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By: Kezia Ofosu Atta, Policy Assistant, Groundwork Ohio Follow Kezia on LinkedIn House Bill 7 was introduced by Representative Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Representative Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus) in February 2023 to support strong foundations for Ohio’s mothers and babies in their first 1,000 days to address maternal and infant mortality and to improve the health and learning outcomes for babies and mothers. The bill comes with extensive wrap-around services that will cater to the welfare of mothers and babies across the state. Within this bill lies a provision encouraging the Ohio Department of Health to consider expanding access to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, by permitting the use of telephone and video calls to complete enrollment to solve transportation issues associated with in-person appointments currently required for WIC renewals. According to a recent factsheet released by Groundwork Ohio, only 34.2% of eligible Ohio children ages 1-4 received WIC benefits in 2019. If accessibility difficulties due to transportation issues and work schedule limitations can be curbed through modernization efforts, the program can positively affect the lives of more families. “Ohio is one of just nine offline states requiring WIC beneficiaries to either mail or present their EBT cards at their local WIC office every three months just to get their benefits loaded,” said Hope Lane-Gavin, Director of Nutrition Policy and Programs, Ohio Association of Food Banks, in testimony on HB 7 given to the Ohio House Families and Aging Committee. “[This inconvenience] caused Ohio’s WIC enrollment to decline in a way not seen in any other safety-net program [during the COVID-19 pandemic].” In a time like the pandemic when people desperately needed these services, Ohio’s WIC enrollment dropped by 16 percent, according to research published by the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2021. This reflects the effect of WIC’s accessibility issues on Ohio’s population. More than 100,000 Ohioans rely on WIC for nutrition assistance, but the lack of modernization adds unnecessary roadblocks to providing these critical services. Christina Hutton, a mother based in Piqua, Ohio, stated that “after the WIC office in my city closed, families had to travel [miles away] to Troy to renew their WIC EBT cards.” The lack of a modernized system makes it difficult for families in similar situations as Christina to access needed supplemental nutritional and health resources. Lori Jarvis, a mother based in Amelia, Ohio, which is located 20 minutes outside of Claremont County, also noted that after she missed a WIC appointment due to an illness, her family had to go almost three months without WIC because the closest office to her was booked several months out. Requiring in-person appointments at offices not always conveniently located to the users makes it difficult for easy WIC renewals. Learn more about making WIC More accessible for eligible Ohioans. Groundwork Ohio’s factsheet highlights the importance of WIC in investing in long-term support for women, infants, and children. It emphasizes how the lack of modernization affects accessibility and adds unnecessary roadblocks to providing these services. The factsheet also outlines several provisions by which Ohio legislators can make WIC more accessible. Piloting the WIC telehealth format, Allowing WIC benefits to be added to the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card automatically, Creating a central WIC website to consolidate information for all 88 counties, and Providing a comprehensive resource for eligible families. The future of WIC meeting the needs of Ohioans is promising if calls for its modernization are implemented. The passage of House Bill 7 will be pivotal in ensuring secure access to food and medical services for many families with low incomes across the state. Many of these individuals in neighborhoods with high poverty have multiple jobs and lack the flexibility to balance working to provide for their families with joining long lines every three months to re-enroll in the program. It is time for Ohio to join the 41 states that have transitioned their WIC system to be more modernized and ease accessibility burdens on families. As one of the states that has taken a pro-life stance, it is time for its legislators to follow through with enacting laws that will sustain the lives of its children and mothers. House Bill 7 is currently in the Finance Committee after it passed through the Rules and Reference Committee awaiting to be hopefully introduced in the fall for a House floor vote. Once it passes in the House, it will go through the same legislative committee process in the Senate to be introduced on the Senate floor for votes. Now is the time to contact your representatives and remind them of this important bill.

As part of the curriculum provided through the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship, each Class of 2023 Fellow met with LORE Storytelling and worked on their personal narratives explaining their passion for early childhood advocacy. We are proud to publish the stories of several of the Fellows who shared their personal stories during their recent graduation. By Sherrie Bair, Paraprofessional, Dayton Public Schools Class of 2023 Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship As a paraprofessional in a special education preschool classroom, I am an assistant preschool teacher. For other paras, that could mean that they assist with students on buses or they could be a one-on-one para for a student who may need that level of care, among many other roles within the district. I have only been in this role for about six years because I went back to school later in life. I have an associate's degree in early childhood education. My family thinks I am crazy. They told me that I could make more money in literally any other field than being a preschool teacher. However, I am passionate about early childhood education. I love to read and I love to share that love of reading with my students, so I am passionate about early childhood literacy. Now, through my experiences working in a low-income school district, I am passionate about advocating for the students and families that I serve because they deserve better. Watch Sherrie tell her story at the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship Graduation. I am going to tell you about a little boy that I will call Lucas. Lucas was a four-year-old in our classroom. He was smart, funny, eager to learn and participate, and loved to be helpful. He would always clean up after himself after meals and would clean up after his classmates if they had not done so. Lucas also loved playing in block area. He would go over to pretend play to get a hard hat and a safety vest before he went over to the block area to do his building. He would also sometimes take materials from the block area to the doll house to pretend that he was building and repairing things over there.   Lucas was also on an IEP, a legal document that states the goals that we are to be working on with the child, in addition to many other things. We are legally required by law to provide the things listed in an IEP. He received speech therapy services and occupational therapy services through his IEP. Although Lucas did not have an official diagnosis, we knew that there was some sort of disconnect between his brain and being able to verbalize what he wanted to say. He knew exactly what he wanted to say, he just could not say it. As a result, we would often have some minor behavioral issues with him. He would cry and start stomping his feet. If it escalated, he would throw himself on the ground, kicking and crying. Or sometimes he would start knocking things off of shelves or dumping things. However, he did find ways to communicate things that he wanted with us. For example, when we went outside and he wanted a bike, he would crouch down like he was sitting on a bike and hold his hands up like he was holding the handlebars. He would then twist one of his wrists like he was revving the engine. That was our favorite one. So, this got me thinking that maybe we could teach him some signs and then get him and his mom into some sign language classes. Then he could learn to communicate in this way. We soon learned, however, that the dexterity in his fingers would not allow him to do many of the signs that we were trying to teach him.      My next question was whether or not he had a Go Talk  listed in his IEP. A Go Talk is a device that has pictures and symbols on it. Lucas would learn what the pictures and symbols mean and then he could push a button that would say a word for him. While he had this device listed in his IEP, we did not have enough speech therapists on staff to train him.   This was a pivotal moment for me. I thought to myself, I can become jaded and just accept that this is the way things are, or I can do something. For a while, I did not know what that looked like. Until I saw the application for the Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship. Here was a way that I can be a voice for not only Lucas, but every other child in our district who was not receiving what they need to be successful throughout their school careers. The Ohio Early Childhood Dashboard tells us that Ohio children are starting behind and staying behind in school readiness and academic achievement: 62.1% of our kindergarteners are not demonstrating readiness for kindergarten, 63.9% of our 4th graders are not demonstrating proficiency in reading, and 62% of our 8th graders are not demonstrating proficiency in math.        These numbers are unacceptable. What we teach in preschool matters. It lays a strong foundation for them to build on throughout their school careers. Our children deserve the funding, staffing, and resources they need to succeed throughout their school careers. Thanks to Sherrie for sharing her story and being a strong voice for children throughout Ohio!

By Molly Mottram Associate Director, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation The initial year following the birth of a child poses a vulnerable period for a new mother. Physical, emotional, and hormonal shifts, coupled with new responsibilities, can significantly impact a mother's well-being and family dynamics. These changes may cause a mother to be more susceptible to conditions like depression, anxiety, and in rare cases, psychosis—collectively known as Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD). Such disorders often lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness in mothers. Lack of adequate support places mothers facing postpartum mental health issues at a heightened risk of suicide, a major contributor to maternal-related deaths. A recent study has shown that women who experience depression during pregnancy or within a year after giving birth are 6 times more likely to die early, mostly by suicide [i] .  In another [ii] study by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology , nearly 9 percent of females who died by suicide in the past 10 years were pregnant or recently postpartum. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are used interchangeably with postpartum depression. It serves as an umbrella term commonly referred to varying mental health conditions that can occur during the postpartum period including: Postpartum Depression (PPD) Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) Bipolar Mood Disorders Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (PPOCD) Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PPTSD) PMAD symptoms can affect individuals across various cultures, ages, income levels, and races, occurring at any point during pregnancy or within the initial year post-childbirth. Between 15% and 21% of pregnant or postpartum women encounter PMADs , with one in seven experiencing postpartum depression and 13%-21% grappling with postpartum anxiety [iii] . African American and Hispanic women have the highest prevalence of postpartum depression , primarily attributed to the lack of social support and access to care and a history of trauma or prior depression. [iv]   There are several risk factors that can cause maternal mental health conditions including biological, social, environmental, or psychological such as: Change in hormone levels after childbirth Previous experience with depression or anxiety Family history of depression or mental illness Low or no social support Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy and birth complications [v]   PMADs have varying mental health conditions meaning symptoms can range from feeling sad or isolated to thoughts of self-harm and suicide and are different for each woman. Symptoms can include : Feeling sad, depressed, or anxious Feeling irritable or angry to those around you Difficulty bonding or caring for the baby Having intrusive or upsetting thoughts Experiencing sudden mood changes Thoughts of hurting the baby or feeling like you don’t want your baby [vi] Leaving PMADS undiagnosed or untreated can have devastating impacts on new mothers, infants, and families. Many new moms experience feeling ashamed or guilty about their emotions or struggles with mental health that prevent them from seeking help. It is important to implement postpartum mental health screenings across the continuum of care and encourage more compassionate and supportive environments for new parents. Supporting women facing postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts is a compassionate and preventive measure that benefits not only the individuals directly affected, but also their families including the child’s well-being and the broader community.  It plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and collective well-being and reduces stigma. Where to find help: If you or someone you know is struggling with perinatal depression or anxiety or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988  for free access to a trained crisis counselor who can provide you with support and connect you with additional help and resources. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988 . Additional resources include the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262)  for 24/7 free access to professional counselors. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 833-852-6262. Call or text “Help” to the Postpartum Support International helpline at 800-944-4773  for PPD information, resources, and support groups for women, partners, and supporters. [i]   https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-075462 [ii] https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Citation/2022/10000/Pregnancy_Associated_Homicide_and_Suicide__An.6.aspx [iii]   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9054427/ [iv]   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31046035/ [v] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9711915/#:~:text=A%20previous%20history%20of%20depression,the%20most%20powerful%20risk%20factors [vi]   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression

As part of the curriculum provided through the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship, each Class of 2023 Fellow met with LORE Storytelling and worked on their personal narratives explaining their passion for early childhood advocacy. We are proud to publish the stories of several of the Fellows who shared their personal stories during their recent graduation. By Nitoriya Goff, Owner, Color of Love Childcare Place Class of 2023 Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship The love of caring for children grew with me and I can remember as far back as the age of 9 being the first time I cared for a relative’s child. By 13, I had a 1-year-old cousin named Maria who had a bright smile and a very playful spirit, along with a 3-month-old nephew named Ladarian who we called Peanut. Peanut had the brightest dark brown eyes and his gummy smile held so much joy. Every day during school I wondered what Maria and Peanut were doing. I would picture Maria laughing, her tiny legs moving as fast as they could as I chased her to the swing and how my nephew would smile at me, kicking his legs, and wiggling in his bassinet because he wanted me to pick him up.  Watch Nitoriya Goff share her experience of thriving through kindship care. I would repeatedly look at the clock praying the bell would hurry up and ring so that I could get home to them.  As I walked home from the bus stop, I wouldn’t think about how heavy my book bag was, but what I would do with my cousin and nephew when I got home. I wondered if they would be awake, if it was time to give my nephew a bottle, or whether or not Maria might want to play outside and get pushed in her red and yellow car “Flintstone car.”  I loved helping my sister and aunt care for their children. I soon became the babysitter for our family and friends. Watching the children play, learn, and grow was exciting for me. Witnessing a lot of their first milestones like seeing them roll for the first time, hold their bottle for the first time, sit up for the first time, crawl, say their first words, and take their first steps claimed a special place in my heart. I continued to care for children as a teen and when I graduated high school, I went to work for a child care center. For several years, I worked in child care and also held a job working as a home health aide for elderly clients throughout Columbus. Fast forward to 2013 and I was home getting ready for work. At the time, I was still working in healthcare as a home health aide and at a crossroads for where my life was headed. I put my pink and blue Winnie the Pooh scrub top on and my blue scrub pants. I sprayed on my Peony body spray. I stood in the bathroom looking in the mirror and then started doing my hair. At that time I became nauseous and began to throw up. The smell of the body spray was stronger than ever. I hurried and took the top off. After my stomach settled, I wondered what was going on with me. I grabbed my cell phone and checked the date. Realizing the possibility, I called my boyfriend and said, I think I’m pregnant. You need to come home and bring home a test . The test came back positive. Every day after learning that I was pregnant, many thoughts ran through my mind. I remembered all the growth I had experienced with helping care for my cousins, nephews, and nieces. I thought, how long would it take for someone else to know what my baby needed? What if I miss something while my baby is in someone else’s care? How will work affect my baby and our bond? What if something happens and I’m not with my baby?  So many thoughts flooded my mind. I decided that no one else could care for my child the way that I could and missing any part of my baby’s developmental milestones would break my heart. I was going to be there every step of the way. Having all the experience of helping care for children and working at child care centers previously for years, I decided to start the work of opening my home child care program. I researched the qualifications to be a home-based childcare professional and began taking the classes that I needed. In February of 2014, we welcomed my son Isaiah into the world. As I laid on the surgery table after my c-section and heard Isaiah’s first cry, my heart filled with many emotions. All I could think was hurry up and give me my baby! He had fine, jet-black hair, beautiful smooth skin, and was such a tiny body in my arms. Holding him in that moment, I knew that I never wanted to leave his side. I went back to work as a home health aide when Isaiah was 8-weeks old. In July of 2014, I completed my background check for licensing as a home-based childcare professional and submitted my application to ODJFS. While I waited for my licensing inspection, I searched for and bought all of the items I would need to have a welcoming learning environment for the children and families I that would serve. When Isaiah was 9-months old, I learned that I was pregnant again! I was so happy that I made the decision to open my child care program where I could genuinely pour into my children and other children so that they could have a safe, loving, nurturing, and rich environment to explore, learn, and grow. In January of 2015, I had my licensing visit and passed. In March of 2015, I received my license to operate as a Type-B licensed child care professional serving up to six children at once. Three months later after our home opened as a child care program, we welcomed my daughter Faith into the world. Again, my heart beat with so many emotions. She was a beautiful, soft, smooth-skinned child with jet black hair and the tiniest body. I felt so blessed to have two loves of my life that I would be with every day, anytime of the day that I wanted. I knew that my decision was perfect. Experiencing their first time lifting their heads, grasping with their hands, making their first utterances, rolling, crawling, walking, saying their first word and so much more is irreplaceable. It took me back to memories caring for my cousin, nephews, and nieces. Since then, I have expanded my program’s licensed capacity. Today I am a Type-A child care professional serving up to 12 children at once. Mothers like myself do not have to wonder about all the things that rambled through my mind when I learned I was soon to be a parent. I try my best to capture those moments with videos and pictures for my children’s parents. This is why I opened my heart and home to serve the needs of the children and families in the community. It has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. I have been with my children every step of the way and other’s children as well. I have grown to know how a mother loves so deeply and gives when she is full or when she is empty. I hope that other professionals who embark on this journey know that their WHY for providing high-quality child care and learning experiences will be a great part of the WHY generations of children will thrive throughout their lifespan years after being in their early learning program.

By: Kezia Ofosu Atta, Policy Assistant, Groundwork Ohio Follow Kezia on LinkedIn Did you know that in addition to meeting the health care needs of their patients, medical staff can partner with legal service organizations to aid in accessing legal needs? This can be the future of health care in Ohio if House Bill 7 becomes law. House Bill 7 was introduced by Representatives Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus) to promote a holistic approach to health care for pregnant women and children, focusing on meeting needs that contribute to healthy outcomes. One approach includes a partnership between health care providers and attorneys known as Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs). MLPs link the expertise of health care providers and legal professionals to address legal issues that adversely affect the health of patients. Legal Aid and other legal service organizations can assist patients in achieving better health outcomes by providing them with the necessary legal services to address issues involving housing, food insecurity, public benefits, and education. MLPs also help mothers and children connect with legal service providers during their health care visits, making it a one-stop shop for accessing needed legal services. Transportation access, knowledge, and affordability can prevent families from accessing legal services, even when they need them the most. Having medical staff linking families to legal services is an effective and convenient way to holistically meet the needs of families. Stressors such as domestic disputes and housing instability can trigger various health issues that lead many individuals to health care providers, not attorneys. Additionally, trust built between health care providers and patients can enable patients to accept recommended legal assistance when medical providers see fit. “Addressing the social determinants of health like poor housing conditions and food insecurity leads to better birth and health outcomes,” said Susan Jagers, the Director of the Ohio Poverty Law Center. “Expanding the reach of these partnerships will help provide needed legal services to more low-income pregnant women and children.” Studies show that when people have access to critical legal services, their mental health improves and they are less likely to be hospitalized. Many Ohioans living in poverty do not know that in certain circumstances, they qualify for free legal services. According to the Legal Services Corporation , there is a “justice gap” in our legal system. Expanding Medical-Legal Partnerships will bridge this gap as they found “92 percent of low-income Americans do not get any or enough legal assistance.” Additionally, the National Center for Medical Legal Partnership released a review in 2013 evaluating the importance of such partnerships in "addressing social determinants of health for vulnerable populations.” Many individuals leave hospitals still needing legal services and House Bill 7 will enable partnerships that foster various wrap-around services to help families gain those necessary medical, legal, and social services. On June 6, 2023, the bill passed out of the Family and Aging Committee with a 13-0 vote and is currently progressing to the Rules and Reference Committee in the Ohio House of Representatives. To track this legislation and learn more about the potential of this partnership, please visit the Ohio Legislature and the National Institute of Health . Please contact your local state representatives urging them to pass this bill.

By: Lysette Arnold, Community Engagement Associate at Groundwork Ohio Follow Lysette on Twitter and LinkedIn For Black History Month, we’ll be sharing profiles of prominent Black activists who have paved the way for much of the work we do advocating for Ohio’s children and families. Dr. Edmund W. Gordon is regarded as one of the leading designers of Head Start, an early intervention program vital to many of Ohio’s families. Gordon grew up in the segregated town of Goldsboro, North Carolina. It wasn’t until he was suspended from Howard University after struggling to keep up and being discouraged to pursue graduate school when he discovered his professional passion and life’s work: education for all learners. Gordon received his bachelor's degree from Howard University, a Master of Arts from American University, and a Doctorate of Education from Columbia University, along with an astounding nine honorary degrees. His research includes the advancement of the concepts of: The Achievement Gap, Affirmative Development of Academic Ability, and Supplementary Education. All areas focus on improving the quality of academic achievement in diverse learners. He has held appointments at several of the nation’s leading universities and is the author of more than 200 articles and 18 books. Gordon’s work has heavily influenced modern thinking in psychology, education, and social policy. In 1965, Gordon was selected as Director of Research and Evaluation as part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty” to help design and evaluate the Head Start Program. The Head Start Program prepares America's most vulnerable young children to succeed in school and in life beyond school by offering free comprehensive learning and development services to children from low-income homes. Many of Ohio’s families benefit directly from this early intervention, including so many in our Family Action Network . “I always thought that preschool was preschool, they’re going to watch the kids, they’re going to teach them something. Head Start not only taught me a lot about how early childhood education should go, but also how families should be treated with the respect coming together and working together for the benefit of the child.” ~Family Action Network ambassador When asked if he thought that Head Start has been successful, Gordon said, “As a political and social endeavor, it has turned out to be one of the most successful and effective of the federal government's experiments.” Gordon understood the importance of strengthening the families and communities that children come from to improve opportunities for learning very early on, which still rings true to this day. "Head Start taught me what needed to be done before kindergarten. By the time they hit kindergarten, they were reading, they were writing, they had basic math down.” ~Family Action Network ambassador At 101 years old, Gordon is still an active member of the education community. He has lived through many aspects of the Black plight in America including the civil rights movement, landmark supreme court cases, and a number of social revolutions. Still, he used his education and knowledge to lift up others. Early Head Start is another federally funded community-based program that came out of Head Start. To learn more about the Early Head Start program and how Ohio’s families are benefiting from this early intervention, register for our upcoming webinar, Early Head Start: Investing in What Works for Families of Infants and Toddlers , happening Wednesday, February 15. Sources: 1. Studying Race, Privilege And Intellectual Levels - The New York Times (nytimes.com) 2. The man who gave Head Start a start (apa.org) 3. Black Voices in Education: Dr. Edmund Gordon (horizonsnational.org)

Each month, Groundwork Ohio reads the latest and greatest resources on early education and health from a wide variety of sources. Below is a compilation of the most important articles we have read throughout July 2022. OH IO NEWS New Pandemic EBT changes boost food security for Ohio’s children - The Center for Community Solutions Ohio’s Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Accounts Provide Greater Access to Student Enrichment Programs (apnews.com) 6-year-old Ohioans are being being short changed and leaders don't seem to care |Opinion NATIONAL NEWS Center For American Progress Still Underpaid and Unequal - Center for American Progress A Strong Start in Life: How Public Health Policies Affect the Well-Being of Pregnancies and Families - Center for American Progress ZERO to THREE Strengthening Families with Infants and Toddlers: A Policy Framework for States • ZERO TO THREE CNN Child care centers can't afford to stay open. Here's what this means for families - CNN The White House WHITE HOUSE BLUEPRINT FOR ADDRESSING THE MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS FACT SHEET: White House Announces over $40 Billion in American Rescue Plan Investments in Our Workforce – With More Coming | The White House Arizona State University Equity is Quality and Quality is Equity: Operationalizing Equity in Quality Rating and Improvement Systems | Center for Child and Family Success (asu.edu) UC Berkley How Are States Tackling the Early Educator Compensation Crisis? – Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (berkeley.edu) NPR Bonus checks! One year free! States are trying to fix child care : NPR New York Times Jobs Aplenty, but a Shortage of Care Keeps Many Women From Benefiting - The New York Times (nytimes.com) First Five Years Fund Over Half of Families are Spending More Than 20% of Income on Child Care (ffyf.org) #ECE #WhatWeRead #July2022 #InTheNews

Each month, Groundwork Ohio reads the latest and greatest resources on early education and health from a wide variety of sources. Below is a compilation of the most important articles we have read throughout September 2022. OH IO NEWS Latest Ohio Department of Health infant mortality report: crisis and disparities remain Guest Blog: Early childhood education starts at birth - three lessons from Preschool Promise National school test scores mirror Ohio trends, show biggest drops in years Mental wellness program could benefit Lucas County students New behavioral health resource supports youth mental health as children return to school Census: Ohio incomes lag, but insurance improves NATIONAL NEWS Axios More parents hiring nannies amid big shift in child care ChildTrends Lessons From a Historic Decline in Child Poverty Commonwealth Fund What Policymakers Can Do to Address Our Behavioral Health Crisis McCourt School of Public Policy Universal pre-K: The long-term benefits that exceed short-term costs National Women’s Law Center America’s moms are still suffering. We’ve just stopped talking about it. Strong Nation Voluntary Home Visiting Yields Strong Returns for Children, Families, and the Nation T he 19th Women are reentering the workforce, but Black women face continued hurdles The Atlantic Teachers, Nurses, and Child-Care Workers Have Had Enough The Hechinger Report After child care funding, other reforms dropped by Senate, the system continues to crumble TIME How Strong Early Literacy Skills Can Help Kids Learn to Read USA Today Pregnancy stress linked to negative baby emotions, crying Vox Inflation and day care staff shortages are contributing to a child care crisis #ECE #WhatWeRead #September2022 #InTheNews

Brains are built on a foundation of early experiences. In the first few years of life, more than one million neural connections are formed every second. These neural connections, the brain’s architecture, are formed through the interaction of baby and their environment through early enriching experiences. All children are born with the ability to reach their highest potential, but connections that form early form either a strong or weak foundation for the connections that form later. These critical interactions with adults lay the foundation for all later learning, behavior, and health. Babies who engage with responsive, consistent, nurturing caregivers and who live in safe and economically secure environments are more likely to have strong emotional health. ZERO TO THREE defines infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) as “the developing capacity of the child from birth to 5 years old to form close and secure adult and peer relationships; experience, manage, and express a full range of emotions; and explore the environment and learn—all in the context of family, community, and culture.” As children mature, early childhood mental health supports growth in other essential areas of healthy development including physical health, cognitive skills, language and literacy, social skills, and readiness for school. In his executive budget, Governor DeWine made clear one of his priorities centers around early childhood mental health, with an increase of $20 million over the biennium to expand Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation. As passed by the House, House Bill 33 cut $10 million to Governor DeWine’s proposed investment to support early childhood mental health credentialed counselors and consultation services. This program supports the healthy development of young children and reduces preschool to third-grade expulsions. It is a critical support to the early learning workforce that is currently facing an early childhood mental health crisis. The Senate further cut the proposed investment by $5.5 million over the biennium leaving the program with only $3 million and $4 million in each of the respective fiscal years. This is a nearly 70% cut to the Governor’s proposed investment. Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation is a preventative strategy that places trained ECMH consultants in early childhood settings, such as child care centers, preschools, and home-based care providers. There has been a link to increased teaching skills and communication between staff and families, improved confidence of staff in early childhood settings working with children, reduction in teacher stress levels, and reduced staff turnover. ECMH consultants also work directly with families, stressing the parent-child relationship, and services can be provided directly in the home. These services address a variety of mental health needs facing our youngest children, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. As policymakers make plans for new investments in education, state leaders can act now to ensure that resources also support early childhood mental health from birth. The lack of investment in Ohio’s young children leaves Ohio’s young children behind and jeopardizes our future workforce. All of Ohio’s young children need quality early learning experiences to ensure they can reach their full potential and a lifetime of success. Take action now by contacting your state legislators and being a Big Voice for Little Kids. Thank you, Erin Lucas, for your advocacy, and for your continued efforts in keeping our legislators informed. Continue below to read the testimony Erin gave in Senate Health Committee on May 9, 2023. By: Erin Lucas, Director of Early Childhood Programs at Hopewell Health Thank you, Chair Huffman, Vice-Chair Johnson, Ranking Member Antonio, and members of the Senate Health Committee for this opportunity to share my experience with you today, specifically as it relates to the importance of the investments made in HB 33 towards Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and the urgency for the Senate to restore funding levels for this program to the Governor’s proposed investment. My name is Erin Lucas and I serve as the Director of Early Childhood Programs at Hopewell Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center, providing integrated primary care and behavioral health services with locations in 9 southeast Ohio counties. To illustrate the impact of Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, let me share a scenario; A preschool teacher uses her puppet frog to ask children to put their hands to their hearts to hold their sadness indicating they are thinking of a loved one they have lost. Together with the frog, the class sings about what it feels like to be sad and how to be ok until the sad gets smaller again. One child who had challenged the teacher in previous lessons used Silly Stretches to move the sad out and then joined with classmates marching around stomping their sad into the ground. Experiences like these are made possible with early childhood mental health consultants , whose unique role is to support early learning professionals in using mental health tools to promote the mental health and wellness of young children, demonstrating the importance of our state’s investment in Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation. Recovery in a post-pandemic Ohio involves frequent pivoting, creative collaboration, and cross-system support, all of which are happening across Ohio through our investment in early childhood and the specialized service of Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation . When Ohio invested in the Whole Child Matters: Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) Initiative in 2016, it created a statewide system of support for promoting mental health and wellness through (1) Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and (2) Training for early learning professionals. This funding and statewide leadership provided by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services under Dr. Valerie Alloy, Lead Administrator of ECMH Initiatives at the time, transformed access to care statewide and brought Ohio’s program to the forefront as a national model with empirically proven success. At Hopewell Health Centers, this funding expanded our staff and therefore our impact. Growing from a team of 10 to a team of 23, with 16 specialized Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants allowed us to grow from serving 36 classrooms a year to 90 classrooms a year. Each year: · Over 150 early learning professionals receive support in meeting the mental health needs of children and families they serve, impacting more than 1,000 children. · Over 3,300 early learning professionals are trained. Through your investment in Hopewell Health Centers alone, you have supported the mental health and wellness of over 7,000 children since FY17 and over 22,000 training participants . This has had a transformational impact on our region. Across the state, ECMH Consultants support over 10,000 children each year . ECMH Master Trainers train over 8,000 participants annually . With a satisfaction rate of 92-95%, early learning professionals participating in ECMH Consultation and/or training report increased capacity to promote mental health and wellness and respond to the mental health needs of young children. Given that mental health and wellness is the biggest concern facing children from birth to graduation post-pandemic, this service is more vital now than ever. Without increased funding, the capacity to meet the needs of those caring for young children diminishes each year, resulting in an increased burden on other systems. Thanks, Erin! Learn more about Hopewell Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation .

By: Shannon Jones , CEO , Groundwork Ohio Follow Shannon on X/Twitter and LinkedIn It has been an honor for nearly eight years to serve as Groundwork Ohio’s leader, guiding our organization through a time of monumental growth and significant change. I am incredibly proud of the movement we are building on behalf of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the families who care for them. As our organization strives to make Ohio the best place to be a young child, I am optimistic for the future.   As you’ve heard from our board chair, Robyn Lightcap, earlier this week, I have made the decision to step down as Groundwork Ohio’s CEO. As we prepare to celebrate 20 years of growth and achievement, I have been reflecting on what will best position Groundwork Ohio to thrive over the next 20 years. I believe now is the time to step aside and allow our talented team, under the fearless and bold leadership of Lynanne Gutierrez, to take the helm.   Since late last year, the board and I have been working together to develop a seamless transition plan. This plan included promoting Lynanne to President in January in preparation for her assuming the CEO role on July 1. Without a doubt, Lynanne is the best person to lead our organization forward. Her expertise, commitment, and passion, along with her unique wit and unwavering patience, made her the obvious choice for the board to be our next CEO.   Lynanne and I have built a dedicated and talented team who works tirelessly to further our mission. We are confident this team will provide the continuity, experience, and dedication necessary for our movement to continue to grow.   As my primary focus over the last six months has been on the smooth leadership transition of an organization I love, I have not yet determined what is next for me in my career. However, I will continue with Groundwork Ohio as a strategic advisor to the board and to support Lynanne’s vision through the end of this calendar year.   I am deeply grateful for the confidence placed in me by my team, our dedicated board, funders, and stakeholders alike. It has been a sincere privilege to lead this vital work and count you as an ally, advisor, and friend.   Advocacy on behalf of those who don’t have a voice is hard under the best of circumstances, let alone when the nation is still reeling from a global pandemic and our politics are so deeply divided. But we can’t afford to relent. Now is the time to redouble our efforts, lean into one another, and charge forward with everything we have. You can count on me to remain in the trenches with you fighting for the futures of our children and families.   Thank you for your enthusiastic support of Groundwork Ohio as it writes its next chapter under the trusted and inspired leadership of Lynanne. I look forward to our continued work together to ensure every Ohio child reaches their full potential.   Warm personal regards,

By: Robyn Lightcap, Board Chair, Groundwork Ohio Follow Robyn on LinkedIn After nearly eight years of exemplary service as CEO, Shannon Jones will transition to a strategic advisory role within our organization. Succeeding her will be Lynanne Gutierrez, our current President, who will assume the role of President & CEO effective July 1, 2024. Shannon will remain with Groundwork Ohio as a Senior Advisor through the end of 2024 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Since 2017, Groundwork Ohio has made significant strides under Shannon's leadership. Her dedication and vision have been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact, making Ohio a better place for young children. Key initiatives developed under her guidance include statewide strategies to build early childhood coalitions and collaborations, a robust platform for amplifying family voices, and a comprehensive library of research and data to guide policy formation. Shannon's policy strategy expertise has significantly elevated the needs of young children and families to the forefront of policymakers' agendas.   Shannon and I have worked closely over the years, and I have seen firsthand her unwavering commitment to our mission. Her leadership has transformed Groundwork Ohio into the foremost statewide organization for early childhood policy advocacy. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and are pleased that she will continue to support us in her new role as a strategic advisor.   Lynanne Gutierrez, who joined Groundwork Ohio shortly after Shannon became CEO, will now take the helm. An accomplished policy expert and attorney, Lynanne has demonstrated exceptional leadership as President since January of this year. Her tenure at Groundwork Ohio has been marked by her unwavering commitment to advancing policies that benefit young children and their families. I have full confidence in Lynanne's ability to lead Groundwork Ohio towards even greater achievements.   As we look towards the future, our focus remains on ensuring that babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families are a priority for Ohio's policymakers. With the upcoming biennial budget process in 2025, Groundwork Ohio, under Lynanne's leadership, will continue to actively engage families, early childhood professionals, business leaders, and policymakers to push for increased investment in young children.   Thank you for your continued support of Groundwork Ohio. Please join me in sharing your appreciation to Shannon for her unwavering commitment to and passion for our vision to ensure Ohio is the best place to be a young child.

By Shannon Jones, Senior Advisor , Groundwork Ohio Charleta B. Tavares, CEO, PrimaryOne Health Follow Shannon on X/Twitter and LinkedIn Follow Charleta on LinkedIn In recognition of Infant Mortality Awareness Month, my former Ohio Senate colleague, Charleta Tavares, joined me in writing an op/ed for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Read a little of our history as we look back on the last decade of bi-partisan efforts to reduce Ohio’s abysmal infant mortality rate and identify opportunities for improvement.  We cannot afford to be complacent. Now is the time to redouble our efforts. Shannon Jones Senior Advisor As appeared in Cleveland.com September 15, 2024. Eleven years ago, the two of us set aside our party labels, forged a trusted friendship, and worked together to address Ohio’s alarming infant mortality rates. This intensive, multiyear legislative project, which began with a statewide listening tour, resulted in landmark legislation designed to tackle the systemic failures contributing to this crisis. Eight years after the passage of Senate Bill 332 , it is deeply disappointing to report that, despite various initiatives and policies, Ohio continues to struggle with high infant mortality rates, particularly among Black infants, who are dying at more than twice the rate of white infants. In 2014, Ohio’s overall infant mortality rate (IMR) was 6.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, ranking the state fifth worst in the nation. The racial disparity was stark, with the IMR for Black infants at 14.3, more than double the rate for white infants (5.5). The situation demanded urgent action, leading to the formation of the Ohio Commission on Infant Mortality and the subsequent 2016 passage of SB 332, which took effect on April 6, 2017. This legislation aimed to create a more transparent, accountable, and equitable health care system to serve Ohio’s most vulnerable mothers and babies. Progress has been disturbingly slow. By 2021, the IMR for white infants had improved slightly to 5.4, and for Black infants to 14.2 . Yet the disparity persists. Despite policy changes and targeted interventions, Black babies in Ohio are still dying at an alarming rate. Moreover, the overall rate of low-birth-weight babies among Medicaid enrollees is 11.4%, placing Ohio among the bottom ten states in the nation. Premature birth rates have also been trending worse since 2019, with the March of Dimes giving Ohio a “D” in its 2023 report card . The data reveal a troubling truth: While policy changes are necessary, they are not sufficient. Strong, consistent, accountable leadership is essential — leadership that is singularly focused on improving outcomes for Ohio’s mothers and infants. The lack of progress indicates a need for more than just well-intentioned policies. We need an unwavering commitment from all stakeholders to prioritize the health of moms and babies and hold themselves accountable to the data. To make meaningful progress, we propose the following: 1. Strengthen collaboration and accountability: The Ohio Department of Medicaid must leverage its influence to ensure that hospitals and providers actively participate in local efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. This could be achieved by linking new Medicaid funding to participation in these initiatives. 2. Enhance consumer and stakeholder engagement: Expanding community involvement in state policymaking, particularly in the design of Medicaid services and in addressing social determinants of health, is crucial. This will help build trust, reduce disparities, and improve overall health outcomes. 3. Support infrastructure and workforce development: With Ohio Medicaid covering more than half of all births, the state has a responsibility to ensure the financial health of birthing providers. This includes revising Medicaid reimbursement rates and investing in workforce development, particularly in OB/GYN, Certified Nurse Midwives and primary care. 4. Expand state leadership in value-based care: Transitioning to value-based purchasing in maternal care is essential for improving health outcomes. The state must pursue opportunities that align provider incentives with positive health outcomes. Ohio’s infant mortality crisis is multifaceted and demands a coordinated, comprehensive effort. The future of Ohio’s children depends on our collective ability to address these systemic failures and ensure that every child has the chance to celebrate their first birthday. Our journey, like our friendship, is far from over, and together we will continue to fight for Ohio’s mothers and babies. Shannon Jones is a former Republican state senator from Warren County and currently serves as Senior Advisor to Groundwork Ohio and a Warren County Commissioner. Charleta B. Tavares is a former Democratic state senator from Franklin County and current CEO at PrimaryOne Health.