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Dear Friends and Supporters, As Groundwork Ohio enters a new chapter, I am honored and excited to serve as the new CEO. Our purpose has been clear for nearly 20 years: to ensure every child in Ohio has the opportunity to be healthy and ready to learn. This mission continues to drive us forward, and we remain committed until Ohio becomes the best place for young children to thrive. I first want to extend my deepest gratitude to Shannon Jones for her relentless dedication and leadership of Groundwork and for her unwavering mentorship and support of my leadership over the past nearly eight years. Shannon’s efforts have laid a strong foundation, and I am inspired to build upon her legacy. As I step into this role, I am excited to focus on building future leaders and continuing to strengthen our team. It is with great pleasure that we elevate Brittany Boulton as our new Vice President. There is no better and more committed partner I could imagine to usher in this new period of growth and opportunity. I also celebrate recent promotions within our organization including Troy Hunter to Senior Policy Director and Caitlin Feldman to Policy Director. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and passion to our mission, and I am confident they will play a key role in our continued success. Today, despite the efforts of many committed champions, Ohio is not yet the best place to be a young child. Our children face significant challenges such as a lack of prenatal and infant care, increased trauma, and inaccessible, unaffordable child care. While these challenges are daunting, I am encouraged by recent policy proposals from state officials aimed at addressing these issues. Together, we can advocate for these vital investments and create meaningful change. Over the past few months, Groundwork Ohio has traveled across the state to listen to parents, professionals, and community leaders. These expert voices have shared invaluable insights into what young children and families need. We are committed to amplifying their voices and ensuring policymakers hear their concerns and ideas. Please stay tuned for updates from our Roadshow Listening Tour, the upcoming Momentum Institute, our esteemed advocacy training workshop, and the release of our 2025 policy agenda as we prepare for the next state biennial budget yet this year. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to Ohio's children. As a lifelong advocate and mother of young children myself, I am deeply passionate about our mission and the work we do at Groundwork Ohio. I would love to hear from you as I settle into this new role. What do you value most about Groundwork Ohio? What is your biggest hope for early childhood policy? How can we support you in being a powerful advocate for little kids? Together, let's make this early childhood movement bigger, stronger, and louder. Ohio's children are counting on us. With gratitude and anticipation, Lynanne Gutierrez President & CEO, Groundwork Ohio

Groundwork Ohio, the state’s leading policy and advocacy organization uniquely focused on the needs of young children during the prenatal period to age five, today released new data that shows finding and affording high-quality child care remains a significant challenge for working parents, impacting how many provide for their families.  Of the 755 Ohio parents with very young children under the age of 6 surveyed, 1 in 3 respondents reported difficulty in finding child care, and almost 60% of respondents felt that their current child care was not affordable. Of the 60% of respondents that reported relying on a Publicly Funded Child Care subsidy (PFCC), a critical support for low-income working families, more than 40% reported that it was difficult to find a provider who accepted PFCC. “95% of those surveyed are working and 20% reported working at least two jobs,” said Lynanne Gutierrez, President of Groundwork Ohio. “Ohio parents need and want to work, but our child care system remains insufficient and kids, families and businesses are paying the price.” Other findings include: Nearly 1 in 5 parents with young children reported missing a well-child visit in the past year. The most common reasons were the inability to get time off work and the cost of care. More than 40% of respondents reported that they had concerns about their child’s development and almost 50% expressed concerns about their child’s behavior. “Ohio parents are the experts of their own lives and the lives of their children and it’s time for policymakers to listen and act,” added Gutierrez.   A full report including all findings can be found online here .

76% of Ohioans lack access to paid family leave, a vital support that improves health outcomes and strengthens families. With generous funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Groundwork Ohio has been proud to explore Paid Family Leave policy for Ohioans. Since January 2024, Groundwork Ohio has led comprehensive efforts to assess the impact of paid leave through data and research, gathered feedback from families with lived experience, and engaged stakeholders from diverse regions across the state. Caitlin Feldman of Groundwork Ohio has spearheaded the organization of a cross-sector workgroup consisting of leaders, concerned citizens, and passionate advocates. Together, they aim to deepen collective understanding of the legislative history, identify current and future opportunities, and determine strategic approaches to advance paid family leave in Ohio.   We are thrilled to introduce our latest report, The Case for Paid Family Leave in Ohio , where we examine the critical value of paid family leave for infants, parents, and families. The benefits are vast, including improved health outcomes for mothers and babies, reduced infant mortality rates, and diminished emotional and financial stress. Yet, despite these well-documented advantages, 76 percent of Ohioans are employed in jobs that do not offer access to paid family leave. Those with access are most often white individuals earning six-figure salaries. A comprehensive paid family leave policy for all Ohioans presents an opportunity to enhance health equity and strengthen economic support for families in need during one of life’s most physically and emotionally demanding transitions. We look forward to our continued work alongside stakeholders across the state as we work to identify our ongoing role in making progress on this critical strategy. As we do so, after having evaluated the far-reaching benefits of paid leave and challenges to making progress for Ohioans, we have also taken the opportunity to investigate Groundwork’s own organizational leave policy. With the support of the Groundwork Ohio Board of Directors, we are now proudly implementing a new and improved paid parental leave policy for our team. This change sends a strong and consistent message to both our internal and external stakeholders that this policy is a priority and progress is possible. We hope you’ll join us!

For Immediate Release: Friday, September 30, 2022 Contact : Becca Thomas bthomas@groundworkohio.org COLUMBUS, OH – Today, Governor Mike DeWine announced a thoughtful and bold agenda to advance his vision that Ohio be the best place in the nation to have a baby and raise a family. Groundwork Ohio celebrates Governor DeWine’s continued commitment to Ohio’s youngest children. From the beginning of his administration, Governor DeWine has elevated Ohio’s infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children as a priority. “Today, Governor DeWine builds on his esteemed legacy, taking an unprecedented stand for Ohio babies and families,” said Shannon Jones, Groundwork Ohio’s President & CEO. “Despite the significant challenges ahead, there is abundant common ground in favor of bold state policy that builds a strong foundation for every Ohio baby,” continued Jones . "Groundwork Ohio remains deeply committed to supporting Governor DeWine’s vision to protect and act urgently to meet the growing needs of Ohio babies and their families." Commitments made by Governor DeWine include vital health care supports for pregnant women and young children, targeted initiatives to ensure families are financially, physically and emotionally stable, and the pursuit of family-friendly policies for the state’s workforce. Systems-level commitments include: Increasing eligibility for Medicaid-sponsored health care to pregnant women and children in families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level. Expanding the reach of perinatal depression screening tools helping mothers connect to necessary care and improving their mental wellness. Increasing eligibility for publicly funded child care to 150% of the federal poverty level. Extending paid maternity leave from six weeks to twelve weeks and the elimination of all co-pays related to prenatal care, labor, and delivery for state employees. AUDIO FILE : Listen to Shannon Jones' remarks here. To learn more about what policymakers must do to support the needs of Ohio’s babies, visit www.GroundworkOhio.org/babies and sign the petition! # # # Groundwork Ohio is a committed, nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization formed in 2004 that champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age five, that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. Learn more about Groundwork Ohio at groundworkohio.org and connect with us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube .

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 October 2022. OH IO NEWS Kevin Love among those reaching out to kids through Teen Mental Health Summit Cleveland to spend $4.4 million to address childcare costs, early education teacher shortage Baby formula price gouging could become illegal in Ohio Three strategies to address Ohio’s ‘benefit cliff’ Ohio legislators propose $600 million for Appalachian school districts NATIONAL NEWS AP 'Desperation': Child care struggle worsens in rural U.S. The Atlantic The Reason Child Care Is So Hard to Afford Bipartisan Policy Center COVID-19 Relief Bolstered U.S. Child Care Programs in Crisis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adverse Childhood Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associations with Poor Mental Health and Suicidal Behaviors Among High School Students First Five Years Fund New Data Finds Child Care Prices Continue to Rise Ahead of Midterm Elections, Outpacing Inflation & Following Decades-Long Trend of Annual Increases Futurity Parents really do need sleep for their mental health Georgetown University Health Policy Institute Oregon Leads the Nation By Covering Children in Medicaid from Birth to Kindergarten – Which State Will Be Next?? National Association of Counties White House announces more than $300 million in new mental health funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act The New York Times Child Care Sector Shrinks By 100,000 Workers, Causing Shortage Pew Research Center Many moms spent more time juggling child care, other tasks amid COVID pandemic San Francisco State University COVID study shows children’s mental health tied to mothers’ The Washington Post Opinion | How to fix America's child-care industry U.S. News and World Report Close the Child Care Gap to Boost Labor Participation, Income #ECE #WhatWeRead #October2022 #InTheNews

By Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellows: Joy Welch-Bey Keshia McCahill Dr. Linda Hicks Sarah Zang   Ohio’s early childhood education system is at a critical crossroads. Today, our state’s youngest learners—and those who care for them—face a looming crisis. Without immediate and meaningful investment in Ohio’s early childhood education workforce, we risk compromising the quality, accessibility, and equity of care for those who need it most.   A Workforce in Crisis Across Central and Northeast Ohio, nearly 64% of centers report an immediate need to hire, often requiring multiple hires just to keep classrooms open. In Central Ohio alone, the gap is staggering: nearly 1,500 center staff and over 130 family child care providers are needed merely to maintain existing services. This translates to reduced enrollment, strained families, and lost opportunities for early learning during the most critical years of brain development.   The Cost of Caregiving—and Being Undervalued Despite the indispensable nature of their work, early educators are among the lowest-paid professionals in our economy. A wage increase of just $1.50 to $5.00 an hour could make the difference between retention and resignation. Current compensation structures force many providers — many of whom are deeply dedicated to the children and families they serve, often struggle to afford their own basic needs. Without systemic intervention, we risk burning out a workforce that is already stretched thin.   The Emotional Toll The caregiving workforce is being asked to do more with less: more responsibilities, longer hours, and increased demands, all with minimal support. Burnout and turnover are rampant. Many family child care providers operate alone and lack access to the professional development, wellness resources, and mental health support they need to thrive. When caregivers suffer, children suffer too.   Hope in Innovation – Learning from Other States We don’t have to reinvent the wheel—other states are already leading with innovative, effective solutions: Washington, D.C.  launched a Pay Equity Fund aligning childcare salaries with those of public school teachers. Mississippi provides an annual $2,000 stipend for teachers in high-need areas. Oklahoma created the Happy Teacher Wellness Intervention, addressing the well-being of early childhood staff through physical, mental, and professional support. Kentucky offers free childcare for all childcare workers working 20+ hours a week.   A United Call for Action – What Can Ohio Do? Ohio’s legislators have the power—and the responsibility—to lead boldly. Key actions include: Raise compensation  to reflect the essential role of early educators. Expand access  to ongoing training, coaching, and hands-on professional development. Prioritize mental health and wellness  with targeted supports for caregivers. Elevate the profession through recognition, respect, and career advancement pathways.   Investing in the early childhood workforce is not simply a budget decision—it’s a declaration of our values. It’s about equity, prosperity, and ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, enters kindergarten ready to thrive.   Together, we can build a stronger Ohio—starting with the people who build our children.

By   Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, Founder of Rosemary’s Babies Co. Follow Rosemary on LinkedIn . A few weeks ago, I held an educational session with the young people in my class. I was heartbroken but not surprised to hear how deeply gun violence, housing insecurity, and social isolation are affecting their lives—especially our young parents. The stories they shared shook me. These aren’t just statistics. These are our kids. I’m Ms. Rosemary—a name that stuck through the tough times while I was building Rosemary’s Babies Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our organization supports teen parents between the ages of 9 and 19. Some have loving families. Others face homelessness. But all of them have something in common: trauma, fear, and a growing sense of hopelessness. What struck me most was a conversation with a young father—still a teen himself—who told me he got a gun to protect his newborn son. That moment stayed with me. Because he didn’t say it with anger. He said it with fear. He wants to live. He wants his child to live. And in that moment, I knew: We don’t need another program. We need a movement. What’s Wrong? These kids aren’t just struggling with teen parenthood—they’ve been parentified  long before that. Many are raising siblings, managing trauma, and surviving violence at school, at home, and online. They don’t feel safe anywhere. Even more heartbreaking? They’re afraid of growing up.  I remember wanting to be an adult so badly as a child—to live freely, to make choices. But today’s youth aren’t dreaming of adulthood. They’re scared of it. That’s not normal, and it’s not okay. What Can We Do? This isn’t about launching another after-school program or creating another app. It’s about showing up in real life, as mothers, fathers, caregivers, and mentors. It’s about creating environments—at home, at school, and in our communities—where kids feel seen, heard, and safe. Here’s how to start: 👶🏽 For Parents of Little Ones: Delay Social Media: Reduce exposure to content that’s too mature, too violent, or too confusing. Create Safe Spaces: Go to sensory-safe places—libraries, parks, or nature walks—without screens or pressure. Know Their Circle: Be mindful of who your child is around. Every home has different standards, and values aren’t always shared. 🧑🏽‍🎓 For Parents of Teens: Respect & Relate: Teens need privacy, but they also need your presence. Make room for both. Daily Love: A hug and “I love you” every day reminds them they matter. Know Their Friends: Spend time with their crew. Understand both sides of your teen. Open Communication: Let them express their pain, joy, and confusion—without fear of being dismissed. Build Trust in Authority: Speak positively about safe adults, from teachers to police, and introduce your child to mentors and role models. A Call to Action Our kids are struggling—not for lack of services, but for lack of connection. They’re calling for a movement of moms and dads, neighbors and leaders  who will show up consistently, listen deeply, and love them unconditionally. Let’s stop waiting for someone else to fix it. Let’s stop passing trauma down like an inheritance. Let’s start a movement—right in our own homes. Because programs are good. But movements change lives.

The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services plans to enforce a policy shift that would no longer allow early learning and childcare programs to layer state funding and federal dollars to purchase and provide comprehensive enrichment services for low-income children and families starting September 3. Learn more about this policy shift>>

ADVOCACY UPDATE: The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services has announced that they will soon release notification that the policy clarification regarding the layering of federal and state revenue for early childhood education and child care has been delayed until September 3, 2016. An updated “Tips for Compliance” document will also be released to further clarify changes regarding “local funding.” Groundwork Ohio welcomes the state’s decision to delay the implementation of this new policy change and encourages policy makers to utilize the time to fully examine the impact such a decision would have on Ohio’s early childhood system. Unfortunately, this delay is not a policy victory, but it does provide parents, early childhood education professionals, advocates, and community leaders with additional time to recommend that Governor John Kasich’s administration identify Ohio as a “layering state” to allow collaborative funding practices between federal, state, and local revenue sources to provide high-quality early learning and child care programming for low-income children and families. Groundwork will actively be working with partners across the state to help identify solutions to ensure that there is no reduction of funding or services for low-income children and families. To share your concerns with Governor Kasich we encourage you to contact the following staff members by phone and email. We encourage you to use this information to contact your state legislators and request that they also voice their concerns with Governor Kasich regarding this critical change in state policy. Wayne Struble Director of Policy/Interim Chief of Staff Riffe Center, 30th Floor 77 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215-6117 Email: wayne.struble@governor.ohio.gov Office: (614) 644-3918 Angel Rhodes Assistant Policy Director—Early Childhood Education Riffe Center, 30th Floor 77 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215-6117 Email: angel.rhodes@governor.ohio.gov Office: 614-644-0881 >> Policy Brief >> Talking Points

ADVOCACY ALERT: The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) has recently notified child care and early learning programs that they will no longer be able to layer state funding and federal dollars to purchase and provide comprehensive enrichment services for low-income children and families after June 26, 2016. For more information on this critical topic Groundwork Ohio has published a Policy Brief and Talking Points document to help stakeholders communicate their concerns around this significant policy shift. We encourage parents, stakeholders, and early learning advocates to please utilize this information to request that Governor Kasich (1) allow funds to continue to be layered to provide the highest quality services possible for our most vulnerable children, or (2) at a minimum, delay this policy change until state officials have had more opportunity to examine the impact of this policy change and identify solutions to ensure that it does not result in a reduction of funding or services for low-income children and families. UPDATE: ODJFS has announced that they will soon release notification that the policy clarification regarding the layering of federal and state revenue for early childhood education and child care has been delayed until September 3, 2016. To share your concerns with Governor John Kasich we encourage you to contact the following staff members by phone and email. We encourage you to use this information to contact your state legislators and request that they also voice their concerns with Governor Kasich regarding this critical change in state policy. Wayne Struble Director of Policy/Interim Chief of Staff Riffe Center, 30th Floor 77 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215-6117 Email: wayne.struble@governor.ohio.gov Office: (614) 644-3918 Angel Rhodes Assistant Policy Director—Early Childhood Education Riffe Center, 30th Floor 77 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215-6117 Email: angel.rhodes@governor.ohio.gov Office: 614-644-0881 >> Policy Brief >> Talking Points

Ohio’s preschool teachers are the fourth lowest paid in the country, according to a new report from the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services on the low wages of early care and education teachers and the pay gap between them and elementary school teachers. The median annual wages for a preschool teacher in Ohio is $23,690, less than half of the annual wages earned by Kindergarten teachers in the state. Download the report>>

George Voinovich was a great champion for early learning and development. As a two-term Governor of Ohio, he made a commitment to expand Head Start to reach as many eligible young children as possible. During his two terms as Governor, from 1991 to 1998, Ohio Head Start funding increased tenfold from $18 million in 1990 to $180 million in 1998. By the end of Governor Voinovich’s second term, 90% of eligible Ohio children were enrolled in Head Start, at a time when the national average was 40%. His support for early childhood programs continued in the United States Senate, where he served the State of Ohio from 1999 to 2011. Senator Voinovich helped introduce loan forgiveness legislation for Head Start teachers and coauthored the 2002 Early Care and Education Act. With his passing this weekend at age 79, our thoughts and prayers are with the Voinovich family in their time of loss. May he rest in peace.