Search Results

By: Lynanne Gutierrez , President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio Note: the following testimony about  House Bill 96 was written and delivered by Lynanne Gutierrez before the Ohio House of Representatives Children and Human Service Committee on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Chair White, Vice Chair Salvo, Ranking Member Lett and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Lynanne Gutierrez, and I am the President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio. We are the state’s leading nonpartisan research and advocacy organization focused on promoting early learning and healthy development strategies for children from the prenatal period to age five.  I am here today in support of House Bill 484, to establish the Workforce Investment Now (WIN) for Child Care pilot program. This two-year pilot would provide “categorical eligibility” for publicly funded child care benefits (PFCC) to child care workers, creating a support structure for an industry whose workers struggle to afford their own child care costs.     Child Care Affordability Crisis   Child care costs are among the highest household expenses working families with young children face, with the average annual cost rivaling that of in-state college tuition.  Ohio families are feeling the squeeze. As costs for food and housing rise, exorbitant child care costs force tough decisions between work and care. In a September 2025, we found that nearly 80% of Ohio voters across party lines say that the ability of working families to afford and access quality child care is either in a “state of crisis” or a “major problem. [1] Additionally, voters and parents alike understand that the child care crisis is inextricably linked to the workforce crisis with more than one third (34%) of Ohioans and 56% of Ohio parents saying they or someone they know would consider entering the workforce if quality child care were available.  The Workforce Behind the Workforce   Accessing and affording child care is a challenge that ripples throughout the industry itself, affecting child care programs and staff alike. Although child care workers are essential to supporting a strong economy, early educators earn wages on average of $15 per hour with a third of them reliant on Medicaid [2], and unable to afford the very care they provide. House Bill 484 represents an important step in recognizing these professionals as the backbone of Ohio’s early learning system. Further, it stabilizes programs who are hard-pressed to compete to attract and retain these professionals because the wages are so low and the work is so challenging.  Limited access to affordable, high-quality child care negatively affects workforce participation, business operations, and the broader economy. In 2024, 58% of Ohio child care programs reported severe staffing shortages, citing challenges recruiting and retaining staff due to low wages and limited benefits packages. [3] These early educators offering safe, loving, and enriching care to children often face a benefits cliff—while some may be eligible for PFCC earning under 145% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or the Child Care Choice Voucher program earning 146%-200% FPL, there are those earning just above income limits, but far below what’s needed to pay for market-rate care for their own children.   The WIN proposal would reduce the cost burden for child care workers who work at least 20 hours per week. This categorical eligibility would help stabilize a workforce on which families and employers rely. When child care staff can afford care for their own children, they’re more likely to stay in the field - reducing turnover, strengthening program quality, and ensuring more Ohio families have access to consistent, high-quality care.    The program proposed through HB 484 is modeled after successful programs in other states. In Kentucky, a policy allowing child care staff to access PFCC began in 2022 and more than 2,900 educators and 5,200 children have benefitted from the program. [4] To date, categorical eligibility for child care workers or related policies have been implemented in eight states. [5] Impact on Ohio’s Economy   In Ohio, 46% of Ohio children under age 5 living in households earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level are not  accessing care through publicly funded child care or Head Start. 6  While this bill can contribute to increasing access, the proposal must be part of a larger strategy to sustain Ohio’s current child care system. As we look ahead to the next state budget cycle, Ohio’s child care system faces a $600 million funding gap of one-time Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) dollars that must be replaced in order to maintain current service levels. Without sustainable revenue, there will be a dramatic cut to working families currently accessing child care.  When families don’t have access to care, household budgets suffer, and the state economy is negatively impacted. According to recent data from the Ohio Chamber’s  Untapped Potential report, Ohio faces a $5.48 billion loss to our state economy each year due to child care barriers, including a $1.2 billion hit to state revenue and $3.97 billion loss experienced by employers due to turnover and rehiring costs. [6] HB 484 is an innovative pilot approach to support the workforce behind the workforce. When paired with systemwide public investment in the child care system, this program has the potential to retain experienced child care staff and support Ohio’s working families and broader economy. Groundwork Ohio encourages legislators to support the pilot project.    Thank you for your time. I would be happy to answer any questions.     [1] Ohio Voter Poll. September 2025. UpONE Insights. New Poll: Ohio's Child Care Crisis Threatens Workforce Growth [2] National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2025, Child Care and Early Learning Help Our State Thrive NAEYC State Fact Sheet - Ohio . [3] Vanover, Sarah, Smith, Lina, and Reef, Grace, 2024,  Supporting Child Care Workers as Parents: How the Kentucky Subsidy Income Exclusion for Child Care Employees Helps Increase Access to Child Care. [4] National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2025. Spotlight on State Actions & Investments in the Early Child Care Workforce. [5] Groundwork Ohio Data Dashboard.  2025. [6] US Chamber of Commerce, 2025.  Untapped Potential Report: Ohio

Dublin, OH — October 23, 2025 – Groundwork Ohio presented the Belief in Every Child Award  to Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine today during its 2025 Momentum: Writing the Next Chapter Movement Building Institute, recognizing their enduring commitment to the health, education, and well-being of Ohio’s youngest children and families.   The award celebrates the DeWines’ steadfast belief in every child’s God-given potential and their decades of leadership championing early learning, maternal and infant health, and family supports across Ohio. Now amid his final term, Governor DeWine continues to prioritize early childhood investments that strengthen families and help all children thrive.   Warren County Commissioner Shannon Jones | Governor Mike DeWine | First Lady Fran DeWine | Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez A Lifetime of Leadership and Service Governor DeWine’s record reflects decades of leadership defined by compassion, integrity, and a deep moral conviction that government should be judged by how it treats its youngest citizens. In the U.S. Senate, he was one of Congress’s most consistent champions for children’s health and safety—helping to shape laws that protect children from abuse and neglect, expand adoption and foster care supports, strengthen missing-child investigations, and improve the safety of children’s medicines. As Governor, he established the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, expanded home visiting and child care access, and led efforts to reduce infant mortality through data-driven, community-based action.   First Lady Fran DeWine has also left an indelible mark through her leadership of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio, which now serves children in all 88 counties. To date, more than 20 million books have been mailed to Ohio’s youngest readers, reflecting her belief that early literacy and a love of learning are the foundation for lifelong success.   Beyond Ohio, the DeWines’ compassion has extended globally through the Becky DeWine School in Haiti, founded in memory of their daughter. The school provides meals, education, and hope to children in one of the world’s poorest neighborhoods—an enduring example of their belief that every child deserves opportunity and dignity.   “Governor and First Lady DeWine have shown what’s possible when leaders put children at the center of policymaking,” said Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio. “Their compassion, collaboration, and commitment have laid a stronger foundation for Ohio’s future.”   Shannon Jones, former state legislator, current Warren County Commissioner, and Founder of On Key Strategies, presented the award on behalf of Groundwork Ohio, recognizing the DeWines for a lifetime of service devoted to children and families.   “Governor and First Lady DeWine have spent their lives doing what’s right for kids,” said Jones. “Whether in the U.S. Senate or the Governor’s Office, their decisions have always been guided by a simple truth — that government’s highest calling is to protect and invest in its youngest citizens.”   Jones highlighted the DeWines’ record of public service — from Governor DeWine’s leadership on adoption, child safety, and pediatric health in the U.S. Senate, to his work as Governor establishing the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, expanding early learning and home visiting, and tackling infant mortality with determination and heart. She also praised the couple’s humanitarian work founding the Becky DeWine School in Haiti and First Lady DeWine’s leadership in growing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio, which now reaches children in every one of Ohio’s 88 counties.   “Their impact stretches from the children of our nation to the children of Ohio, to the children of the world,” Jones added. “They have shown all of us what it means to serve with faith, humility, and purpose — and what happens when leaders truly believe in every child.”   Following the award presentation, Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez led a fireside chat with Governor and First Lady DeWine, reflecting on their shared vision for Ohio’s children and the importance of sustaining bipartisan momentum to support families statewide. “This award signifies a belief we all share - that every child, no matter where they live in the state, should have access to the tools and resources needed to live up to their God-given potential," said Governor Mike DeWine. “I am proud of all we've accomplished to support Ohio's youth over the years and am grateful to all the partners who have also believed in this mission.”   In addition to the DeWines, Groundwork Ohio honored several partners and advocates who exemplify leadership and dedication to early childhood equity. The Groundwork Champion Award was presented to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the County Commissioners’ Association of Ohio, and the Richland County Foundation Women’s Fund for their steadfast partnership and advocacy to expand child care access. The Amplifier Award recognized the Ohio Head Start Association, Inc. for its commitment to preparing children for kindergarten and supporting working families. The Spark Award celebrated Maleka James, Whitney Gordon, and Deanna Szente for their bold leadership and advocacy on behalf of Ohio’s youngest children and families.   The award presentations took place during Momentum 2025, Groundwork Ohio’s annual convening of 200 early childhood professionals, family advocates, community leaders, and partners from across the state. The event equips participants with tools, data, and inspiration to strengthen the statewide movement for young children and families.   About Groundwork Ohio Groundwork Ohio is a nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization that champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age 5, that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. We advance quality early childhood systems in Ohio by engaging, educating, and mobilizing diverse stakeholders and strategic partners to promote data driven and evidence-based early childhood policies. Learn more at groundworkohio.org .

Meet Katie Back,  a Case Manager at North Community Counseling Centers and a Groundwork Ohio 2026 Early Childhood Family Fellow from Franklin County. As a dedicated mother of two, she brings both personal and professional experience to her work supporting families in accessing the resources they need to thrive. Motivated by her own journey and inspired by a friend’s passion for early childhood advocacy, she joined the Fellowship to deepen her understanding of early childhood policy and help build a more equitable system for all Ohio families. In this week’s spotlight, Katie shares what drives her, what she hopes to learn, and how her lived experience guides her leadership. 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 a mother of two children. I love watching my son play sports and enjoy my free time with our family on the weekends where we watch our favorite shows and play games. I currently work at North Community Counseling Centers as a case manager. I help our clients apply for benefits and assist them with daily tasks.      Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship? A. I applied for the fellowship as I have a friend who is passionate about the work she does with Groundwork Ohio and I’ve been interested in her knowledge with early childhood education which made me want to know more about the system.     Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience? A. I am excited to learn more about policies and how I can contribute to bettering the system in Ohio.     Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. I found out about Groundwork Ohio through a friend that works for the company.     Q. What’s one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you’re passionate about addressing? A. I am passionate about addressing the difference between low income families and high class families and how it effects education in children.     Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families? A. As I have needed assistance with my family, I hope to help guide others so they do not have to struggle or worry about finding the help they need for their families.     Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. When I was a child our families relied on each other for help and not the system. I feel if we can work together and trust each other again that we can become a team and help each other even if it’s just pointing each other in the right direction for help.     Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space—now and in the future? A. I hope I can show others a less stressful way to ask for help, to be a familiar face that can lend a hand.

By: Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO, Groundwork Ohio  This weekend, I had the privilege—and the heartbreak—of attending the funeral service for Lori Jarvis, a devoted mother, fierce advocate, and one of Groundwork Ohio’s very first Family Action Network members. Lori passed away on October 11, 2025, at just 37 years old, after a valiant battle with cancer. She leaves behind her loving husband, Joe, and four beautiful children—Chloe, Charly, Joslyn, and Deleda—as well as many friends, family, and fellow advocates who were touched by her warmth, courage, and heart.  Lori’s obituary describes her best: “[a] devoted family advocate whose heart and energy were always centered around the people she loved most. As a dedicated mother, she poured herself into caring for her family with unwavering compassion and strength, always putting their needs before her own. Whether offering a listening ear, lending a helping hand, or standing proudly from the sidelines, Lori was the biggest cheerleader for her daughters—encouraging them to chase their dreams, believe in themselves, and never give up.”  That same love for her family fueled her advocacy. Lori was there when we launched the Family Action Network at the Ohio Statehouse, helping to kick off what would become a statewide movement to elevate the voices of parents and caregivers. Her advocacy with us took her all the way to Capitol Hill, where she met with members of Congress alongside the American Heart Association, courageously sharing her family’s story to inspire change. Lori’s advocacy also reached the heart of Ohio’s policymaking, as she gave powerful testimony during the state budget season before the Ohio General Assembly—reminding lawmakers what’s truly at stake for children and parents.  The last time our team saw Lori and her family was during our Driving Change Roadshow stop in Southwest Ohio, where her smile and presence once again reminded us why we do this work. At her memorial service, among the many photos celebrating her life, were images of Lori advocating with Groundwork. Seeing them was deeply humbling. You never truly know what role you might play in someone’s story—or how profoundly their strength can shape your own.  Lori’s impact extended far beyond the policies she influenced. In a video she once recorded with us, she spoke candidly about her hopes and fears for the future. She said she didn’t worry much about herself or even her husband—but she did worry about her daughters’ futures. “If I know I’ve given everything I could to my girls,” she said, “I’ll be happy.” And that she did.  Her oldest began her first semester at Bowling Green State University this fall, and her youngest—who lives with cerebral palsy—just started first grade. All four of her girls reflect Lori’s image: brave, loving, and full of light. Each carries forward a piece of her strength and spirit, living proof of the difference one mother’s love and advocacy can make. She gave everything she could to her girls, to her community, and to the families she fought for.  As I reflect on Lori’s life, I’m reminded that this work—the work of listening to and lifting up families—is sacred. We need policymakers to listen to families like Lori’s. You only get one shot at being a child and one shot at being a parent. We owe it to both to make it count.  Lori leaves behind a powerful legacy of love in action. She taught us that advocacy begins at home, in the quiet courage of parents who refuse to give up on a better future for their children. Her story will continue to guide and inspire us at Groundwork Ohio, as we carry forward her light, her love, and her fight.  Thank you, Lori—for everything.

By Julie Stone, Executive Director, Ohio Head Start Association, Inc. Follow Julie on  LinkedIn . Last week, the Ohio Head Start Association joined Groundwork Ohio and the First Five Years Fund (FFYF) in Washington, D.C. for an important week of advocacy that spanned both the day before and the first day of the federal government shutdown. The contrast between those two days could not have been more striking. On Tuesday, the Hill was buzzing with activity as we met with Senator Jon Husted and his staff, shared new statewide polling results , and underscored how federal investments in early learning strengthen Ohio’s families and workforce.  We had a rare opportunity to spend time in the Senate gallery where we witnessed a lively debate between Senators Thune and Schumer foreshadowing the reality ahead as the pages rearranged chairs on the Senate floor.  The next day told a very different story. The shutdown had begun, and the contrast was stark. The streets and offices were eerily quiet, and frankly, disorienting. It was a stark reminder that behind the theatrics of politics, the needs of children and families don’t pause for stalemates. At the center of our visit was new polling conducted by UpONE Insights in partnership with the Ohio Head Start Association, Groundwork Ohio, and FFYF . The survey offered timely, bipartisan insights into how Ohio voters view early childhood issues—and especially the impact of Head Start. The results speak volumes: 85% of Ohio voters hold a favorable opinion of Head Start, reflecting strong, bipartisan trust in the program. More than two-thirds agree that continued federal funding for Head Start is essential to helping parents work and children succeed in school. Nearly 80% believe child care overall is in crisis or a major problem, and over one-third say they or someone they know would enter the workforce if affordable, quality care were available. For Ohio’s Head Start programs, these findings affirm what we see every day: that families across the state depend on us for stability, opportunity, and hope. This data gave us a powerful way to connect our day-to-day work to the broader national conversation—making clear that Head Start isn’t just a gold standard program; it’s a proven investment that benefits children, families, and communities alike. The stark contrast between those two days in Washington mirrored what so many programs, staff and families are feeling at home: uncertainty. A government shutdown raises real questions about funding continuity, staffing, and family stability. But even when circumstances shift, our commitment does not. Head Start leaders across Ohio continue to show up, speak up, and stand up for the children and families they serve. Our shared advocacy—amplified through the joint Advocacy Alert from OHSAI, Groundwork Ohio, and FFYF—keeps the focus where it belongs: on the kids who can’t afford to be caught in the political crossfire. Ohio Head Start and Groundwork Ohio advocates pictured with Representative Joyce Beatty (OH-3) on Capitol Hill. I’m deeply grateful to Lynanne Gutierrez and the Groundwork Ohio team for their partnership and leadership in this effort. When we stand together—bringing the trusted experience of Head Start, the policy expertise of Groundwork, and the national reach of FFYF—we amplify one another’s voices and strengthen our collective impact. Even in uncertain times, that unity gives us reason for optimism. The challenges in Washington may ebb and flow, but our shared purpose does not. By continuing to show up—trusted, data driven and united—we will work to ensure Ohio’s youngest learners and their families have the stability, opportunity, and strong start they deserve, no matter what’s happening in the halls of Congress.

For more than 50 years, 4C for Children has been a cornerstone of support for families and child care professionals across Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley. As the state-designated Child Care Resource and Referral agency for 15 counties, 4C for Children empowers the adults who care for young children through education, training, and advocacy. From coaching child care providers and connecting families to quality programs, to collaborating with local partners on community-wide initiatives, 4C for Children works every day to ensure all children have the foundation they need to thrive. Q. Tell us a little about your organization. Where are you located? Who do you serve and what do you focus on? A. 4C for Children educates and supports the adults who care for children and advocates for public support for quality early education and care for all children. As the state designated Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for five counties in Southwest Ohio and ten counties in the Miami Valley, 4C for Children has offices in both Cincinnati and Dayton. 4C delivers services through three key program areas: quality programs, family & community services, and child care business services. These programs support families and child care providers in various ways. The key initiatives within each of these service areas are described below. Quality Programs: provides coaching to child care programs assisting them with quality improvement efforts including earning and maintaining a Step Up To Quality rating and creating optimal learning environments. 4C also develops and provides Ohio Approved training to raise the level of professionalism in the field and increase the quality of care for young children. Family and Community Services: assists families in finding and selecting quality child care that meets their unique needs, empowers families by connecting them with the local and state resources they need, and recruits and supports foster, adoptive and kinship care families. Child Care Business Services: provides a comprehensive range of tools, training, and coaching to individuals seeking to launch or expand family child care or center-based programs, recruits and assists individuals with training and mentoring to begin a career in early childhood education, and supports licensed family child care providers in promoting healthy eating habits and securing reimbursement for serving nutritious, well-balanced meals. Q. When was your organization founded? A. 4C for Children was founded in 1972 in Cincinnati, Ohio by a coalition of agencies and funders with the purpose of coordinating, planning and advocating for quality child care for working families. Q. What’s a recent project, program, or win that you're especially proud of? A. 4C for Children is especially proud of our work with family child care (FCC) providers and the associated impact we have seen in our community over the past year. These small business owners help provide a home-like atmosphere while supporting the individualized needs of the children in their care. Most offer flexible, non-traditional hours that help meet the needs of families working late, overnight shifts and weekends. This past year, 4C provided coaching and training support to 644 FCC providers and helped 67 new FCC providers obtain a license to provide care. Q. What’s one issue you're keeping a close eye on right now? A. Access to high-quality, affordable child care, continues to be a challenge for families in our 15 county region and across the country. This is especially true in regard to care for infants and toddlers. 4C for Children closely monitors the number of programs and the number of individual child care seats in our community. We continually gather information and data to understand the factors that positively or negatively impact the supply of child care. This is critical to shaping our response and implementation of programs in our community. Q. How do you partner with families and communities in your work? A. Outreach is at the heart of what we do. We actively connect with other agencies to explore partnerships, whether for a single event, a shared project, or long-term collaboration. Guided by community needs, we brainstorm solutions and create innovative ways to meet families where they are, from face-to-face interactions to social media to printed materials. We believe knowledge is power: by helping families understand the quality of child care they deserve and the resources that are available to them, we take the first step toward lasting change. Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. As a member of the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA), 4C for Children has been partnering with Groundwork Ohio since their start in 2004 to help advance the well-being of Ohio’s youngest children. Q. What do you wish more people understood about the families you serve or the work you do? A. We want our community to understand the challenges working families face to secure high-quality, affordable, child care and the ripple effect across our community. Child care staff are the workforce behind the workforce. Disruptions within the child care system impact all areas of our community: workforce, local economy, family financial stability, and early care and education of our youngest children. Q. How do you work with other organizations or community partners to create change? A. We collaborate with community partners to efficiently and effectively serve the families and child care programs in our community. 4C recently partnered with United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC) in Southwest Ohio and Preschool Promise in Montgomery County to streamline services for families that need them the most. In Southwest Ohio, 4C is working with UWGC on a pilot project using their 211 resource directory to help support the work of 4C’s Parent and Youth Ambassadors by connecting families directly to the resources they need. In Montgomery County, 4C is a collaborator with local organizations on a new initiative called Be Ready by 5 that works to help prepare families with children 0-5 for success in Kindergarten and beyond. Q. What keeps your team inspired or grounded in this work? A. 4C for Children team educates and supports the adults who care for children. Our team understands that to make a positive difference in the lives of children, each child must have a secure and loving environment with adults who are actively and positively engaged in their lives. Helping the families and child care providers that we serve make a positive impact on the children in their lives keeps the 4C team inspired and grounded in this work. Q. Why is advocacy important to your work? A. As a key piece of our community’s infrastructure, child care, early learning and development, and the overall continuum of care for children is an important focus of dialogue. Advocacy for local, state and national investments in early learning and care is critical to the current and future success of the communities that we serve. 4C for Children works to educate and engage everyone (business leaders, elected officials, community leaders, families and more) in our community – about the key needs and challenges faced by our local families, children and all those who support their care and development. Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. When children in Ohio benefit from high-quality early learning, they’re not only more likely to succeed in school and life, they’re also more equipped to contribute to the strength of our local communities and long-term economic success. We must provide wrap-around support to families and those who care for Ohio’s young children. They need access to resources and support to provide care, early learning and development, and a continuum of care both inside and outside the home. They also need to be equipped and empowered to make the best decisions possible to ensure the growth and development of the children in their care. This support is made possible by strong, organized strategies and investments by national, state and local governments, paired with a system of human service agencies and a community that is well-informed and engaged in advocating for community resources

Step Up to Quality, Ohio's 5-star early care & child care rating and improvement system, recognizes programs that exceed minimum health and safety standards and promotes children’s learning and development. Step Up To Quality helps parents choose services that provide both an educational and developmental experience for their son or daughter, while at the same time giving providers enhanced funding for offering high-quality care. When Step Up to Quality was implemented, the state set statutory goals that mandated 100% of licensed child care providers be high-quality rated (3 to 5 stars) by 2025 with the following threshold benchmarks as of June 30 each year. We are still far from our goal of having 100% child care providers rated in the system (1-5 stars) by 2020 and even farther from the ultimate 2025 mandate. As of August 31, 2018: Only 35% of licensed child care Centers /Type A Homes are rated (1-5 stars), accounting for 48% of all PFCC eligible children Only 26% of licensed child care Centers/Type A Homes are high-quality rated (3-5 stars), accounting for 30% of all PFCC children (SOURCE: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Early Childhood Advisory Council Meeting, October 18, 2018) Learn more about Step Up to Quality. The Vote for Ohio Kids Leadership Forum may have passed, but our work is far from over! With Ohio's upcoming gubernatorial election less than a month away, it's time to ramp up the pressure on candidates Richard Cordray and Mike DeWine to make sure they make early childhood education and health care top priorities if elected. We hope you'll use the sample tweets and resources in this election-focused media toolkit to help elevate these issues and show our gubernatorial candidates that voters support increased investments in our youngest learners! Check out the election-focused media toolkit. Early Childhood Resource for Parents, Caregivers, and Programs Ohio's new and improved BOLD Beginning! website offers resources for anyone interacting with kids during their early critical years of development--starting from pregnancy through the beginning of formal schooling. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, provider, teacher, or other caregiver, the site has easy-to-access resources that can help you foster kids' healthy development, learn about state-funded programs for parents and children, and find support in your community. Explore the website here to check out resources like the developmental milestone videos below! State elections will have an impact on our children: Letter to the Editor Child Care Survey Funding Gets Controlling Board Approval The Opportunity to Learn With Others: A Question of Equity Easing impact of the opioid crisis on kids has national security benefits, too: Deborah A. Ashenhurst (Opinion) A Look At The Plans For Education From The Two Major Party Gubernatorial Candidates Child care issues cost billions for state: Study Learn more about Step Up to Quality here.

By Qianna Tidmore, Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children (Ohio AEYC) Follow Qianna on LinkedIn . As we enter the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) , we have an opportunity to celebrate young learners, honor the work of early childhood educators, and shine a spotlight on how policy decisions affect our profession and the families we serve. WOYC is a call to action, by uplifting our voices around the state budget process, we can help ensure that Ohio’s youngest children receive the high-quality early learning experiences they need and deserve.   The Power and Purpose of the Week of the Young Child The Week of the Young Child, organized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) , reminds us to reflect on both the joy and the complexities of early childhood education. Each day spotlights the creativity, exploration, and growth that define early learning. Music Monday Tasty Tuesday Work Together Wednesday Artsy Thursday Family Friday While these fun themes invite us to celebrate, they also encourage us to step up our advocacy and draw attention to the vital importance of a well-supported early childhood workforce. NAEYC has provided a toolkit for ECE advocates to follow along.   Ohio’s Early Childhood Education According to data from NAEYC; Ohio is home to 798,955 children under the age of five 71% of these children have all available parents in the workforce. 58% of child care programs report severe staffing shortages, Nearly half of programs have had to raise tuition Across the state, 39% of people live in a child care desert. For the educators working in these programs: 58,600 professionals who serve children from birth through age five. The estimated annual salary for a child care worker in Ohio is around $23,234 23% of our educators rely on public benefits just to make ends meet.   All of these figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen and stabilize the early childhood sector in Ohio.   Who We Are: Ohio AEYC Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children (Ohio AEYC)  is one of your NAEYC State Affiliates. We represent a diverse community of professionals committed to ensuring that every young child, from birth to age eight, receives high-quality early learning. This includes teachers (public, private, and homeschool), child care center directors, family care providers, social workers, early intervention specialists, higher education faculty, and many more. Simply put, we are you—the educators, advocates, and allies who share a passion for serving children and families. Our mission is to empower all who care for, educate, and advocate on behalf of young children, and we do this by working tirelessly at both the state and local levels to influence policy decisions that impact early learning.   Your Voice Matters NAEYC and Ohio AEYC invite you to use each day of the Week of the Young Child to elevate your advocacy. Whether you’re sharing a story about the impact of low wages on Tasty Tuesday or writing letters to elected officials on Work Together Wednesday, your voice, and your experience, are powerful tools for change. Here’s how you can get involved: Contact Your Legislators Share how critical early childhood education is in your community. Use social media to thank elected officials for supporting early learning, or encourage them to do so if they haven’t already. Use the #WOYC25 Hashtag Post about your WOYC celebrations, connect with educators across the state, and highlight the need for greater investments in child care. Tag your elected officials to bring them into the conversation. Share Your Story Personal narratives are some of the most effective ways to influence policy. Educators and families can illustrate the realities behind the statistics—stories of what it takes to keep a program running, or the relief a family feels when they secure reliable child care.   NAEYC is collecting these stories for advocacy purposes. If you have a story, whether it’s about struggling to cover tuition, staff shortages, or the joy of seeing children thrive in a quality program, please consider sharing it using the NAEYC Share Your Story survey . Your experiences will help inform policymakers about what’s happening on the ground in Ohio’s early learning landscape.   As Ohio moves forward with its budget process, let’s ensure that our children, and the educators who support them, remain front and center. Let’s sing, cook, build, create, and share our stories.

Meet Stephanie Moore , an Early Education Specialist at Starting Point and a 2026 Early Childhood Leadership Fellow from Cuyahoga County. With a passion for advocacy and a deep understanding of the challenges families face, she’s dedicated to ensuring every child—especially those with social-emotional or developmental needs—has access to the services and support they deserve. In this week's spotlight, she shares her journey, what inspired her to join the Fellowship, and how her lived experiences shape her leadership in early childhood education. 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 an Early Education Specialist at Starting Point, providing technical assistance, coaching, and training to licensed Family Child Care Programs. I focus on improving and maintaining the quality of program services provided to young children and their families. I also develop trainings that are relevant to the providers and implement Ohio-approved trainings at our state conferences.   Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship? A. I was encouraged by my supervisor, but I also recognize this area as a weakness in my professional work, one that I need to challenge myself to overcome and advocate for those who cannot. Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience? A. New experiences, and the ability to advocate in ways that will make a difference and be heard. To meet new people and to expand my knowledge of early childhood through other sectors. Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio? A. Some of my coworkers were in last year's fellowship and talked about the experience and how helpful it was for them. Q. What’s one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you’re passionate about addressing? A. The children who need services, but either can’t get help or miss the qualifications by a slight margin when tested. The children who are struggling with social-emotional issues, such as anxiety, are seen by teachers as behavior issues. Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families? A. I have personally experienced being made fun of, bullied, and put down for my differences, and I don’t want others to go through what I went through as a child and teen. Therefore, if I can help a parent help their child at a young age and receive the services before kindergarten, then hopefully they will be less likely to be made fun of or picked on. As a parent, I have a child who deals with anxiety and social cues and have seen her go through trials and fought to get her the help in school that she needs. I had to be her voice and advocate for her. As a parent facing a school, it can be challenging, and the school tries to overlook the issues. However, with persistence, I was able to get her the help she needed to grow, learn, and even graduate from high school. Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child? A. To have passionate people who will support families and fight with the family to see their child receive the services and help they need.  The families will not have to worry about how they will get the help, because the cost will be covered, and the child will be the winner and come out on top. Early childhood needs to be seen as being as important as grade school, junior-senior high, and college, and the Early Childhood Education teachers are paid as those in higher grades and schools are paid. It is crucial for families to see the importance of early education as education and not a “service that just watches my child.” Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space—now and in the future? A. I hope to be a stronger person who will not back down or hide in the corner because I am not sure what to say, but will be the person who will be heard. To be seen as someone who knows what she is talking about, and she is speaking for those who cannot.

When families face sudden disruptions—like job loss, illness, or unexpected financial strain—child care can be one of the first things at risk. Without stable care, children lose critical early learning opportunities, and parents often struggle to stay employed.   In Lucas County, Toledo Day Nursery —the oldest child care center in Ohio and the fourth oldest in the nation—is meeting that challenge head-on. For more than 150 years, this historic center has adapted to the needs of families while setting a powerful example that other child care providers across the state can follow.   Thanks to funding from the Bainum Family Foundation through its We Vision EarlyEd Initiative , Toledo Day Nursery has launched a short-term scholarship program designed to help families experiencing crisis. Unlike traditional subsidies, these scholarships are flexible and low-barrier. Families don’t need to complete complex forms or go through an extensive application process. Instead, they receive immediate support to keep their children in care while navigating difficult times.   This innovative approach was recently highlighted in an   article by The 74 Million .   Local Leadership at the Center The scholarship program reflects the leadership of Toledo Day Nursery’s Co-Directors Julia Myers and Chelsea Davis , who worked with their team and community partners to design this lifeline for families.   Both Julia and Chelsea are members of the Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellowship , a year-long program that equips emerging leaders from across Ohio with the tools and training to strengthen early childhood systems. Through the Fellowship, they are not only supporting families in their own community, but also helping to shape the statewide conversation on child care and early learning. Stronger Together: HOPE Toledo and Community Partnerships This effort also connects to the work of our partners at HOPE Toledo , an organization dedicated to ensuring every Toledo child has access to high-quality education from cradle to career. By working in partnership with child care providers, families, and community leaders, HOPE Toledo is helping to build the foundation for a stronger, more equitable system of care and education. In April 2025, during an education summit hosted by HOPE Toledo, the Bainum Family Foundation announced it would invest in Toledo Day Nursery  as part of its efforts to improve early learning opportunities across the country. Toledo Day Nursery was selected as one of 22 educational sites nationwide to receive support from the foundation, underscoring the center's commitment to quality early childhood education and its role as a model for other providers. Together, Toledo Day Nursery, HOPE Toledo, and local leaders are showing what’s possible when community partnerships and philanthropy  align to support families.   Why This Matters The Toledo scholarship program is more than a stopgap—it’s a model of responsive, community-driven support that keeps families stable during times of crisis. By prioritizing dignity and flexibility, the program makes sure that children don’t lose their place in care and parents don’t have to sacrifice their jobs or education.   We’re grateful to our partners at Toledo Day Nursery and HOPE Toledo  for their leadership, and to the Bainum Family Foundation  for making this work possible. Their collaboration demonstrates how local innovation, backed by strong partnerships, can build a stronger, more equitable child care system.

The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)  is the largest source of federal funding for child care in Ohio. It helps low-income working families afford safe, reliable child care so parents can stay in the workforce and children can learn and grow in quality settings.    Why CCDBG Matters for Families   In Ohio, the average annual cost of center-based child care for two children (an infant and four year old) is $21,931—more than the average annual housing cost of $17,048 and even higher than the average annual in-state college tuition of $13,016, according to Child Care Aware of America's Child Care Affordability in Ohio Fact Sheet .  The average cost of infant care alone in Ohio recently grew to over $13,000, according to The Alliance For Early Success .   In a recent statewide poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies on behalf of Groundwork Ohio , child care expenses were identified as one of the most significant barriers to workforce participation and financial stability. As of August 2024 polling, fully two-thirds or 66% of Ohioans and 69% of voters across the nation believe federal funding for child care and early learning programs for low-income working families is a good investment of taxpayer money. Among Ohio parents, 74% believe this is a good investment, according to The First Five Years Fund 2024 State Fact Sheet Child Care & Early Learning In Ohio . Source:  Untapped Potential In Ohio: How Childcare Impacts Ohio's Workforce Productivity And The State's Economy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Groundwork Ohio. Source: Groundwork Ohio Poll Data from 2024 CCDBG increases child care affordability while expanding the range of choices available to parents, enabling families to find care that meets their needs. Affordable child care, made possible for low-income families through CCDBG, allows parents to remain in the workforce, pursue training, or further their education—strengthening both family economic stability and Ohio’s economy overall.    Ohio Data Snapshot   Federal CCDBG funding to Ohio: $443.5M  Families with children under 5 years old served annually: ~29,440  813,626Children 5 and under 5  540,413 (67%) Children 5 and under with all available parents in the workforce  237,548 (30%) Children 5 and under eligible for CCDBG   12% Eligible children served by CCDBG due to insufficient federal funding  Subsidy: In Ohio, a family of three with a CCDBG subsidy pays between $132 to $1,455 per month.  Why CCDBG Matters for Providers    Stability: Subsidies ensure reimbursement for providers who serve low-income families. This stability is vital not only for the providers themselves but also for maintaining consistent services for working families.  Workforce: CCDBG funds can improve provider compensation and benefits, bolstering recruitment and retention efforts. In Ohio, reimbursement rates were raised to the 50th percentile based on the 2024 Market Rate Survey —effective June/July 2024. Starting July 2026, providers will be paid based on enrollment rather than attendance, making revenue more predictable and sustainable.   Quality: CCDBG strengthens teacher quality by dedicating funding to quality improvement activities like professional development and workforce supports. It also funds continuous quality improvement systems — known in Ohio as Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) — which help providers improve classroom environments, teaching practices, and outcomes for children.  Challenges & Opportunities   Challenge:  Too many eligible Ohio families are unable to access child care subsidies due to limited funding. Without adequate funding, providers navigate workforce shortages and rising costs of operating quality child care programs.  Opportunity:  With increased federal and state investment, Ohio can expand access, strengthen financial stability of providers and the programs they operate, and give more children the foundation they need to thrive.  Recent Changes & Policy Context   Federal budget deliberations present an opportunity for greater investment in child care –but because CCDBG is discretionary, it is vulnerable to a lapse of federal appropriations. Most recently, in the absence of an agreement among U.S. Senate members on federal appropriations has led to a government shutdown beginning October 1, 2025. This shutdown adds uncertainty and risk to the opportunities to increase child care investments.   In contrast to steep cuts in the U.S. House’s appropriations, the U.S. Senate’s proposal for FY2026  includes: President’s Proposal:  $8.746 billion for CCDBG  ECE Advocates’ Ask:  $12.4 billion increase  Senate Appropriations Proposal:  $8.831 billion  While final decisions are currently stalled, next steps will require important decisions around funding Ohio’s child care system. Investing in CCDBG means investing in Ohio’s children, families, and future workforce. Policymakers must ensure funding keeps pace with the real needs of families and providers.  Interested in learning more? Visit our CCDBG page!

Families, providers, and employers across Ohio and the nation know the child care system is stretched thin. Costs are high, access is limited, and many providers struggle to stay open. A new proposal in Congress—the Child Care Modernization Act of 2025 —aims to update how our federal child care system works so it better meets the needs of today’s families, workforce, and economy. The First Five Years Fund (FFYF) has released a new resource— Side-by-Side Analysis: Comparison of the 2025 Child Care Modernization Act to Current Law ,  to break down what this proposal would mean. Here are some of the biggest changes included: Expanding supply of child care : Creates new grants to help open, renovate, or expand child care programs, especially in rural and underserved communities. Paying providers fairly : Requires states to use cost models—rather than outdated market surveys, to set payment rates, ensuring providers can cover the real costs of quality care. Strengthening equity : Puts greater focus on supporting children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, living in poverty, or in rural areas. Supporting providers as small businesses : Helps providers access technical assistance and business tools so they can thrive long-term, not just survive month-to-month. Recognizing all types of care : Formally embraces a “mixed delivery system” of care that includes child care centers, family child care homes, Head Start, faith-based programs, and schools. The legislation also calls for better accountability, stronger data on family child care costs, and more flexibility for states to address local needs. The Act recognizes that child care is both a public good and an essential part of our economic infrastructure. While there’s still a lot to work through—including how much funding will be available—this proposal marks an important step toward building a child care system that works for families, providers, and employers alike. The urgency is clear.   A new poll conducted by UpONE Insights, released by Groundwork Ohio and The Ohio Head Start Association, Inc., and in partnership with First Five Years, found that nearly 80% of Ohio voters—and voters across the nation—believe the ability of working parents to find and afford quality child care is in a “state of crisis” or a “major problem.” This overwhelming consensus underscores what families, providers, and employers have long known: without federal action, our child care crisis will continue to threaten family stability, workforce participation, and economic growth.