outdoors together. We took our kids tent camping this past summer – it was a blast! Q. What inspired you to get involved in advocacy for young children and families? What’s your “why”?   A. As an advocate at heart, I am compelled to speak up against injustice. After becoming a mother, that conviction was amplified as a desire to protect and pursue prosperity for, not only my own kids, but everyone’s kids. I’m a firm believer that there is no such thing as someone else’s children, and we are all each other’s village. And the hope for a better future for all is a reality that I believe can be achieved through collective effort.   Q. What are some of the biggest issues you care about as a parent or caregiver?   A. Better support for parents (maternity/paternity leave, affordable child care, comprehensive healthcare for pregnancy, labor/delivery, and postpartum); safer schools and communities through better gun regulation to reduce gun violence and gun-inflicted injury and death in children; reducing infant and maternal mortality, especially for women of color. Q. What advice would you give to another parent or caregiver who wants to get involved but doesn’t know where to start?   A. Start with you and your story. Start with where you are and how you got here. When you reflect on the challenges and obstacles you overcame, you can see where you could have had more support, and that is where your advocacy can begin so that hopefully other families do not have to go through what you went through.     Q. What’s one thing you’ve learned about advocacy since you started? A. I have learned that my story matters and I have a lot to share. My experience is not like anyone else’s, but it’s equally as important. We all have something important to share and advocate for because of our experiences as parents and caregivers.   Q. What keeps you motivated to speak up, even when the work is hard? A. I want my children to be able to look back and see that their mom advocated and fought on their behalf to give them the best chance at a safe, fruitful, and purposeful life. Our children will grow up and see how much the generations before them valued and care for them based on the actions we take today. That is a constant motivation for me every day.