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First and foremost, we want to express our sincere appreciation for the important work you do, the tough decisions many have made this week, and for your patience as we all navigate this uncharted territory. What We Know As of this evening, here are where things currently stand for child care in Ohio: The Governor has not mandated closure of child care programs, but he has indicated the State is working to ensure all essential workers with children will have access to care should ordered closure occur. As of today, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has begun issuing temporary pandemic child care licenses . More information about this temporary license, including the ODJFS transmittal letter, rule change, application, and FAQs can be found here . Those interested in being considered for a temporary pandemic child care license are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For parents looking to learn more about care available for essential workers, information will be shared here as it becomes available. Last week, the state shared temporary rules to help address the coronavirus, specifically pertaining to ratios and group sizes, as well as the addition of absence days and new pandemic days for those serving children in publicly funded child care. More information on the new rules can be found here , along with a step by step guide on how to use those days in the TAP system. Today's Webinar Over the past week, we have worked hard to compile all information and resources that may be helpful to you as you make challenging decisions for your program, staff, and families. Today, we hosted a webinar with other early childhood leaders across the state to share more information on how to consider insurance coverage when applying for a temporary pandemic child care license, who is eligible for unemployment benefits and how to apply, and when and how to apply for an SBA loan. Resources We shared a whole host of helpful resources on today's call. In case you missed them... Resources for Providers ODJFS Pandemic Child Care Page for providers includes all updated rules, regulations, forms, and Q&As that have been published by the department for providers. Groundwork Ohio's COVID-19 Provider Resource page includes links to grant and resource opportunities, small business supports (unemployment, SBA loans, etc.), additional information on COVID-19, and FAQs. Resources for Parents ODJFS Pandemic Child Care Page for parents includes the current list of temporary pandemic child care licensed providers and relevant forms. Groundwork Ohio's COVID-19 Parent Resource page includes information on how to access some utility and food supports, activities for young children, and more information on the coronavirus. Coming this week... Join us for an upcoming webinar designed to support the mental health of early educators across the state during this chaotic time. Monday, March 23 at 6:30 PM , you will hear from Nefertiti Bruce Poyner, M.Ed. Nefertiti is an author, public speaker and provider of professional learning for the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. During the webinar, you can expect to learn more about how to support your own mental health during this pandemic. Register for the webinar here . As more information becomes available, we will continue scheduling more webinars to keep you up-to-date and prepared to respond.

This morning ODJFS shared a new landing page for information regarding child care and the coronavirus pandemic. The site includes direct links to all temporary rules that have been instituted in response to the pandemic, relevant applications and enrollment forms , and an FAQ section on pandemic child care programs . For more information about how to plan for and respond to this crisis, we hope you will join us and other early childhood organizations for a webinar on Friday, March 20th featuring experts in small business supports to provide more detailed technical assistance on accessing small business loans and unemployment as well as an update on any new state and federal guidelines. Register for the webinar here .

Earlier this morning, ODJFS shared new rules on Temporary Licensing Procedures to Address the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. Those rules are now posted online along with the application to become licensed as a pandemic child care provider. This afternoon, we partnered with Dayton-Montgomery County Preschool Promise/Learn to Earn Dayton, Ohio AEYC, OACCP, and OCCRRA. More than 1,500 child care providers were able to join us for the call and learn more about how family- and center-based child care providers are responding, hear how statewide organizations are responding to the crisis, and learn more about supports available to small businesses. You can watch the full recording of the webinar below and access all the resources that were shared on the call here. Please be sure to join us for another webinar on Friday, March 20th featuring experts in small business supports to provide more detailed technical assistance on accessing small business loans and unemployment as well as an update on any new state and federal guidelines. Register for the webinar here. We also ask you to take a moment to call your federally-elected officials, especially your Senators, and ask them to provide significant, flexible and emergency funding that will maintain our nation's quality child care supply today and into the future. For more on the immediate relief that is needed, please check out this letter to Congress from many of the nation's leading child advocacy organizations.

Access the procedural letter here. Child Care Manual Procedure Letter No. 137 March 18, 2020 TO:All Child Care Manual HoldersAll Child Care Center Manual Holders FROM:Kimberly Hall, Director SUBJECT:Temporary Licensing Procedures to Address the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Background: As a result of the K-12 school closings and with the anticipation of child care program closures because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is working to ensure: 1.Child care is available for parents employed providing health, safety and other essential services; and 2.To ensure providers serving Ohio’s most vulnerable children remain supported during program closure. New Policy Temporary Pandemic Child Care License: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, additional changes in policy are being implemented: The following new rule and forms are effective as of March 18, 2020. Rule 5101:2-12-02.1 : "Temporary Pandemic Child Care License" is a new rule which sets for the process and requirements of the temporary pandemic child care license. This temporary licensure will allow approved programs to serve children whose parents are employed providing health, safety and other essential services as defined by the Director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services in consultation with the Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. There is no application fee and these programs will not be required to be rated in Step Up To Quality in order to provide publicly funded child care. Payment for these programs will be determined through an agreement process with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. When approving programs for temporary licensure ODJFS must use discretion regarding the number of licenses approved based on need and pandemic health concerns. As a result ODJFS will evaluate programs based on location, capacity, and the number of children currently being served with parents employed to provide health, safety or other essential services. JFS 01258 "Application for Temporary Pandemic Child Care Center License" (rev. 3/2020) is a new form to apply for a temporary pandemic child care license. This form can be used by existing ODJFS-licensed child care centers when designated as an emergency child care location as well as new programs applying for a temporary pandemic child care system license. JFS 01259 "Pandemic Child Care Center Child Enrollment Addendum" (rev. 3/2020) is a new form to document how the child's parent meets the requirement of providing health and safety services as defined by the Ohio department of job and family services (ODJFS). Child Care Payment During Closure At the time child care programs must close the Department will establish a weekly payment which reflects a historical weekly payment for the program and provide it weekly through the duration of the closure, or as longs as funds allow. At the time a closure occurs ODJFS will provide additional information on the payment structure. Implementation Programs willing to provide service for parents employed providing health, safety and other essential services during the pandemic should complete the JFS 01258 and submit it to ODJFS_CHILDCARE@jfs.ohio.gov as soon as possible. If the application is approved, ODJFS will issue a letter notifying the pandemic child care center of the license approval and approved capacity. Both new and existing programs can apply for a temporary license with anticipation of an impending child care program closure. Entities working to open a new temporary pandemic child care center should explore partnership with locations such as hospitals, churches, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA/YWCA organizations and existing providers as possible locations for temporary settings. REMINDER: Any parent that can find a safe and healthy alternative child care option during the pandemic that will keep their child(ren) out of a group setting and not with an elderly provider should do so as soon as possible. However, we recognize that this is not an option for all families and are working to ensure all children have safe option while parents provide health, safety and other essential services. Questions: Please contact the Child Care Policy Helpdesk at 1-877-302-2347, option 4, if you have any questions about the new policy.

As we work to share the most up to date information and resources with you during this quickly evolving situation, we know the flood of information can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing. This week, we will be working with early childhood partners across the state to make the following three webinar opportunities available to you. These webinars will offer insights from State leaders, your peers in the child care system, and experts on accessing small business supports. Here's what you can expect over the next three days. TODAY, Wednesday, March 18th At 10 AM Kara Wente and LeeAnne Cornyn will explain more about Tuesday’s press release from the Governor and Director Kim Hall about Temporary Pandemic Licenses for childcare (see Director Hall's press release below). Join the webinar here: https://zoom.us/j/312024862 At 1 PM You'll hear from a panel of providers across the state and have a chance for Q&A, as well as a chance to hear more info from statewide organizations and the support they are offering. We will also re-cap any information from the 10 AM webinar for those who aren't able to join both. Register for the webinar here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eOVzfxITTyeggPtgXcnW0g FRIDAY, March 20th At 1 PM You'll hear from experts in small business supports to provide more detailed technical assistance on accessing small business loans and unemployment as well as an update on any new state and federal guidelines. Register for the webinar here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gOivKVfkSdqZrYD8hzqdUA ODJFS Implements Emergency Child Care Measures during COVID-19 Pandemic COLUMBUS, OHIO – Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Kim Hall announced emergency action today to provide child care to families where parents work in the health, safety, and essential service fields during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The agency will issue temporary pandemic child care licenses to ensure communities have access to child care. “It is important that professionals who are essential to protecting the public are able to ensure their families have safe places to go while they are at work,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Helping to address this need, allows our health and safety providers to focus on protecting and caring for all Ohioans.” New temporary pandemic child care centers will operate under reduced regulations focused solely on the health and safety of children. Pandemic child care center licenses can be granted to already existing child care centers or new child care centers that may be created in response to community needs. Parents who are able should identify a safe and healthy alternative child care option during the pandemic that will keep their child(ren) out of a group setting and not with an elderly provider. However, we recognize that this is not an option for all families and want to ensure all children have a safe option while parents provide health, safety, and other essential services. “Health care workers, first responders, and those working so hard to provide Ohioans with essential services are needed now more than ever. These measures will ensure that these families can maintain their work schedules, while resting assured that their children are safe,” said Director Hall. “These measures will be in force for the duration of the pandemic.” A previous executive order, EO 2020-02D, increased the number of children allowed to be supervised by child care staff, depending on the type of program and ages of children being served. It also increased from 10 to 20 the number of paid absent days for providers serving children in the Publicly Funded Child Care program, and it provides child care programs with 21 paid days if they must close their programs because of the pandemic. ODJFS and county agencies are responsible for licensing and inspecting all child care settings in Ohio. In addition, ODJFS offers financial assistance to eligible parents to help them with child care costs while they engage in work, education or job training. -30- The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families. These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash and food assistance, child care, child and adult protective services, adoption, and child support services. Click here for a copy of the press release.

Today, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Kim Hall announced the department will be implementing emergency measures to provide child care to families where parents work in the health, safety, and essential service fields during the pandemic. (Read the press release below for more details on the Director's order.) Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18th you can join ODJFS at 10 AM to learn more about these emergency measures and how to apply to be a licensed pandemic child care center. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/312024862 Or Telephone: Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 312 024 862 (no participant ID needed) ODJFS Implements Emergency Child Care Measures during COVID-19 Pandemic COLUMBUS, OHIO – Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Kim Hall announced emergency action today to provide child care to families where parents work in the health, safety, and essential service fields during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The agency will issue temporary pandemic child care licenses to ensure communities have access to child care. “It is important that professionals who are essential to protecting the public are able to ensure their families have safe places to go while they are at work,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Helping to address this need, allows our health and safety providers to focus on protecting and caring for all Ohioans.” New temporary pandemic child care centers will operate under reduced regulations focused solely on the health and safety of children. Pandemic child care center licenses can be granted to already existing child care centers or new child care centers that may be created in response to community needs. Parents who are able should identify a safe and healthy alternative child care option during the pandemic that will keep their child(ren) out of a group setting and not with an elderly provider. However, we recognize that this is not an option for all families and want to ensure all children have a safe option while parents provide health, safety, and other essential services. “Health care workers, first responders, and those working so hard to provide Ohioans with essential services are needed now more than ever. These measures will ensure that these families can maintain their work schedules, while resting assured that their children are safe,” said Director Hall. “These measures will be in force for the duration of the pandemic.” A previous executive order, EO 2020-02D, increased the number of children allowed to be supervised by child care staff, depending on the type of program and ages of children being served. It also increased from 10 to 20 the number of paid absent days for providers serving children in the Publicly Funded Child Care program, and it provides child care programs with 21 paid days if they must close their programs because of the pandemic. ODJFS and county agencies are responsible for licensing and inspecting all child care settings in Ohio. In addition, ODJFS offers financial assistance to eligible parents to help them with child care costs while they engage in work, education or job training. -30- The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families. These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash and food assistance, child care, child and adult protective services, adoption, and child support services. Click here for a copy of the press release.

First and foremost, thank you to all of our child care and early learning programs, which are doing heroic and important work under incredibly stressful conditions . We are working diligently to represent your urgent concerns to policymakers and advocate for Ohio’s myriad essential workers who need to know they’ll have access to quality child care in the coming weeks and months. This morning a group of more than a dozen providers and advocates from across Ohio sent recommendations to State administrators offering suggestions on how to assist child care programs in this unprecedented health crisis, with a special emphasis on how we’ll ensure that doctors, nurses, first responders and others like them can be on the job. You can read a summary of those suggestions here , developed with feedback from programs and leaders who are on the ground . We will keep you informed as we hear more about decisions from State leaders and will work to support you in any way we can in the weeks and months ahead. We know there are lots of rumors about “what’s next" and want to be a resource to you during these uncertain times. Join us and early learning leaders from across the state for webinars this week to hear how child care providers are responding to the pandemic and planning for their families and programs in the weeks to come. Check out the invitation here . Join us for two upcoming webinars Wednesday, March 18th and Friday, March 20th from 1-2 PM with Learn to Earn Dayton, Groundwork Ohio, Ohio AEYC, OACCP, OCCRRA, and others as we share insights on what providers are currently doing to address COVID-19 in their settings, how to use the new small business loan opportunity and other business and workforce supports, how families are being impacted, and more. Wednesday’s webinar will cover information on… Small business loans Utilizing pandemic days Engaging in courageous conversations Family child care provider response Center-based child care provider response Friday’s webinar will cover more in-depth technical support on… Accessing unemployment benefits Utilizing small business loans Any updates on state and federal guidance Read Our Recommendations for Ohio RSVP for Wednesday's Webinar RSVP for Friday's Webinar Ohio's Response to COVID-19 for Child Care Programs Since our last COVID-19 update on Saturday, there have not been any new developments specifically relating to child care. However, Governor Mike DeWine rolled out new regulations pertaining to business closures, unemployment, and small business loans.   Below are a few updates on Ohio's child care programs we have received over the past week. Child Care (ODJFS) On Friday, Governor DeWine signed an Executive Order allowing for the temporary change of some ODJFS licensed child care rules. On Monday, ODJFS instituted temporary measures to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mass Gatherings In accordance with CDC guidelines, Governor DeWine indicated that Ohio will follow the guidelines banning all mass gatherings of over 50 people. Expanded Unemployment On Saturday, Governor DeWine announced new rules pertaining to unemployment compensation. Due to many businesses closing operations, Governor DeWine signed an executive order to suspend the one week waiting period so that employees can immediately begin receiving compensation and allowed employees to tap into unemployment compensation if their employer does not offer paid leave. Click here for the press release and here for FAQs. Closure of Restaurants and Bars ODH Director signed an order to close dine-in services at all of Ohio's restaurants and bars. However, the order to provide an exception to allow restaurants to provide carry out and delivery services for food and beverages. The order went into effect this past Sunday at 9 pm. If you have any questions that you would like submitted to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or the Ohio Department of Health regarding the implications of COVID-19, you can share those here . You will not receive a direct response to your question, but all questions will be submitted to the Administration to help inform their understanding of the challenges programs are facing during this difficult time. Submit your questions here . Additional Information About COVID-19 Below you can find helpful resources from the Ohio Department of Health on what COVID-19 is and how you can help in containing the spread of the virus: Guidance for Child Care Programs Coronavirus FAQ Coronavirus Prevention Flyer How to Find Your Local Health Department Educational Videos on COVID-19 We will share any and all relevant information from the state regarding COVID-19 and early childhood programs as we receive it. In the meantime, please visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov for daily updates and resources. If you have any questions regarding the virus, please call the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634).

As you've seen and heard over the last couple of days, Governor Mike DeWine and the State of Ohio have taken steps to prevent the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Below are a few updates on Ohio's child care programs we have received this weekend. Child Care (ODJFS) On Friday, Governor DeWine signed an Executive Order allowing for the temporary change of some ODJFS licensed child care rules. On Monday, ODJFS will be instituting temporary measures to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please note that these measures will not be official until posted by the state on Monday. Access Child Care Procedure Letter from ODJFS In response to questions about whether child care programs would be ordered to close, Governor DeWine today stated, "We are not closing them at this point, but it could happen in the future." Read the Governor's Friday press release here . If you have any questions that you would like submitted to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or the Ohio Department of Health regarding the implications of COVID-19, you can share those here . You will not receive a direct response to your question, but all questions will be submitted to the Administration to help inform their understanding of the challenges programs are facing during this difficult time. Submit your questions here . Additional Information About COVID-19 Below you can find helpful resources from the Ohio Department of Health on what COVID-19 is and how you can help in containing the spread of the virus: Guidance for Child Care Programs Coronavirus FAQ Coronavirus Prevention Flyer How to Find Your Local Health Department Educational Videos on COVID-19 We will share any and all relevant information from the state regarding COVID-19 and early childhood programs as we receive it. In the meantime, please visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov for daily updates and resources. If you have any questions regarding the virus, please call the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634).

On March 25th, we will be co-hosting a Census Twitter chat with our friends at PRE4CLE, Children's Defense Fund Ohio, and the American Academy of Pediatrics -- Ohio Chapter to spread awareness around the importance of participating in the Census. Sign up for our Twitter chat toolkit by clicking the button below. The 2020 Census will decide how much funding our communities will receive for programs such as child care, home visiting, early intervention, housing assistance, food assistance, transportation, health care, and so much more. Not only does the Census determine federal funding levels for Ohio, but it will also determine how many seats Ohio will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Learn more about the Census here . Babies and infants are one of our most vulnerable populations and are in dire need of these programs during the earliest of years of their development. However, they are also the most undercounted population in the Census. In order to ensure that we continue to increase investments in these family supports, we need to ensure we count all people in Ohio -- regardless of age, citizenship, living arrangements, and so on. Everybody counts and we need your help! Register for Toolkit Groundwork Urges Medicaid to Prioritize Young Children During the Procurement Process The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) has been seeking feedback from stakeholders and individuals about their experience with managed care and ideas for improvement as they conduct managed care procurement. Previously, Groundwork submitted an initial response and an addendum response to ODM's first Request for Information. Most recently, ODM released a second RFI and Groundwork, once again, took the opportunity to highlight the ways procurement can be leveraged to better support young children. We know that Ohio's Medicaid births account for over half of all of the total births in the state. As such, it is important for Medicaid Managed Care Organizations to deliver quality services to the young children they serve to help build a strong foundation for their healthy development and lifelong success. Read our comments to learn more about how we can leverage Medicaid to advance healthy early childhood development. Read the RFI Ready, Set, Soar Ohio's Growing Coalition Just a few weeks ago, we launched Ready, Set, Soar Ohio, a new initiative supported by a diverse, statewide coalition to ensure that more pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families have access to the support they need to soar to their full potential. While we have grown our diverse coalition to nearly 90 members, we need your help in getting out the word in your community! Here are the ways you can get involved: Join our coalition here and we will be in touch Follow us on Twitter and Facebook Use our social media toolkit to share on your social networks Watch and share our promotional video Read and share our fact sheet about the state of infants and toddlers in your county To learn more about Ready, Set, Soar Ohio, including a list of its diverse partners, visit www.ReadySetSoarOH.org . If you have questions about joining the coalition or about our social media toolkit, contact Julia Jackels . Encouraging Counties to Invest in Prenatal to Three Agendas This week, Groundwork and Ready, Set, Soar Ohio were featured in a webinar hosted by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio . During the webinar, Groundwork shared why it is important for counties to invest in upstream policies that support early learning and healthy development for infants and toddlers. Investing early will not only create better outcomes for Ohio's youngest learners, but also the future of Ohio's counties. To learn more about how counties can become more involved in prenatal to three policies, read our Building Brains, Building Communities resource. Access the Resource New Resources for Early Childhood Professionals Recently, OCALI's Center for the Young Child released the following new credit opportunities and resources for early childhood professionals. Suite of Resources for Early Childhood Professionals This new suite of resources includes modules for early childhood professionals to participate in to receive professional credit hours. Each module is approximately one hour of content covering a variety of early childhood topics. During each module, you will be provided with information and resources you can use in your setting right away. After completion of the module, you will receive a certificate and Ohio Approved Credit for participating. Learn more about this opportunity here . Early Care and Education Seminars Designed for early care and education professionals, this seminar will build your knowledge about infant and toddler growth and development information from prenatal and fetal development from the prenatal period through age 5, with a focus on before birth through age 2. This seminar will provide you with information and resources related to human development, developmental milestones, growth and developmental domains, and integrating skills across domains within natural environments and activities. After completing the module and the pass and post-assessment, you will receive a certificate and Ohio Approved Credit for participating. Learn more about this opportunity here . Moms2B Opening in Montgomery County This week, Groundwork attended an informational and listening session in Dayton to learn more about Moms2B launching their program in Montgomery County. Moms2B currently has 8 locations in Columbus where they host weekly sessions for pregnant mothers to learn how support healthy pregnancies and connect them to resources. Local stakeholders and professionals attended the event to learn more about the program and provided input to Moms2B on how they see the program working in the county. We are looking forward to working with Moms2B in Montgomery County! Learn More About Moms2B Each week, Groundwork will now wrap up our newsletter by spotlighting a Groundwork Advisory Committee Member to share the great things these Members are doing for young children in their communities. Adam Shank Executive Director Boys & Girls Clubs Ohio Alliance Website Q: What led you to get involved in Groundwork Ohio's advisory committee? A: Our Clubs serve Ohio's K-12 kids in communities across the state. Supporting the work of Groundwork Ohio represents a necessary holistic approach to youth development. Q: What is your organization currently doing to help support young children and their families? A: For over 120 years Boys & Girls Clubs have provided programming for Ohio's kids, especially those that need us the most. Focused on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership, Clubs provide a safe place to grow and develop outside of the classroom for more than 44,000 Ohio kids each year. Q: Tell us a fun fact about you. A: I have more pairs of shoes than anyone else in my family.

County officials have the opportunity to play a big role in the lives of Ohio's youngest learners through implementing a prenatal to three agenda. Don't know where to start? We have you covered in our " Building Brains. Building Communities ." report where we dive into various strategies to help the infants and toddlers in your community. In addition to our report, we encourage you to listen to the new County Commissioners Association of Ohio podcast featuring Groundwork Executive Director and Warren County Commissioner Shannon Jones. The episode focused on why it is important for key decision makers to promote quality early learning and healthy development policies. To listen to the podcast, click here . The CCAO is also hosting a live webinar next week with Groundwork on Wednesday, March 11th at 9:30 AM to further explore the case for support around investing in early childhood development policies. Click here to register for the live webinar. Interested in learning more about the state of infants and toddlers in your county? Check out our county fact sheets by clicking here . Ready, Set, Soar Ohio Launch Last week, Groundwork Ohio launched Ready, Set, Soar Ohio , a new initiative supported by a diverse, statewide coalition to ensure that more pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families have access to the support they need to soar to their full potential. We are happy to announce that only in a week's span, we have grown our coalition from 55 members to over 80 members (and growing!) from many different professions and regions across the state! Check out our video below to learn more. To learn more about Ready, Set, Soar Ohio, including a list of its diverse partners, visit www.ReadySetSoarOH.org and follow on Twitter at @ReadySetSoarOH . Is your organization interested in joining the coalition? Sign on here . Visit Our Website New Credential Available for Early Childhood Professionals This week, Governor Mike DeWine announced a new infant mental health credential available to early childhood professionals. The credential comes at a time where there is an increased focus on how an infant's mental health can have a significant impact on their social and emotional development. As such, it is important to not only provide families and caregivers with the tools needed to support healthy development, but it is also important to provide early childhood professionals with knowledge and skills around best practices in infant mental health to better support infants and caregivers. To better fit the area of practice for all early childhood professionals, there are three varying levels of the infant mental health credential for professionals to choose from depending upon their scope of practice and experience: OIFA-I, OIFP-II, and OIMHP-III. The program will be administered by OCCRRA. To learn more about the new credential, click here . EQUITY: It's Personal Today is Learn to Earn Dayton's 2020 Readiness Summit at Sinclair Community College where more than 500 early childhood professionals are expected to attend the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with fellow early childhood professionals and hear from leaders on how to include equity in their profession and community. If you are attending the event, make sure to stop by Groundwork's table to learn more about our work and to pick up new Ready, Set, Soar resources and goodies! During the Summit, we are also excited to learn more about LENA , a new early language development program available to Dayton-area parents and caregivers. To learn more about how LENA supports early language development, watch Learn to Earn Dayton 's new video below. Save the Date for Power to the Profession's New Framework Unveiling On Monday, March 9th from 2-4 pm ET, the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Power to the Profession Task Force will announce their new framework for early educators titled Unifying Framework and the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators . The Unifying Framework , which reflects unprecedented consensus by educators across states and settings, administrators, employers, and higher education, incorporates the recommendations from all eight decision cycles, including those related to educator roles and responsibilities, aligned preparation and pathways, professional compensation, and a supportive infrastructure with shared accountability. To watch the announcement via livestream, register here. In other news, last year NAEYC released a position statement on " Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education ." In response to the position statement, NAEYC released " Each and Every Child: Teaching Preschool with an Equity Lens " supporting its position statement. The report further dives into how to apply equity into practice in the early childhood profession by providing early educators with strategies and tips for their classroom. The report is $22.40 for NAEYC members and $28.00 for non-members. Upcoming Home Visiting Webinars In follow-up to the National Home Visiting Summit, The Ounce of Prevention is hosting two upcoming webinars focused on diversity and inclusion in home visiting. Monday, March 23rd at 2 PM : Network Weaver Webinar: Trust, Not Control featuring Marty Kooistra, Executive Director of the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County Wednesday, April 8th at 2:30 PM : Professional Development Webinar (save the date) For more details on webinars and other events, please visit: www.theounce.org. Each week, Groundwork will now wrap up our newsletter by spotlighting a Groundwork Advisory Committee Member to share the great things these Members are doing for young children in their communities. Sherry Roush Teacher Mentor Toledo Public Schools Early Childhood Education Website Q: What led you to get involved in Groundwork Ohio's advisory committee? A: I am excited about Groundwork Ohio's mission and want to work within this group to advance the care and education of children ages birth to five in Ohio. Q: What is your organization currently doing to help support young children and their families? A: We have recently kicked off a birth to age five playgroup for parents and their young children at a local housing authority. We are striving to work in partnership with parents to support he development of a Growth Mindset and foundational language and literacy skills. Q: Tell us a fun fact about you. A: I am a proud mama to my fur baby - Harper Huskadoodle.

This week, Groundwork Ohio launched Ready, Set, Soar Ohio , a new initiative supported by a diverse, statewide coalition to ensure that more pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families have access to the support they need to soar to their full potential. Investing in high-quality early childhood education and health interventions during this critical period has the power to lift up all Ohio children, ensuring they are more likely to be kindergarten ready, graduate from high school, have higher earnings and better health. These prevention strategies also promise to keep Ohio children from being held back a grade, reliant on public assistance and engaging in criminal behavior. Investing in these earliest years pays dividends for children, families and the state. But across our great state, there are too many infants and toddlers who lack the opportunity to access the high-quality programs, services, and opportunities they need to achieve lifelong success. Check out our video below to learn more. To learn more about Ready, Set, Soar Ohio, including a list of its diverse partners, visit www.ReadySetSoarOH.org and follow on Twitter at @ReadySetSoarOH . Is your organization interested in joining the coalition? Sign on here . Visit Our Website Advocating for Young Children in Washington D.C.​ This week, Groundwork's Communications & Development Director, Julia Hohner, joined other Ohio early childhood advocates in Washington D.C. for NAEYC's 2020 Public Policy Forum. During the conference, the Ohio team gained expertise and insight from national and state leaders on policies affecting young children and other helpful resources. The Ohio advocates spent time on the Hill meeting with Ohio Congressional Delegation and sharing the importance of investing in our young children, families, and early educators. Thanks to our friends at NAEYC for hosting such a great forum! Ohio Department of Health Releases 2018 Infant Mortality Report​ The Ohio Department of Health released a new report on infant mortality for calendar year 2018. The report examined, in great detail, infant deaths that occurred before their first birthday. The findings showed that from 2017 to 2018, the overall infant deaths declined from 982 to 938, amounting to less than a 1% decrease. Of the infant deaths, premature births and birth defects accounted for half of all infant deaths. The most surprising finding in the report was that despite a decrease in the overall infant mortality rate over the years, black infant mortality continues to be 2.5 to 3 times higher than white infants. Overall, the report findings show that Ohio continues to lag behind the national average for infant mortality. Read the Report Attend the Success By 6 Regional Convening​ Success By 6 is hosting a regional conference focused on birth to kindergarten family engagement on Monday, March 9th at 8:30 AM - 4 PM at Xavier University in Cincinnati. The objectives of this free regional conference are the following: Demonstrate the breadth and depth of early childhood partnerships across the region. Challenge our community’s mindset about birth to kindergarten family engagement. Hear from families and better understand where we are perpetuating inequities in our direct and indirect practices. Showcase local work, highlight best practices, learn about innovative strategies and policies that advance progress in engaging families from birth to kindergarten. Identify where we are missing the mark and consider future opportunities for our region. Click here for more information about topics and content for the day. Breakfast, lunch and free parking provided. Participating organizations are encouraged to bring parents/caregivers so they can also participate in this engaging opportunity. RSVPs are due by March 2nd, so be sure to register today! RSVP OCALICON Call for Proposals is Now Open​ Help inspire change and promote access by bringing your best ideas, strategies, and research to the nation's premier autism and disabilities conference - OCALICON! The conference will take place in Columbus, Ohio from November 11-13. During the conference, you will have the opportunity to share your knowledge, experiences, and best practices with a passionate and energized audience of 3,000+ leaders, professionals, and parents from across the nation and around the world. Don't miss this 3-day world-class learning and networking opportunity focused on autism spectrum disorder, low-incidence disabilities, and sensory disabilities. Submit your proposal before the March 25, 2020 deadline! Learn More Upcoming Home Visiting Webinar In follow-up to the National Home Visiting Summit, The Ounce of Prevention is hosting three upcoming webinars focused on diversity and inclusion in home visiting. Tuesday, March 3rd at 2 PM: Why Racial Equity Matters in Home Visiting Services and Programs featuring Aisha Ray, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Child Development at Erikson Institute Monday, March 23rd at 2 PM: Network Weaver Webinar: Trust, Not Control featuring Marty Kooistra, Executive Director of the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County Wednesday, April 8th at 2:30 PM: Professional Development Webinar (save the date) For more details on webinars and other events, please visit: www.theounce.org . Each week, Groundwork will now wrap up our newsletter by spotlighting a Groundwork Advisory Committee Member to share the great things these Members are doing for young children in their communities. Carol Haynes​ President/OwnerKiddie Academy - Reynoldsburg, Hilliard, Downtown Website Q: What led you to get involved in Groundwork Ohio's advisory committee? A: This work provides the opportunity to work with and for disadvantaged populations while researching new solutions and utilizing my skills in health care as an RN, educator, and champion for families. Q: What is your organization currently doing to help support young children and their families? A: My child care organization provides: trauma-informed care, access to doulas, lactation specialists co-working, nursing, child birth classes, support groups, and other supports for families. Q: Tell us a fun fact about you. A: I am a 3rd grade boys basketball coach, North Carolina Tar Heels basketball fan, and I enjoy karaoke - Gloria Gaynor I will survive!

Columbus, Ohio : Today Groundwork Ohio launched Ready, Set, Soar Ohio , a new initiative supported by a diverse, statewide coalition to ensure that more pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families have access to the support they need to soar to their full potential. “ Ready, Set, Soar Ohio was developed by multi-sector stakeholders to build awareness about the importance of the earliest years of a child’s life,” said Shannon Jones, executive director of Groundwork Ohio. “Through our research we found one fundamental truth: Our greatest opportunity to close gaps, whether in health or educational outcomes, is where they begin -- during the first three years of a child’s life when 80 percent of brain growth is happening.” Ready, Set, Soar Ohio’s core initiatives include: Ensure pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families have access to healthcare, developmental screenings and early intervention services. Empower parents of infants and toddlers by increasing access to voluntary evidence-based home visiting services and fostering economic stability. Expand access to quality publicly funded child care for infants and toddlers by increasing eligibility to 200% FPL. Ensure that infants and toddlers have access to high-quality learning environments, staffed by qualified and well-compensated educators, where programs meet their unique needs. To learn more about Ready, Set, Soar Ohio, including a list of its diverse partners, visit www.ReadySetSoarOH.org and follow on Twitter at @ReadySetSoarOH . A video about the importance of early childhood development and learning is available here . Audio commentary from Groundwork Ohio Executive Director Shannon Jones is available here . ### Ready, Set, Soar Ohio has strong support from the following partners: Christie Angel, President & CEO, YWCA Columbus: “The YWCA of Columbus is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Among our deep portfolio of local work, we support the needs of our youngest citizens by providing temporary housing for families experiencing homelessness and providing high-quality child care. We are excited to join Ready, Set, Soar because we know our mission requires a focus on our youngest children and their families through collaborative work to transform systems that support women and children prenatally through age three.” Melissa Wervey Arnold, CEO, Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics: “The trajectory of development during the prenatal period to age three positions children for future success and a foundation of lifelong positive education and health outcomes. That is why infants and toddlers have such close intervals for well check-ups that monitor growth, health and development. Pediatricians know that if they can build a relationship with the family and catch any challenges early, they are setting in motion the strong foundation for brighter future with endless potential.” John Corlett, President and Executive Director, The Center for Community Solutions: “Medicaid is one of our most effective means of improving child outcomes and it can be leveraged to do more to support Ohio children and families prenatally to age three. As a coalition member of Ready, Set, Soar, we are pleased to support a cross-sector approach that includes Medicaid as a foundational policy lever to improve child health and development outcomes in the first three years of life.” Laura DiCola, Early Childhood Strategy Leader, Summit Education Initiative: “In partnership with other key stakeholders, our local collaborative in Summit County is leading the community’s commitment to support the success of children in our county. It’s no surprise given what we know about child development that in order to achieve increased prosperity for our community through educational attainment, we have put a keen focus on the birth through five period of a child’s life. Alongside other community collaboratives across the state, we join the Ready, Set, Soar coalition eager to elevate our local work as we continue to better understand and meet the unique needs of our infants and toddlers.” Rebekah Dorman, Invest in Children/Cuyahoga County Office of Early Childhood: “Invest in Children is proud to be an active partner in the Ready, Set, Soar Coalition. The research is clear that early investments in our youngest citizens pay off huge dividends for both the individual and for society. And evidence-based programs know how to make a difference for children and families. So we have the data and we have the programs, now we need the funding and political will to take programs to scale. That’s where Ready, Set Soar will make the difference, as we join together for Ohio’s babies and toddlers.” Vanessa Freytag, President and CEO, 4C for Children: “At 4C for Children, we know getting a child ready for school doesn’t begin at kindergarten registration or even in preschool—it begins at birth. That is why we are committed to supporting the adults in a child’s life—parents, child care providers, early educators, program administrators—as they work to provide quality early experiences that prepare kids for success in school and beyond. We are proud to join so many organizations around the state through the Ready, Set, Soar coalition to increase focus on the earliest years of child development.” Patti Gleason, COO, Learning Grove: “Babies are born learners. That is why it is so sad to see that by age 3, low-income learners have half the vocabulary as their high-income peers. This leads them to be up to two years behind when they enter the kindergarten classroom. That’s like sending a 3-year-old to elementary school. High-quality early learning and healthy development sets children up to soar. Starting from day one of a child’s life, we need to make sure their caregivers are equipped to be effective educators.” Rozlyn Grant, Director of Curriculum for Early Learning, The Centers for Families and Children: “At the Center for Families and Children in Cleveland, we take a two-generation approach to early childhood development and family support through all of our work so that we can better prepare children to thrive. This two-generation approach impacts all of our programming and one example of this is our evidence-based home visiting program. Home visiting recognizes that parents, grandparents and other caregivers are a child’s greatest teacher. We work with families in their homes to give them the tools and connect them with the services they need to encourage healthy development with their children” Lisa Gray, Executive Director, Ohio Excels: “As we fulfill our vision that all Ohio students have access to and are supported to excel in early childhood, K-12 and postsecondary experiences that prepare them for life and success in a changing economy, we recognize that what happens in the first few years of life are foundational to leveraging all later investments in a child’s future. Our business leaders recognize that if we are to prepare all our students for success, the supports we provide to our youngest children and their families must be a part of the solution.” Carol Haynes, President and Owner, Kiddie Academy of Reynoldsburg: “New parents often feel alone that no one is listening or responding to them. We work to breakdown that challenge by being a part of their team and being experts in their child’s and family’s development. Parents are often the first to identify developmental challenges and as our children grow their families continue to lack the access to the levels of support and resources we know they need. If we can build upon the foundation of high-quality child care to provide some of these services as part of a high quality environment they are already coming to every day, we know this is fulfilling an unmet need for busy working parents.” Shawn Henry, Executive Director, OCALI: “It is time to ensure that early childhood science, policy and practice are not just aligned, but seamlessly integrated so that all young children can live their best lives for their whole lives. We are proud to stand alongside partners from across the state to launch Ready, Set, Soar today and to work with these partners in achieving inclusive and equitable policy change to support our youngest children, their families and communities.” Katie Kelly, Executive Director, PRE4CLE: “PRE4CLE is excited to partner with the Ready, Set, Soar Ohio coalition to ensure that every child in Ohio has the critical supports they need during the first three years of life. Through our work in Cleveland to increase access to high-quality preschool and support kindergarten readiness, we know that children who have quality health, mental health, and early learning opportunities during their first three years are significantly more likely to reach kindergarten ready to succeed. We are grateful to join forces with partners from around the state to elevate the urgent and crucial needs of Ohio’s youngest children and their families.” Nick Lashutka, President & CEO, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association: “Promoting healthy development in our youngest, most vulnerable children is critical to their future physical and emotional wellness. OCHA is thrilled to support efforts that allow our state’s kids to thrive and set Ohio up for success.” Robyn Lightcap, Executive Director, Learn to Earn Dayton and Dayton-Montgomery County Preschool Promise: “As we have implemented incredible local investments in preschool and deepened our commitment to racial equity for our African American students in our cradle to career work, it has become clear special attention must be paid to the prenatal to three period of development. Through Groundwork Ohio’s leadership, the Ready, Set, Soar coalition recognizes this period is critical to delivering on a promise of opportunity for our kids, families and communities and commits to making it a priority among statewide policymakers.” Leshia Lyman, Vice President of Success By 6® & Area Communities, United Way of Greater Cincinnati: “We have known for some time what the research says about early brain development and the importance of quality early learning experiences. Our community believed and invested in this work and proved in a recent longitudinal study that those investments continue to be worth it for the long-term. Knowing and demonstrating firsthand the power of investments in the first years of life for Ohio kids, we need the state, now more than ever, to be a strong partner in investing in this critical period of time to ensure all of our children can achieve their full potential.” Tracy Najera, Executive Director, Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio: “Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio champions policies and programs that lift children out of poverty, protect them from abuse and neglect and ensure their access to appropriate and targeted health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. We all recognize children don’t come in pieces and understand we must work across systems and in coalition to change the lives and well-being of children and their families for the better. We are proud to stand with the Ready, Set, Soar coalition. The coalition demands we focus and work together to meet the needs of our most vulnerable pregnant moms and young children.” Ron Rees, Executive Director, Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development: “The Ready, Set, Soar initiative is a culmination of incredible planning and collaboration that included a focus on the youngest Appalachian children and their families who have unique needs and barriers to enjoying the lifelong success they deserve. The policy agenda responds to the needs of the whole child and the urgency of some of the greatest public health crises we face including the devastating impact of lead poisoning on our young children.” Cyndy Rees, State Director, Council for a Strong America Ohio: “The Council for a Strong America’s law enforcement, military, business, faith and sports leaders support the goals of Ready, Set Soar Ohio and are committed to ensuring the over half a million Ohio children prenatal to three have the assets they need to be prepared for productive lives." Angela Sausser, Executive Director, Public Children Services Association of Ohio: “Of the over 16,000 children in custody on any given day in Ohio, 29% of them are age 0-3 and about 44% are age 6 and under. Early care and education is a proven community resource for preventing child abuse and neglect. When available and subsidized, it is also a critical support for kinship caregivers and foster caregivers. We also have an unique opportunity to transform Ohio's children services system and leverage the recently passed Family First Prevention Services Act, but to do it right, we must develop a robust continuum of prevention services that includes family and community supports, such as quality early care and education so children and families don't have to become involved with child welfare." Twinkle Schottke, President, Ohio Association of Infant Mental Health: “The Ohio Association for Infant Mental Health (OAIMH) promotes nurturing relationships and healthy development for all babies and young children in Ohio. We are grateful that so many diverse stakeholders have come together to ensure that babies become a priority. The network of our infant mental health providers across our state continues to work with babies, young children and their caregivers to focus on their complex needs. We are reminded daily of the urgency with which we have to approach the social and emotional development of our very young children to ensure a strong and healthy future for Ohio’s babies and their families.” Kim Tice, Executive Director for the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children: “Ohio AEYC empowers all who care for, educate, and advocate on behalf of young children in our state. When early educators are highly qualified and well-compensated, we attract the best of the best to care for and nurture our youngest children in quality early learning settings. We stand with the Ready, Set, Soar Ohio coalition because we recognize the importance of development during the first three years of life and the significant role early educators play in supporting young children and their families.” Dr. Jonathan Thackeray, Chief Medical Community Health Officer, Dayton Children’s Hospital: “We need our legislators to invest upstream in efforts that prevent the adversities children are at risk for experiencing. If we don’t address the factors that are creating these adversities and, as a result, the disparities we see among child outcomes based on these experiences, we will continue to see them worsen.” Judith Van Ginkel, President, Every Child Succeeds: “Our programming is based on a strong scientific foundation demonstrating a nurturing and stimulating environment in the first 1000 days of life promotes optimal brain growth, cognitive development, psycho-social adjustment, emotional and behavioral health, and a significant, long term change in child and family trajectories. The home visiting community has been thrilled at the opportunity created by the Governor through the Home Visiting Advisory Council recommendations and increased investments to serve more families in evidence-based home visiting programs. Ready, Set, Soar will provide the trusted support of a diverse set of members to sustain and build upon this success to ensure all Ohio children reach their full potential.”