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Columbus, Ohio : Today, the Ohio Senate Finance Committee released its newest version of the FY 2020-21 state operating budget, which includes a new $10 million dollar investment to enhance Ohio’s child care system. This newly proposed funding creates a grant opportunity to satisfy one-time needs for child care programs to become quality-rated to meet Ohio’s statutory mandate that all publicly funded providers be rated at least 1-star in our quality rating and improvement system, Step Up to Quality, by July 1, 2020. A strong body of evidence demonstrates that quality child care, which promotes early learning and healthy development for young children, increases kindergarten readiness, high school graduation, and lifelong success. New research also demonstrates the multi-generational impact quality early learning has on families and communities. “We applaud the Senate’s support for high quality early learning that improves outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable children,” said Shannon Jones, Executive Director, Groundwork Ohio. “This proven investment is critical to ensuring all kids have the opportunity to reach their full potential.” The Senate also included budget language to “hold harmless” child care providers from 13 counties (Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Belmont, Erie, Harrison, Knox, Ottawa, Portage, Preble, Sandusky, Seneca, and Trumbull) who would have seen cuts to reimbursement rates on July 1, 2019 based on the Administration’s proposed updates to the rate structure. In counties where families already struggle to access affordable child care, the “hold harmless” seeks to prevent further loss of supply and support providers’ ability to improve program quality. “We look forward to working with both the legislature and the governor to ensure that Ohio meets its commitment to quality,” added Jones. “Ohio’s children are counting on all of us to get it right.” Groundwork Ohio is a committed, nonpartisan advocacy organization formed in 2004 that advances quality early learning and development as the most transformative strategy to improve school outcomes, increase the life-long success of Ohio’s children, and lay a strong foundation for economic prosperity in the state of Ohio. To learn more about Groundwork Ohio visit www.GroundworkOhio.org and follow us on Twitter @GroundworkOhio and Facebook, www.facebook.com/GroundworkOhio . # # #

Supporting a "Hold Harmless" for 13 Rural Counties On Wednesday, child care providers and community leaders from across Ohio provided testimony before the Senate Finance Committee in support of a “hold harmless” to avoid proposed rate decreases for Ohio’s publicly funded child care program in 13 Ohio counties (Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Belmont, Erie, Harrison, Knox, Ottawa, Portage, Preble, Sandusky, Seneca, and Trumbull). These rate reductions, which were proposed by the Administration and would go into effect on July 1, 2019, come just six months after the majority of these counties received small but critical rate increases when a long-time rate reimbursement injustice in 38 counties was rectified. A hold harmless would ensure that no county receives lower rates than they currently do. The proposed rate update was motivated by federal corrective action for insufficient rates and guidance that requires Ohio to ensure all base rates reach the low threshold of the 25th percentile of the market rate with new federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funds. This would equate to publicly funded children having access to a mere 25% of the market in their community. The federal standard for equal access, as opposed to this incremental step in ensuring a sufficient floor for rates, is the 75th percentile. Unfortunately, while the overwhelming effect of the proposed 2018 Market Rate Survey implementation is very positive, these 13 primarily rural counties will see an actual decrease in rates under the current proposal, which will create serious challenges to current providers being able to continue offering care to low-income families. At a time when providers are so desperately in need of a rate increase as they work towards meeting our state quality mandates, the proposed amendment to ensure these 13 counties are “held harmless” simply aims to maintain status quo so that no children lose access to care. Highlights from Wednesday's Testimony "The ability for programs to operate competitively and make decisions based on efficiency is limited, especially in communities where child care businesses are not operated by large chains but rather solo entrepreneurs and mom-and-pop shops. How can you justify, for example, a single center operating in the north corner of Preble County, bordering Montgomery and Darke Counties receiving lower rates than their peers just a few miles down the road?" - Lynanne Gutierrez, Groundwork Ohio ( Read Full Testimony ) "The primary reason for so many centers closing in Appalachia is a rate structure that varies by county and results in a significant variance in rates across the state. Providers in Appalachia are paid at lower rates than in other areas of the state." - Ronald J. Rees, Coalition for Ohio Appalachian Development ( Read Full Testimony ) "I believe in quality care. By providing quality, I can improve the lives of many children and families in my community... I would love to continue to meet the needs of each of the children and their families as well as being a positive model child care provider in Lima, Ohio." - Domanica Ede, Safe Haven Family Childcare. Allen County ( Read Full Testimony ) "High-quality child-care crosses sectors as both a workforce issue for families, and an education and school readiness issue for children. The children and families of Ohio, including those in the 13 counties where reductions are pending, deserve the funding and resources necessary to serve all eligible children, and especially infants and toddlers." - Peg Tazewell, Knox County Head Start, Knox County ( Read Full Testimony ) "Why are we receiving a decrease when these others are receiving an increase in rates? In fact, last year when we received a rate increase, I was able to provide a small but critical wage increase to my staff. Facing a reduction now, I will not be able to sustain that increase." - Lora Maxel, The Kid Connection Child Care Center, Preble County ( Read Full Testimony ) "Should the state provide us with less funding, our program will be forced to immediately decrease or eliminate much-needed resources in which our children currently benefit from such as classroom supplies, competitive wages and benefits for our teaching staff and exceeding minimum child/teacher classroom ratios." - Michelle Davidson, Imagination Station Learning Center, Preble County ( Read Full Testimony ) "We are not just a number on a piece of paper. We are living breathing human beings that work our tail ends off every day because of the love of children. Please do not make it any harder than it already is." - Micki Sittloh, St. Clair Academy Child Care Center, Preble County ( Read Full Testimony ) "Receiving less money while meeting the same requirements as other centers who are seeing an increase is unfair... Please reconsider before reducing funding for families in need." - Karen Charles, Eaton Day Care Center, Preble County (Read Full Testimony) "Many times employees will move to one of our urban neighbors getting significantly more money. That is an ongoing story in Preble County. Lowering the reimbursement rate will only exacerbate this problem." - Jane Marshall, Preble County ( Read Full Testimony ) "Each and every family childcare business must follow the rules in place for infants and their businesses, including my own, and these will be greatly impacted if reimbursement rates are decreased in my county." - MaryBeth Bush, Mary's Little Lambs Childcare and Preschool, Trumbull County ( Read Full Testimony ) State Budget Progress As budget hearings have wrapped up in the Ohio Senate, we expect to see a Substitute Bill soon. The Sub. Bill will then head to Conference Committee, where members of the House, Senate, and Administration will work together to create a final bill, which will then need to be passed by the House and Senate and signed by the Governor before the start of the fiscal year--July 1, 2019. We will keep you updated on the status of early learning issues in the budget over the next three weeks and share any additional opportunities to advocate for Ohio's littlest learners! Upcoming Webinar from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Register Now Local police chiefs read to students to emphasize the important of early education Investing in Our Students Policy groups look to plateau child care rates Will children in your state get the support they need? It depends on the 2020 census Rural Child Care Providers Ask Senate To Block Coming Rate Cuts

Child Care Providers and Community Leaders Testify on Devastating Impact of Proposed Reimbursement Rate Cut in 13 Rural Ohio Counties Columbus, Ohio : Today, child care providers and community leaders from across Ohio provided testimony before the Senate Finance Committee in support of a proposed budget amendment to “hold harmless” child care programs in 13 rural Ohio counties (Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Belmont, Erie, Harrison, Knox, Ottawa, Portage, Preble, Sandusky, Seneca, and Trumbull) who are subject to a proposed rate cut as the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) updates its publicly funded child care rates. The proposed ODJFS rate update was initiated when the federal government put Ohio on notice that its base child care rates were insufficient to ensure access for all Ohio’s children. Unfortunately, while the overwhelming effect of the proposed 2018 Market Rate Survey rate methodology is welcomed news, these 13 rural counties will see a rate cut under this proposal, which will create serious challenges to current providers being able to continue offering quality care to low-income families. “Ohio’s publicly funded child care rates have been distressingly low – so low that the federal government has placed the state under a corrective action plan requiring a rate adjustment,” said Lynanne Gutierrez, Policy Director and Legal Counsel of Groundwork Ohio. “While we applaud Governor DeWine for using new federal child care dollars to adjust Ohio’s woefully low child care rates, the methodology has a negative impact on many of Ohio’s rural child care providers and the families and children they serve.” Key excerpts from today’s testimony: Ronald J. Rees, Executive Director, Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development “Our tracking of data shows that over the last biennium we have had a net loss of 16% of providers in Ohio’s rural counties as a whole. In some of our rural counties, the loss has been 30%, 40% and even 50%. The primary reason for so many centers closing in Appalachia is a rate structure that varies by county and results in a significant variance in rates across the state. The rate adjustment proposed for implementation in July results in modest rate increases for some providers and that will improve their chances of survival. But reducing the rates for providers in this already struggling environment will only exacerbate an already serious problem.” Peg Tazewell, Executive Director, Knox County Head Start “Child care, and especially child care serving primarily subsidized children is a business that operates on slim profit margins. Year to date, even with the increases received in December, my child care operations are in the red. When I calculate outstanding reimbursements due, I am in the black by a margin of 1.8% -- it’s a fine line, especially for child care programs like ours that provide benefits, including health insurance, to our employees.” Michelle Davidson, President, Imagination Station Learning Center “Our county is in desperate need of more state funding to provide quality care and remain a valuable community resource. Should the state provide us with less funding, our program will be forced to immediately decrease or eliminate much needed resources in which our children currently benefit from such as classroom supplies, competitive wages and benefits for our teaching staff and exceeding minimum child/teacher classroom ratios. Private pay families will also have an immediate tuition increase. The quality of early childhood care and education in Preble County will immediately decrease and will neutralize all the time and effort we have accomplished to improve our programs.” Today’s testimonies included Lynanne Gutierrez, Groundwork Ohio ; Ronald J. Rees, Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (Ashland, Belmont, Harrison, and Knox Counties) ; Domanica Ede, Safe Haven Family Childcare (Allen County) ; Peg Tazewell, Knox County Head Start (Knox County) ; Karen Charles, Eaton Day Care Center, Inc. (Preble County) ; Lora Maxel, The Kid Connection Child Care Center (Preble County) ; Michelle Davidson, Imagination Station Learning Center (Preble County) ; Micki Sittloh, St. Clair Academy Child Care Center (Preble County) ; Jane Marshall, United Way of Greater Dayton (Preble County) ; and MaryBeth Bush, Mary's Little Lambs Childcare and Preschool (Trumbull County) . Groundwork Ohio is a committed, nonpartisan advocacy organization formed in 2004 that advances quality early learning and development as the most transformative strategy to improve school outcomes, increase the life-long success of Ohio’s children, and lay a strong foundation for economic prosperity in the state of Ohio. To learn more about Groundwork Ohio visit www.GroundworkOhio.org and follow us on Twitter @GroundworkOhio and Facebook, www.facebook.com/GroundworkOhio . # # #

Today, child care providers and community leaders from across Ohio will provide testimony before the Senate Finance Committee in support of a “hold harmless” to avoid a proposed rate decreases for Ohio’s publicly funded child care program in 13 Ohio counties (Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Belmont, Erie, Harrison, Knox, Ottawa, Portage, Preble, Sandusky, Seneca, and Trumbull). These rate reductions, which would go into effect on July 1, 2019, come just six months after the majority of these counties received small but critical rate increases when the administration rectified a long-time rate reimbursement injustice in 38 Ohio counties . A hold harmless would ensure that no county receives lower rates than they currently do. The proposed rate update was motivated by federal corrective action for insufficient rates and guidance that requires Ohio to ensure that all base rates reach the low threshold of the 25th percentile of the market rate with new federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funds. This would equate to publicly funded children having access to a mere 25% of the market in their community. The federal standard for equal access, as opposed to this incremental step in ensuring a sufficient floor for rates, is the 75th percentile. Unfortunately, while the overwhelming effect of the proposed 2018 Market Rate Survey implementation is very positive, these 13 primarily rural counties will see an actual decrease in rates under the current proposal, which will create serious challenges to current providers being able to continue offering care to low-income families. At a time when providers are so desperately in need of a rate increase as they work towards meeting our state quality mandates, the proposed amendment to ensure these 13 counties are “held harmless” simply aims to maintain status quo so that no children lose access to care. Access today's testimonies in support of a hold harmless: Lynanne Gutierrez, Groundwork Ohio Ronald J. Rees, Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (Ashland, Belmont, Harrison, and Knox Counties) Domanica Ede, Safe Haven Family Childcare (Allen County) Peg Tazewell, Knox County Head Start (Knox County) Karen Charles, Eaton Day Care Center, Inc. (Preble County) Lora Maxel, The Kid Connection Child Care Center (Preble County) Michelle Davidson, Imagination Station Learning Center (Preble County) Micki Sittloh, St. Clair Academy Child Care Center (Preble County) Jane Marshall, United Way of Greater Dayton (Preble County) MaryBeth Bush, Mary's Little Lambs Childcare and Preschool (Trumbull County)

Ohio’s FY 20-21 Operating Budget Status As of today, we are officially one month away from the start of Fiscal Year 2020 and members of the Ohio General Assembly have continued working long days on the FY 20-21 state operating budget. Since the House passed their version of the budget bill at the beginning of the month, the Senate has been hearing testimony and working to create a substitute bill, which we expect to come out next week. Once the Senate Sub. Bill is created, members will have one more opportunity to submit amendments before they pass the Senate bill. Once the budget bill passes out of the Senate, members of the House, Senate, and Administration will come together in Conference Committee to work toward creating a final bill, which will then need to be passed by the House and Senate and signed by the Governor… all by July 1! As a reminder, here’s where some of our early education programs currently stand in the budget: Evidence-Based Home Visiting The increase in state funding for Help Me Grow evidence-based home visiting to the tune of $50 million additional over the biennium was included in the Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal and remained in the House bill. This includes an additional $20.3 million in FY 20 and an additional $29.3 million in FY 21. This will support the governor’s commitment to triple the number of families served through in evidence-based home visiting statewide. Publicly Funded Child Care The Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal included spending plans for the additional $198 million from the federal Child Care Development Block Grant that passed through Congress in early 2018. The dollars will be used to increase rates for child care providers, which have been woefully low for far too long. Unfortunately, no new state investments in child care were included in the Governor’s budget. This remained the same in the House version of the bill. In an effort to increase investments to support working parents and the healthy development of their children, Groundwork is supporting two amendments that have been proposed in the Senate: A “hold harmless” for child care providers serving children in the 13 counties (Allen, Ashland, Eerie, Preble, Sandusky, Seneca, Auglaize, Belmont, Knox, Ottawa, Portage, Trumbull and Harrison) that will see a rate decrease in the proposed rate update. These 13 counties, mostly rural communities, cannot afford to lose money given the critical work they do for children and families. A hold harmless would ensure that no county receives lower rates than they currently do. A $15 million investment over the biennium in Quality Infrastructure Grants. This amendment creates a competitive opportunity for early childhood stakeholders to satisfy one-time needs that support child care programs becoming quality rated to meet our 2020 and 2025 statutory quality mandates. Public Preschool Funding for Ohio’s early childhood education grants was flat-funded (i.e. funding was consistent from the FY 18-19 budget) in both the Governor’s and House Bill, suggesting that preschool services will remain consistent over the coming two years. Part C Early Intervention Governor DeWine also included in his budget proposal an increase in state funding for Part C Early Intervention services in the amount of nearly $27 million over the biennium which will be directed towards increasing children served by new automatic eligibility for children who test lead positive and babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome. This proposed investment was also included in the House bill. In these last few weeks of budget deliberations, it is critical that our policymakers understand the importance of investing in Ohio's littlest learners. Due to an overwhelming response to our postcard form, we will be sending another batch next week. If you haven't already, please take one minute to fill out the form and send a postcard to your legislator urging them to support investments in quality child care. Fill Out Your Postcard Column: Increase eligibility for publicly funded child care By: Misti Norman | Excerpts from a column featured in the Columbus Dispatch on May 30, 2019 As Ohio lawmakers debate the state’s next two-year budget, I hope they’ll encourage low-income families to take jobs — by making child care more affordable. My child care center serves 154 children, and nearly 80 percent of those families receive financial help through Ohio’s publicly funded child care program. But time and time again, we are approached by families who do not qualify for subsidized care but who are barely making it and can’t possibly afford to pay market rate. These families often earn just $10 or $20 a month too much to get subsidized child care... For a two-parent family of four to qualify for publicly funded child care, each parent must earn less than minimum wage. If each parent makes $8.55 per hour and works full time, the family will make too much. Their combined income will be over the 130% federal poverty level threshold. Again, Ohio guidelines not only discourage families from working, it is impossible for a two-parent household who each make minimum wage to qualify. Families can do the math, and, for too many, work simply doesn’t pay... Misti Norman is the owner and director of Heavenly Kids Center for Learning, a Columbus child care program, and recipient of Groundwork Ohio's 2019 Star Advocate Award. Read the full column Upcoming Webinar from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine On July 18 from 12:00-1:15pm EDT, the Roundtable on Obesity Solutions is hosting a 75-minute webinar that will explore the role of infant and early childhood nutrition (birth to <2 years of age) related to healthy growth and the prevention of overweight and obesity later in childhood. Presentations will feature the current prevalence and trends of high weight-for-length in infants and young children, the state of the science on nutrition-related modifiable risk factors, and obesity prevention interventions that address healthy growth, with a special emphasis on reducing disparities in populations with above-average obesity risk. Register Now Column: Increase eligibility for publicly funded child care How to End the Child-Care Crisis OPINION: Three ways to help teachers support our youngest learners Quality pre-K found to have multi-generational effects

This week, nearly 300 business leaders, child advocates, and early education experts from across the state convened at the Laying the Groundwork: Early Childhood Awareness and Education Summit to elevate the need for increased state investments in quality early learning to improve outcomes for Ohio's youngest, most at-risk kids. “Forty million babies are born in our country every year and we know that their potential is unlimited,” shared keynote speaker Myra Jones-Taylor, Chief Policy Officer of ZERO TO THREE, during her address on Wednesday. “Babies are not born broken… we have broken systems. You are more likely to be poor if you are between the ages 0-3 than any other time in your life. Our policies must reflect this reality.” In Ohio, we know that high concentrations of poverty and other factors like race and rural geography play a significant role in kids’ early learning and development. This is evidenced by the fact that the majority of Ohio children do not start school ready to learn. Only 40% of kids demonstrate kindergarten readiness upon entering school—so it is not a surprise that only 43% of Ohio’s workforce has a degree or credential that qualifies them for available jobs in the state. “I talk to business leaders every day. Do you know their number one issue? The people. They can’t hire enough people to support growth, as individuals that are applying for the open positions simply don’t have the technical or the social-emotional skills that are necessary for the job,” said David Melin, Dayton Regional President of PNC. “We can no longer accept the canned response that there is no more money in the budget for things like quality early learning. We must adopt a long-term view and know we will reap the dividends of our thoughtful, patient investments decades from now.” Participants also enjoyed a panel of legislators (Senator Jay Hottinger, Senator Kenny Yuko, Representative Mark Romanchuk, and Representative Emilia Sykes) who shared their insights on investments in early education during the current budget process ( check out the video here ). During lunch, Groundwork presented A Step Above awards to Senator Stephanie Kunze, Senator Vernon Sykes, and Representative Stephanie Howse for their outstanding commitment to advancing policies and investments that support Ohio’s youngest and most vulnerable children. The inaugural Star Advocate Award was presented to Misti Norman, Owner and Director of Heavenly Kids Center for Learning. After the program, summit attendees participated in meetings with more than 100 members of the Ohio General Assembly to advocate for increased investments in quality early learning to increase school readiness, improve the lifelong success of kids, and ensure long-term economic success for Ohio. Thanks once again to our many generous sponsors who made this event possible, especially our featured Children's Champion Sponsor, PNC! Share your passion for early education with Ohio legislators With the FY 20-21 budget process in full swing, now is the time to communicate with your legislators about the importance of investing in quality early learning for Ohio's young children. Don't know where to start? Check out our advocacy toolkit for a step-by-step guide for meeting with your legislator, hosting a site visit, and more! If you have additional questions about engaging in advocacy, contact our staff! Access the Advocacy Toolkit Charita Goshay: Early childhood education 'No Small Matter' Ryan Talks Social and Emotional Learning on Campaign Trail Toxic stress and children’s outcomes

Columbus, Ohio : Today nearly 300 business leaders, child advocates, and early education experts from across the state convened at the Laying the Groundwork: Early Childhood Awareness and Education Summit to elevate the need for increased state investments in quality early learning programs like evidence-based home visiting and quality child care and preschool. The event’s featured speakers included David Melin, Dayton Regional President of PNC; LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of the Governor’s Office of Children’s Initiatives; a legislative panel consisting of Senator Jay Hottinger, Senator Kenny Yuko, Representative Mark Romanchuk, and Representative Emilia Sykes; and a keynote address by Myra Jones-Taylor, Chief Policy Officer of ZERO TO THREE. “Forty million babies are born in our country every year and we know that their potential is unlimited,” said keynote speaker Myra Jones-Taylor, Chief Policy Officer of ZERO TO THREE. “Babies are not born broken… we have broken systems. You are more likely to be poor if you are between the ages 0-3 than any other time in your life. Our policies must reflect this reality.” In Ohio, we know that high concentrations of poverty and other factors like race and rural geography play a significant role in kids’ early learning and development. This is evidenced by the fact that the majority of Ohio children do not start school ready to learn. Only 40% of kids demonstrate kindergarten readiness upon entering school—so it is not a surprise that only 43% of Ohio’s workforce has a degree or credential that qualifies them for available jobs in the state. “I talk to business leaders every day. You know their number one issue? The people. They can’t hire enough people to support growth, as individuals that are applying for the open positions simply don’t have the technical or the social-emotional skills that are necessary for the job,” said David Melin, Dayton Regional President of PNC. “We can no longer accept the canned response that there is no more money in the budget for things like quality early learning. We must adopt a long-term view and know we will reap the dividends of our thoughtful, patient investments decades from now.” During lunch, Groundwork Ohio presented A Step Above awards to Senator Stephanie Kunze, Senator Vernon Sykes, and Representative Stephanie Howse for their outstanding commitment to advancing policies and investments that support Ohio’s youngest and most vulnerable children. The inaugural Star Advocate Award was presented to Misti Norman, Owner and Director of Heavenly Kids Center for Learning. Following the program, summit attendees participated in meetings with more than 100 members of the Ohio General Assembly to advocate for increased investments in quality early learning to increase school readiness, improve the lifelong success of kids, and ensure long-term economic success for Ohio. Groundwork Ohio is a committed, nonpartisan advocacy organization formed in 2004 that advances quality early learning and development as the most transformative strategy to improve school outcomes, increase the life-long success of Ohio’s children, and lay a strong foundation for economic prosperity in the state of Ohio. To learn more about Groundwork Ohio visit www.GroundworkOhio.org and follow us on Twitter @GroundworkOhio and Facebook, www.facebook.com/GroundworkOhio . # # #

This week, a bipartisan group of state Senators and Representatives convened for the official launch of the Ohio Children's Caucus with the support of Governor Mike DeWine. The caucus is a bipartisan effort to prioritize Ohio's kids by focusing public policy and state funding to support proven strategies and identify innovative solutions to support Ohio's kids. The issues-based caucus will focus on improving the effectiveness and reach of policy designed to positively impact children from birth to age eighteen, seeking to: Improve the lives of all children throughout Ohio. Identify legislators who are willing to support policy and funding for Ohio's children. Provide research and identify best practices, utilizing experts from around the country, to assist in identifying a plan of action. Identify and develop multiple "generations" of legislative leaders willing to set long-term, multi-budget goals for children and implement those goals. Groundwork, along with a strong coalition of child advocates through the Children's Budget Coalition, looks forward to serving as a resource for the Ohio Legislative Children's Caucus. Register Now for Next Week's Laying the Groundwork Summit Groundwork Ohio’s Laying the Groundwork Summit will convene nearly 300 early childhood leaders from across the state to bring awareness to the importance of investments in early childhood education, especially evidence-based home visiting, high-quality child care and preschool. Participants will have the opportunity to meet directly with legislators to ask that they support investments in quality early education during the upcoming FY 20-21 budget. An esteemed bipartisan panel of policymakers and Governor DeWine's Director of Children's Initiatives, LeeAnne Cornyn, join Myra Jones-Taylor, Chief Policy Officer at ZERO TO THREE, the national leader on infant-toddler policy and program development, and David Melin, Dayton Regional President of PNC Bank, on a robust agenda curated to inform and mobilize early childhood stakeholders from across the state. We hope you will join us for this exciting day and help us bring awareness to the importance of investments in early childhood education and communicate this important information to our legislators. If you wish to participate in afternoon legislative meetings, you must register for the event by today (Friday) at noon. Register for the Event Event Agenda April ECE in the News

Groundwork Ohio this week announced the participation of Ohio legislative leaders and LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of the Governor’s Office of Children’s Initiatives, in the upcoming Laying the Groundwork: Early Childhood Awareness and Education Summit on May 8, 2019 at the Athletic Club of Columbus. Ohio Senate participation includes Majority Whip, Senator Jay Hottinger (R-Newark), as well as Minority Leader, Senator Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights). Ohio House participation includes Finance Health and Human Services Subcommittee Chair, Representative Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) and Minority Leader, Representative Emilia Sykes (D-Akron). Groundwork Ohio’s Laying the Groundwork Summit will convene nearly 300 early childhood leaders from across the state to bring awareness to the importance of investments in early childhood education, especially evidence-based home visiting, high-quality child care and preschool. Participants will have the opportunity to meet directly with legislators to ask that they support investments in quality early education during the upcoming FY 20-21 budget. The esteemed bipartisan panel of policymakers joins Myra Jones-Taylor, Chief Policy Officer at ZERO TO THREE, the national leader on infant-toddler policy and program development, and David Melin, Dayton Regional President of PNC Bank, on a robust agenda curated to inform and mobilize early childhood stakeholders from across the state. We hope you will join us for this exciting day and help us bring awareness to the importance of investments in early childhood education and communicate this important information to our legislators. Space is filling up quickly so we encourage you to register ASAP to guarantee your spot. Please note that anyone who wishes to participate in a legislative meeting must register by noon on Friday, May 3rd. Register for the Event In case you missed it... This week, we hosted a training webinar to prepare participants for our upcoming summit to most effectively advocate for Ohio's youngest learners. Whether you're joining us for the event or supporting this work in other ways, we hope you will check out the recording of this pre-summit webinar for updates on early childhood issues in the state budget, tips for effective messaging, and what to expect during a meeting with your legislator. Access the Recorded Webinar Senator Lehner Announces Ohio Legislative Children's Caucus This Wednesday, Senator Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) announced the creation of the Ohio Legislative Children's Caucus. The caucus is a bipartisan effort to prioritize Ohio's kids by focusing public policy and state funding to support proven strategies and identify innovative solutions to support Ohio's kids. The issues-based caucus will focus on improving the effectiveness and reach of policy designed to positively impact children from birth to age eighteen, seeking to: Improve the lives of all children throughout Ohio. Identify legislators who are willing to support policy and funding for Ohio's children. Provide research and identify best practices, utilizing experts from around the country, to assist in identifying a plan of action. Identify and develop multiple "generations" of legislative leaders willing to set long-term, multi-budget goals for children and implement those goals. Groundwork, along with a strong coalition of child advocates through the Children's Budget Coalition, looks forward to serving as a resource for the Ohio Legislative Children's Caucus. Read the Full Release Can pre-K Help Students, Even If They Don’t Attend? Eleven $100,000 Grants Awarded to Help States Support Infants, Toddlers Critical Connections: A Foundation Breaks Down Silos to Boost its Impact on Early Childhood How to get to universal pre-K ResultsOHIO initiative would reinforce public policy successes Pre-K Education Promotes Economic Growth, Reduces Inequality

Columbus, Ohio: Groundwork Ohio today announced the participation of Ohio legislative leaders and LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of the Governor’s Office of Children’s Initiatives, in the upcoming Laying the Groundwork: Early Childhood Awareness and Education Summit on May 8, 2019 at the Athletic Club of Columbus. Ohio Senate participation includes Majority Whip, Senator Jay Hottinger (R-Newark), as well as Minority Leader, Senator Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights). Ohio House participation includes Finance Health and Human Services Subcommittee Chair, Representative Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) and Minority Leader, Representative Emilia Sykes (D-Akron). Groundwork Ohio’s Laying the Groundwork Summit will convene nearly 300 early childhood leaders from across the state to bring awareness to the importance of investments in early childhood education, especially evidence-based home visiting, high-quality child care and preschool. Participants will have the opportunity to meet directly with legislators to ask that they support investments in quality early education during the upcoming FY 20-21 budget. The esteemed bipartisan panel of policymakers joins Myra Jones-Taylor, Chief Policy Officer at ZERO TO THREE, the national leader on infant-toddler policy and program development, and David Melin, Dayton Regional President of PNC Bank, on a robust agenda curated to inform and mobilize early childhood stakeholders from across the state. Director Cornyn will share remarks on the importance of creating quality early childhood opportunities as her office advances Governor DeWine’s “Opportunity for Every Ohio Kid” agenda. Legislative leadership will engage in a facilitated panel discussion that reflects the diverse needs of young children across the state and provides sound wisdom for advocates looking to advance budget deliberations on increased investments to meet these needs. Each policymaker brings a wealth of knowledge and unique point of view that supports quality early childhood education programs for Ohio’s youngest, most vulnerable children. If you would like to participate in this event, please visit www.GroundworkOhio.org/summit . Registration for the event remains open through Friday, May 3, 2019. Groundwork Ohio is a committed, nonpartisan advocacy organization formed in 2004 that advances quality early learning and development as the most transformative strategy to improve school outcomes, increase the life-long success of Ohio’s children, and lay a strong foundation for economic prosperity in the state of Ohio. To learn more about Groundwork Ohio visit www.GroundworkOhio.org and follow us on Twitter @GroundworkOhio and Facebook, www.facebook.com/GroundworkOhio .

Delving into Data and Systemic Issues in Cleveland This past Friday, nearly 100 community leaders, child advocates, and educators came together for day-long forum delving deeper into local disaggregated data on child access and outcome measures and understanding the root causes of systemic inequity in Ohio. With the help of facilitator Maureen Joseph, participants were challenged to recognize the historic implications that contribute to the inequities we face today and brainstorm the ways we can work toward a more equitable future for our littlest learners. ( Check out FreshWater's coverage of the event. ) As Groundwork continues sharing and exploring data from the Ohio Early Childhood Race and Rural Equity Report throughout 2019, we look forward to more conversations with local communities about the barriers children face to achieving equitable outcomes and the ways in which we can address these challenges on both the local and state levels. Thank you to our partners at PRE4CLE, Starting Point, and Invest in Children for helping to make this event possible! Advocating for Equitable Access Alongside Providers In addition to community conversations in Cleveland, Groundwork has continued providing equity data presentations and advocacy trainings on behalf of the Early Childhood Equitable Access Coalition... and there is still time to register for our events in Columbus (4/29) and Marietta (5/3). We hope you'll join us to learn more about the inequities Ohio kids are facing and the ways you can advocate for change! Register here. Early Childhood Budget Update Current Budget Progress As we shared in last week's newsletter, the House Finance Health and Human Services Subcommittee heard over 100 testimonies during the weeks of April 1st and 8th. All proposed amendments to the budget bill were required to be submitted by Friday, April 12th. Over the next several days, key members of House leadership will work draft a substitute bill integrating desired changes to the Governor's as-introduced budget. What happens next? Once the substitute bill is complete, the House of Representatives will vote on its passage. In the meantime, the Ohio Senate anticipates beginning full Finance Committee meetings next week, with subcommittee meetings and testimony beginning the following week and lasting through mid-May. Make Your Voice Heard Here are three easy ways YOU can advocate for young children in Ohio: Join us for the Laying the Groundwork Summit , where you'll have the opportunity to hear from early childhood experts, learn more about the state budget process from policymakers, and meet with your legislator to share your passion for early learning. Participate in our advocacy training webinar next Wednesday, April 24th . Whether you're participating in the Laying the Groundwork Summit or supporting early childhood advocacy in other ways, we encourage you to participate in this webinar to learn more about the state of early education in the current state budget process, effective messaging, and what to expect during a meeting with your legislator. Utilize our advocacy toolkit . This interactive online toolkit is filled with resources, samples, and guides for participating in advocacy activities from social media engagement to letter writing to legislative meetings! Governor DeWine Announces Creation of Complete Count Committee In an Executive Order signed on Monday, Governor Mike DeWine created Ohio's 2020 Census Complete Count Commission. The Commission will be made up of 51 members representing state and local government, business, academia, community members and nonprofits. The upcoming 2020 census will play a critical role in determining the allocation of billions of federal dollars that promote healthy growth and development during early childhood, including $795 million at stake in the Child Care Development Fund, Head Start and Early Head Start, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. The magnitude of resources at stake is increased dramatically as we consider the long-term impact of census counts on state funding over the coming decade. The creation of Ohio's Complete Count Commission is a critical first step toward ensuring the most accurate 2020 Census. Read the Executive Order Local Politics: Early childhood education is a win-win Inside the Cuyahoga County Early Childhood Equity Forum—and why it matters so much A Process for Advancing Equity in Youth Programs Ohio Excels will help prepare Ohio’s youth for tomorrow: Joseph D. Roman and Randell McShepard (Opinion) The Cost of Child Care Is Crushing American Families. What Will the Presidential Candidates Do About It? Advocates Urge Changes To Improve Infant Mortality Rates Will Day-Care Services Help Recruit Teachers? This District Aims to Find Out Letters from readers for April 14, 2019 (Tracy Najera, CDF-Ohio)

This week, early childhood experts from across the state, including our own Policy Director & Legal Counsel Lynanne Gutierrez, testified before the Ohio House Finance Health and Human Services Subcommittee on the importance of investments in our state's quality early learning system and programs that support the health and development of young children. We are so grateful to the many, varied voices that came out in support of the issues facing Ohio's families and kids. We look forward to continuing to celebrate current investments in the state budget and working to increase state funding in areas that need further investment! We hope you will join us in these efforts by registering for the Laying the Groundwork: Early Childhood Awareness and Education Summit on May 8th, where participants will have the opportunity to learn from early education experts and meet with members of the state legislature to discuss these issues. Read Groundwork Ohio's Oral Testimony Read Groundwork Ohio's Written Testimony Check out some highlights from our steering committee members and early childhood stakeholders during this week's testimony: “I urge you to support Governor DeWine's priority of making this research-supported, best practice available to more mothers in need. Incidentally, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio earlier this month pointed to home visiting as a critical investment to ensure children thrive. I mention that to assure you that confidence in the return on investment in high quality home visiting is universal… I am also grateful that Governor DeWine's budget directs the federal dollars to improving the reimbursement rates for Ohio's childcare providers. This is a great step forward. There will also need to be additional state investment to really make our childcare system work for children and families.” –Robyn Lightcap, Learn to Earn Dayton ( Read the full testimony ) “We believe that an investment should be made in supporting improving the quality of early education. The research is clear that only quality programs can produce the results needed to assure that the young children of today can be the productive citizens of tomorrow. We also support expanding eligibility so that more children can have access to high quality programs.” –Ron Rees, Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development ( Read the full testimony ) “You have many important issues you are weighing in this budget, and we all appreciate the gravity of your task. What we would urge you to consider is the cost of waiting two more years to make these important state investments in our young children. Every biennium that we push the pause button on providing these opportunities for our children is allowing tens of thousands of Ohio children to miss an opportunity that is proven to give them a fair chance to succeed.” –Katie Kelly, PRE4CLE ( Read the full testimony ) “Across the country, 71 percent of young people between the ages of 17 and 24 do not qualify for military service… This is indicative of a larger issue—many of our youngest learners are failing to receive the strong foundation they need to succeed throughout their lives… It is crucial that our state work to serve more young children by expanding state eligibility to support additional families who could benefit from this critical work support and improve outcomes for our youngest, most at-risk kids.” –Brigadier General (Ret.) Charles O. Dillard, Mission: Readiness ( Read the full testimony ) “Make no mistake, private philanthropy cannot solve our quality childcare crisis alone. Private philanthropy can serve as a partner to state government, testing models and showing what works. But we must have the continued support of the State of Ohio to help providers reach quality ratings and year-round eligibility for Ohio’s working families to access that high-quality childcare.” –Tara Johnson-Noem, United Way of Greater Cincinnati ( Read the full testimony ) “The total cost of providing access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education for all children exceeds current funding amounts. Our system needs increased state dollars to ensure predictability and sustainability within the system so we can better serve our most at-risk kids, especially children of color, those living in rural communities, and communities experiencing child care deserts.” –Kim Tice, Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children ( Read the full testimony ) “We have insufficient child care slots available in our county for parents who are doing the RIGHT thing – by either completing their education or working full time to support their families. Funding reductions will make a bad situation -- in terms of limited slots available in rural communities – worse.” –Peg Tazewell, Knox County Head Start ( Read the full testimony ) “In Ohio, child care at an accredited child care center is over $12,000 annually for an infant to $9,200 annually for a four year old. Without a subsidy, a family pays the first $5.76 each hour paying for infant childcare at an accredited child care center. This simply is not feasible for poor working families, shifting the burden of care to poorly paid or unpaid family caregivers.” – Brandi Slaughter, Voices for Ohio’s Children ( Read the full testimony ) “In 2017, our infant mortality rate fell in to 7.2 per 1000 births with 42 fewer infant deaths overall than the previous year… Sixty fewer babies born to White families experienced infant mortality in 2017, bringing the White infant mortality rate to 5.3. However 15 additional Black families lost their babies by comparison to the previous year, lifting the Black infant mortality rate up to 15.6.” –Tracy Nájera, Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio ( Read the full testimony ) “Like countless other child care providers, we see a much higher demand for quality care in our community than we can accommodate, with many families who live slightly above the state’s current PFCC eligibility threshold of 130% FPL unable to qualify for subsidized care. Although these families make too much to qualify for PFCC, they are nowhere near able to afford licensed child care at the market rate, let alone quality care.” –Tracey Rowe, Cincinnati Early Learning Centers ( Read the full testimony ) “If we really want babies to get a healthy start, if we want to promote early brain development so children will succeed in school and in life, we need our youngest children to be in the hands of individuals who have the training and knowledge to care for little people. Infants need everything toddlers and older children need — and more. The job of caring for them is much bigger; it is more than changing their diapers and giving them a bottle.” –MaryBeth Bush ( Read the full testimony ) “So how can we better support families and early educators? As a state, we need to ensure sustainable funding that not only supports investments that better reflect the real cost of providing quality care, but also expand our low eligibility threshold to serve more working families whose young children could benefit from quality early learning in our child care programs.” –Misti Norman, Heavenly Kids Center for Learning ( Read the full testimony ) "When we think about the economic growth of our state, the reality is that child care is one of the most fundamental components of our business infrastructure. A parent cannot go to work without a place for their child to be cared for. We are thrilled that the reimbursement rates for child care programs will improve with the additional funding from the Federal Block Grant. However, we are concerned that there is no significant growth in the things that directly assist those programs to reach quality – coaching and training in particular." -Vanessa Freytag, 4C for Children ( Read the full testimony ) We need your input & expertise! As you may remember, Groundwork Ohio is in the process of developing a strategy to support policies and investments that will help serve 50,000 more children in Ohio with the generous support of the Pritzker Children's Initiative. In order to better understand the barriers to accessing quality programs for families of infants and toddlers, we want to hear YOUR feedback! Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey below so Groundwork Ohio can work to create a policy agenda that best supports young children and their families. Fill Out the Survey Ohioans living less healthy, spend more on health care Working women and the child-care equation: No one has it figured out Head Start program offers low-income children a chance to thrive Kids who are read to before kindergarten know 1 million more words Group calls for bipartisan solution for increased access to quality child care