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By Homa Amini, Professor-Clinical, Pediatric Dentistry, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital As we celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month in February, it is important to highlight the importance of good oral health for overall health and well-being, and bring attention to oral health disparities that exist in Ohio. Below we provide oral health data for Ohio children and identify barriers to access to dental care. Advocacy for improving children’s oral health and closing disparity gaps should be a priority for any child advocate, including policymakers. Importance of Oral Health Over two decades ago, the words of former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop “you’re not healthy without good oral health,” brought attention to the significance of good oral health. A few years later, the first-ever Surgeon General Report on Oral Health was released, highlighting the burden of oral diseases in the U.S., and shedding light on oral health disparities. Since then and despite overall improvements in the oral health of our nation, many Americans still suffer from poor oral health. Poor oral health affects our ability to eat, speak, and smile. Additionally, poor oral health can impact one’s self-esteem and psychological well-being. Many systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes have been linked to poor oral health. If left untreated, dental disease can lead to pain and suffering, poor work performance, emergency room visits, hospitalization, costly treatments, and diminished quality of life. Children’s Oral Health Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, more common than asthma and allergies. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 34 million school hours are lost annually due to dental problems. School absenteeism is associated with poor school performance and low academic achievement. The oral health screening survey of third grade children conducted by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) during 2017-18 revealed about half (48%) of school-aged children had a history of tooth decay. One in five children had untreated cavities. Disparities in oral health status existed based on income and geography. Children from the Appalachian region and those from low-income families suffered from more cavities. Regardless of income, dental care remains the number one unmet healthcare need of Ohio children, and for adults, it is second only to prescription drug coverage as the greatest unmet healthcare need. Access to Dental Care Financial barriers limit access to dental care for many Ohioans. Medicaid remains the main source of dental coverage for children from low-income families. Despite this coverage, access to dental care remains a challenge for low-income kids. According to the ODH survey of third grade children (2017-18), parents of children on Medicaid were 5 times more likely than children with private insurance to have trouble getting dental care. Ohio has one of the lowest dental care utilization rates for Medicaid-insured children compared to other states, and disparities exist based on insurance type (public vs private). Geography makes access to dental care challenging for children living in Appalachia and rural Ohio. High poverty rates, shortage of dental providers, lack of Medicaid providers, limited oral health literacy, and lack of transportation are among the barriers faced by the rural population. Strategies to Improve Children’s Oral Health Well-Being in Ohio Well- The recent Ohio Medicaid fee increase for dental services should improve access to dental care for low-income children to some extent. Reducing providers’ administrative burdens associated with some Medicaid Managed Care Plans is needed for successful provider recruitment and retention. Although the majority of Ohioans benefit from fluoridated water, 8% of the population on a community water system are not receiving this benefit. Drinking fluoridated water reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults. Supporting local-level legislation, regulation, and infrastructure to ensure safe community water fluoridation helps reduce oral health disparities. Recruiting dental providers to rural areas is a challenge faced by many Ohio communities. Promoting loan repayment programs and tax incentives through legislation and regulation can facilitate recruitment efforts. Broadband access in some rural areas is limited, preventing access to teledentistry for rural population. Extending internet access will broaden the reach and benefits of teledentistry for rural population. Join us for a webinar on dental health in pregnancy and young children on Friday, February 23 at 10 am. Learn more and register today. References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578297/ https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-10/hck1ocv.%40www.surgeon.fullrpt.pdf https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/research/hpi/oralhealthwell-being-statefacts/Ohio-Oral-Health-Well-Being.pdf https://grc.osu.edu/OMAS/2021Survey https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/child-dental-care-utilization-dashboard https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/e499075f-482f-4a5f-aecc-b97f3cf50ade/Community+Water+Fluoridation_FINAL.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_79GCH8013HMOA06A2E16IV2082-e499075f-482f-4a5f-aecc-b97f3cf50ade-nWmWIcH https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.html#:~:text=Drinking%20fluoridated%20water%20keeps%20teeth,25%25%20in%20children%20and%20adults. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/coverage-access-outcomes https://www.aapd.org/globalassets/ruralpediatricoralhealth_aapd_rpc.pdf

By Troy Hunter, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Performance, Groundwork Ohio Follow Troy on Twitter and LinkedIn The Office of Head Start provided a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to all Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients to add new requirements to the Head Start Program Performance Standards in three main areas: Workforce Mental Health Quality Improvements Ohio Head Start Programs employ more than 8,000 staff members serving children. Educators have systemically subsidized our early childhood education system through low wages and lack of benefits and there is a need for change. Many of the proposed requirements would address challenges faced by children, families, and educators. In response to the notice, Groundwork Ohio provided insights into how the proposed rules would impact the Ohio Head Start programs that are an integral part of the early childhood ecosystem in the state with over 33,000 children enrolled. Groundwork’s comments reflected the financial challenges that implementing some of these new rules would pose and requested additional funds to support the proposed requirements. Read Groundwork’s Public Comment here.

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we've been spotlighting members of our amazing team. This week, we’re getting to know Brittany Boulton, who joined Groundwork Ohio in January of 2024. Brittany is the Managing Director of Advocacy & Engagement at Groundwork Ohio. Brittany brings a passion for building relationships and coalitions to drive impactful advocacy to this work. She oversees advocacy and engagement efforts to support Groundwork’s goal of making Ohio the best place to be a young child. A committed advocate for Ohio’s families for over 15 years, Brittany has devoted her career to advocating for policies that improve the lives of households throughout the state. Brittany’s career has always been anchored in public service, beginning as a staffer in the Ohio Statehouse and continuing to support the advocacy, engagement, and communications efforts of a variety of nonprofits working to improve the lives of Ohioans through access to food, housing, and other basic needs. Check out our Q&A with Brittany to learn more about why she’s a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio. Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why!” A: My advocacy work has supported community development, access to affordable food and housing, small business support, and operations for a wide variety of nonprofits of various sizes. Children have been a thread through it all, including after-school programming for K-12 kiddos, housing and wraparound services for young adults exiting homelessness and foster care, and students in grandparent care in Chicago Public Schools. Children are the heart of our communities, and that work has become even more personal to me as I began raising my own daughters and navigating early learning opportunities for them. Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work? A: When I was learning to garden in my first backyard and trying to discern weeds from plants the previous homeowner had seeded, my mom told me, “Brittany, a weed is anything in your garden you do not want.” While she was talking specifically about the flowerbed at hand, it felt like a revelation to me about taking on the responsibility and power to decide which elements I welcome not just into my backyard, but also into my life. Just as I weed through my flowerbed, I can weed out the distractions and negativity that prevent me from focusing on the tools and relationships that will help me drive meaningful impact. Q: What’s your word for 2024? A: My word for 2024 is intentional. It can be so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of tasks both at work and at home. I want to be intentional with my time so that I am driving the deepest engagement with Ohio’s families and most impactful advocacy with Ohio’s policymakers that I can through my work at Groundwork. And at home, I hope to create as much joy as I can with my family. Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A: I am currently the President of Ohio Women in Government, a membership organization dedicated to developing the skills of women working in or interested in government. I also chair the Clintonville Area Commission, providing community voice to the Columbus City Council on proposed Zoning changes. I help lead my daughters’ Girl Scout troop and love to take them camping! My husband Justin and I love to take the girls to music festivals and to visit our parents in Northeast Ohio. I have a messy, overflowing backyard veggie patch, and you can find me most Saturday mornings at the Clintonville Farmer’s Market, at the Whetstone soccer fields, or running on the Olentangy trail. Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers. A: A mom walks into her child’s care facility to drop her daughter off before her workday begins. One of the classroom aides greets the mother and child, and the aide is friendly and well-rested because she is no longer losing sleep over financial stress as she is earning a fair wage. Mom is glad to observe that there are ample teachers and aides in the classroom and each child is receiving adequate attention. She even hears some giggles and happy shrieks as she signs her daughter in. The facility is clean, bright, and fully stocked with healthy snacks and engaging toys, books, and other tools for learning. The child is bonded with her teachers and grins when she spots her favorite one. The child looks back at her mom, runs back for one more hug, then darts back into the classroom when she hears one of the aides start story time. The mom breathes a sigh of relief, checks the time on her phone, and realizes she has an extra few minutes to take for herself, enjoying her morning coffee in the fresh air before walking into her workplace. She mentally notes that it’s warming up outside and is glad her child will have a chance to play on the center’s playground with her classmates, and this mom can start her own workday confident that she can look forward to picking up a happy, healthy child. Connect with Brittany on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, or by email.

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

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

Columbus, OH -- Groundwork Ohio, the state’s leading advocacy organization focused on issues impacting the prenatal period to age five, has announced the promotion of Lynanne Gutierrez to President. “Lynanne’s passion and dedication to children is unmatched as is her thoughtful, skilled, and expert approach to policy advocacy,” said Shannon Jones, CEO of Groundwork Ohio. “I have no doubt that her leadership will inspire a new generation of child advocates who will join her in the fight for policies that ensure every Ohio child reaches their full potential.” “Groundwork has been matching capacity to the growing demands of our bold vision to make Ohio the best place to be a young child,” said Lynanne Gutierrez, President. “I am grateful for this new opportunity to further support this incredible organization as it meets the urgent challenges faced by Ohio’s youngest children and families.” A lifelong advocate for children, Lynanne joined Groundwork Ohio in 2017 and most recently served as the organization’s Chief Operating and Policy Officer. Her vast legal and policy experience and thoughtful approach to solving complex problems are evident throughout Groundwork Ohio’s portfolio of research, data, and initiatives. “I am thrilled to work with Lynanne in this new role as Groundwork Ohio continues its strategic growth,” Jones added. More information about the team is available here. # # #

As part of the curriculum provided through the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship, each Class of 2023 Fellow met with LORE Storytelling and worked on their personal narratives explaining their passion for early childhood advocacy. We are proud to publish the stories of several of the Fellows who shared their personal stories during their recent graduation. By Crystal Ann Hall, Northeast Ohio (NE) Outreach Supervisor for Help Me Grow Class of 2023 Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship Allow me to take you on a journey, a story that weaves together the essence of home, the strength of family, and the need for transformative change. Growing up, my notion of home was an intimate tapestry, woven from the comforting scent of my grandmother's arroz con habichuelas and the resonance of my grandfather's unwavering voice, echoing through the walls of a house that had already nurtured three generations. But there was something unique about my story; I was a child of the state, a ward of a different kind, finding solace and belonging in the loving embrace of my grandparents, through what we now understand as kinship adoption. Watch Crystal Hall share her experience of thriving through kindship care. In those formative years, my grandparents, despite their unwavering love, faced a significant challenge. They were denied access to the resources and support systems that are typically available to foster parents or adoptive parents. We existed in a peculiar limbo, not fitting the conventional mold and often slipping through the cracks when it came to receiving assistance. Fast forward to 2020, a staggering 32 years after my birth and 29 years after I was legally adopted, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services partnered with Kinnect to launch the Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator Program in August. This initiative is a beacon of hope for kinship families like mine, offering much-needed support and resources. However, our journey is far from over. According to the 2023 Ohio Annual Progress Report, from July 1, 2021, to May 11, 2022, there were approximately 16,000 children in foster care. At the end of each month in this period, on average, 26.15% of these children were placed with kinship families. This statistic underscores the critical role kinship families play in providing stability and love to children in need. My grandparents, natives of Puerto Rico, journeyed to Ohio in pursuit of a better and more stable life. My grandmother, standing at a mere 4 feet and 11 inches, devoted herself to working within the church and community, assisting those whose English proficiency hindered them from pursuing their GEDs, job opportunities, or vocational programs. She selflessly served as a cook, providing nourishment to those in need. On the other hand, my grandfather, an Army veteran and retired police officer, was a man of few words. With his long black hair, dark brown eyes, and a presence that could command a room, he rarely spoke. It was nothing short of magical how he could convey so much with a simple nod of his head. When I arrived in their lives, not by choice but by love, I brought with me a bundle of needs and legal complexities that strained their already limited resources. Retirement had bestowed upon them a fixed income, a melody that could not be stretched to harmonize with the sudden crescendo of my needs. They navigated a labyrinth of paperwork, bureaucratic systems that failed to acknowledge their newfound roles as parents, and financial constraints that seemed insurmountable. The language of bureaucracy twisted around them like ivy, while their finances felt as though they couldn't stretch far enough. Yet, in the face of these seemingly insurmountable challenges, my grandparents did not falter. They poured into me the richness of their time, the wisdom of their years, and the invaluable lessons from their life experiences. They taught me that love knows no bounds—it creates resources from intangible qualities such as support, understanding, and sacrifice. Under their guidance, I learned to read from cherished family books that had weathered the passage of years. I discovered that problems could be solved not with money but with creativity and unwavering determination. And I navigated life not with a map of entitlement but with a compass of resilience, guided by their unwavering love. My story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound gap in our system: the lack of adequate support for kinship adoptions and families that defy traditional norms. My grandparents' experience underscores the urgency of creating more inclusive and accessible support systems that recognize and celebrate all forms of family structures. Kinship adoption families require more than just financial assistance; they need comprehensive support that includes language assistance, navigable legal systems, and recognition of their unique familial roles. These children and families deserve an equitable chance of success. We bear a collective responsibility to ensure that no child, regardless of their circumstances, is deprived of the opportunity to thrive. This commitment necessitates the creation of bridges between programs and policies, ensuring seamless access to resources and a genuine acknowledgment of the diverse needs of our children. As we stand here today, let us remember that my story is but one thread in the fabric of countless kinship families across our nation. The statistics speak volumes, and the struggles persist. It is within our power, within this room, to shape the future and make our system more equitable. Let us work together to ensure that every child can find their sanctuary, just as I did in the loving arms of my grandparents. Thank you.

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

By Troy Hunter, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Performance, Groundwork Ohio Follow Troy on Twitter and LinkedIn On Saturday, December 9th, a sense of accomplishment filled the air as Groundwork Ohio hosted the graduation ceremony for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship Class of 2023. The event brought together a diverse group of passionate professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of Ohio's children and families. Celebrating Ohio’s Early Childhood Professionals A highlight of the morning was the storytelling performances, where four Fellows shared their personal narratives about what motivates them to be advocates. Crystal Ann Hall from Bright Beginnings and Dr. Andrea Weisberger from The Buckeye Ranch shared stories about what led them to their respective careers, while  Sherrie Bair from Dayton Public Schools and Nitoriya Goff from Color of Love Child Care focused their pieces on the larger narrative of the needs of Ohio’s babies. Check our more photos from the graduation. The stories highlighted how Ohio needs to invest in inclusive early childhood education, paid parental leave, better foster and kinship care policies, and more. With powerful stories such as these, we know the new Alumni are ready to go out and make a significant impact on our early childhood systems. Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin) joined the graduation to celebrate the Fellows and their completion of the program. Sen. Kunze acknowledged the Fellows’ invaluable contributions to the early childhood field and emphasized the importance of policymakers hearing directly from those on the front lines of early childhood education. Learn more about the Fellows. Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship Our Fellowship unites emerging leaders committed to advancing the movement and reshaping early childhood policy and advocacy. The Fellowship helps professionals develop partnerships, engage in professional growth, and have authentic conversations on early childhood issues, while also providing unique opportunities to enhance their advocacy skills. The Fellows come from a wide range of professions within the early childhood sector, including home-based and center-based child care providers, home visitors, child development specialists, child welfare professionals, early childhood mental health providers, preschool educators, maternal, infant, and early childhood health professionals, higher education professionals, and more. By placing early childhood professionals at the forefront of the movement for young children and families, Groundwork Ohio has heightened advocacy engagement among this community to work toward impactful policies for Ohioans. A Legacy of Advocacy The Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship not only equipped these professionals with the tools to advocate effectively but also provided a platform for them to share their personal stories more widely. Our fellows join 88 alumni and beginning in 2024, we will launch an Alumni Network. This network will provide a platform for our former and current Fellows to continue engaging with each other and Groundwork Ohio’s broader network in movement building, participate in leadership opportunities, and support the growing number of professionals who have the desire and capacity to advocate for the future of young children and families in Ohio. As these Fellows embark on the next phase of their journeys, Groundwork Ohio wishes them continued success as leaders and change agents in the field. Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others to join the mission of ensuring a brighter future for Ohio's children. If you are interested in hearing more about the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship, learn more online or contact us.

Columbus, OH --  We are excited to see today's announcement from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) announcing $15 million in Infant and Toddler Infrastructure Grants that will allow currently licensed programs to expand, creating more access to early childhood education for families. We celebrate this unique opportunity to build capacity to care for our very youngest learners and their working parents in communities experiencing the highest disparities in infant mortality rates. As a result of Governor DeWine’s leadership in creating the Eliminating Disparities in Infant Mortality Task Force, families from these communities expressed their overwhelming need for child care so that their babies and toddlers are safe and learning while they are earning. As a result, the Task Force adopted a recommendation to increase access to quality, affordable child care. Children, the parental workforce, employers and the state all suffer from the lack of affordable, quality infant and toddler child care. Ohio’s economy loses an estimated $3.9 billion per year due to infant and toddler child care issues alone. We are grateful to Governor DeWine for listening and acting on behalf of babies and their families, the Ohio General Assembly for their wisdom in providing funding for this endeavor and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, under Director Kara Wente’s thoughtful and strategic direction, to operationalize this grant program. We look forward to learning the impact of this investment to kids, families and the state. This quote can be attributed to Shannon Jones, President & CEO, Groundwork Ohio. # # #

By Troy Hunter, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Performance, Groundwork Ohio Follow Troy on Twitter and LinkedIn The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recently convened its annual conference in Nashville, TN. Early childhood professionals from across the nation, including many of Groundwork Ohio's partners, gathered for a week of learning and community. Conference attendees were immersed in NAEYC’s pursuit of equity and inclusion in early childhood education. The conference centered around NAEYC's commitment to belonging. Celebrating Diversity and Advancing Equity One of the conference's notable moments was the President's Seminar, where Qianna Tidmore, Co-Executive Director of the Ohio Association of the Education of Young Children, shared insights on centering lived experiences to foster equity. As a panelist, Tidmore discussed her personal and professional journey, emphasizing the need to recognize and address systemic challenges within the early childhood system. Her reflections were consistent with many other discussions at the conference in that she placed a spotlight on the lived experiences of individuals as a catalyst for change. NAEYC's Advancing Equity Position Statement Present in all aspects of the conference was NAEYC's position statement. Based on feedback NAEYC received from members, family child care providers, and Early Childhood Professionals, the organization created committees to review many of NAEYC’s position statements and standards to ensure they are culturally responsive and reflect all members, including their Advancing Equity position statement. Central to NAEYC's commitment to belonging is its position statement “Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education,” a comprehensive guide outlining the organization's stance on providing equitable learning opportunities for all children. The statement emphasizes dismantling systems of bias and promoting full inclusion across all social identities. Within early childhood education settings, NAEYC advocates for environments that embrace diversity, respect individual strengths, and teach children to treat others with fairness and respect. The organization recognizes the pivotal role of educators in creating inclusive learning spaces and calls for a collective effort to eliminate educational disparities based on race, class, culture, gender, and other identities. NAEYC CEO Michelle Kang and Governing Board President Natalie Vega O’Neil emphasized NAEYC's commitment to establishing an inclusive organization. Kang, as the first Asian American CEO, and Vega O’Neil, as the first Latina President, exemplify the organization's dedication to breaking barriers and championing diversity in leadership. A Lesson in Equity from the Classroom Comedian DJ Pryor delivered a captivating keynote address that artfully intertwined humor with his own lived experiences on the impact of teachers in shaping a child's sense of self and belonging. Pryor shared two stories — one negative and one positive — narrating the transformative power of recognizing each child's individuality. Listening and Sacrifice The NAEYC annual conference continues to resonate with me. It was not merely a gathering of professionals; it was an invitation into the heart of equity, diversity, and inclusion in early childhood education. One of the defining moments for me occurred during the President's Seminar, where Dr. Stacey French-Lee, a NAEYC Governing Board Member and Professor at Georgia State University, shared insights and advice for white individuals entering the conversation on equity. Dr. French-Lee framed it as a call to action and an acknowledgement that it isn't about us. We must learn to listen to the experiences of people of color before interjecting our own narratives. Dr. French-Lee's expressed the necessity of sacrifice. The reminder that people are sacrificing their lives for this cause compelled me to confront the question: What am I willing to sacrifice for everyone to belong? It was a moment that forced me to reassess my role in the broader movement for child care justice. Towards a Future Rooted in Equity As I reflect on the conference experience, it is apparent that the journey towards equity is both personal and collective. It demands an honest acknowledgment of privilege, a commitment to listen, and a willingness to sacrifice. The stories shared, the insights gained, and the personal revelations all contribute to the larger narrative of advancing equity in early childhood education. Groundwork Ohio, consistent with NAEYC, remains committed to advocating for policies that ensure every child, regardless of background, has equitable access to learning opportunities.

By Kezia Ofosu Atta, Policy Assistant, Groundwork Ohio Follow Kezia on LinkedIn The Intersection of Diabetes and Pregnancy As November recognizes both Prematurity Awareness and American Diabetes Month, we must draw attention to the intersectionality of these conditions and their prevalence in the state of Ohio. Below you’ll find a summary of the data, recommendations on how to minimize and manage risks, links to local resources that support families, and updates on important legislation that can impact the prevalence of gestational diabetes in Ohio. Below you’ll find recommendations on how to minimize and manage risks, links to local resources that support families, and updates on important legislation that can impact the prevalence of gestational diabetes in Ohio. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1-to-2 percent of pregnant women in the United States develop type 1 or type 2 diabetes and about 6-9 percent of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes. When considering the prevalence among racial and ethnic groups, they found that non-Hispanic, Asian mothers experience the highest rate of gestational diabetes at 14.9 cases, per 100 births. Although the study highlighted that “non-Hispanic Black women had the lowest rate of developing the disease at 6.5 per 100 births compared to all other groups,” they are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes following a gestational diabetes diagnosis. Additionally, the 2022 National Vital Statistics report showed the gestational diabetes rate for non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native Women to be the second highest, following Asian American women at 11.8 percent. The same report also indicated a high incidence of gestational diabetes in the Hispanic-American community at 8.5 percent. We must draw attention to the increasing rate of this illness and its short- and long-term impacts on the lives of all mothers and babies, especially among older pregnant women, and women of color. Prematurity Prevalence Developing gestational diabetes can place mom and baby’s health in jeopardy. It can lead to premature birth and poor birth outcomes, as babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes often grow too large, making birth difficult. Premature birth can also mean that a child is born before they develop critical independent tasks such as breathing and eating. Additionally, like the mother, the baby has a higher risk of developing low blood sugar or type 2 diabetes later in life. The disparate prevalence of diabetes and its consequences during and after pregnancy requires us to strengthen and scale interventions to protect moms and babies. According to the Profile of Prematurity in the United States released by March of Dimes, in 2021 there were 328,979 preterm births in the United States. This represented approximately 10.5 percent of live births that year. To break this down, among the 70,467 babies born in an average week in 2021, 7,384 were deemed preterm. Over time, the United States has seen an increase in the number of preterm births, from 9.8 percent in 2011 to 10.5 percent in 2021. In a study by the National Institutes of Health, the incidence of overall preterm delivery in pregnant women with gestational diabetes was 17.5 percent, which is significantly higher than pregnant women without gestational diabetes whose rates were 8.5 percent. The rate of spontaneous preterm delivery for such women was also significantly higher at 15.8 percent compared to 7.1 percent for pregnant women who do not develop gestational diabetes. The Impact on Ohio Moms and Babies Pregnancy and birthing are both delicate processes that require dedicated attention to the health of both the mother and the child. Diabetes affects approximately 3 to 9 percent of all pregnancies in the state of Ohio. This equates to at least 9,000 pregnancies each year. In 2021, Ohio had a preterm birth rate of 10.6 percent, which was higher than the United States' rate of 10.5 percent. The recently released 2023 Report Card by March of Dimes shows that Ohio is still trending upwards with a preterm birth grade of D at 10.8 percent, while the United States rate dropped to 10.4 percent. They also added that diabetes caused birthing people to deliver preterm 30.9% of the time. Therefore, mothers in Ohio have high rates of developing gestational diabetes that can increase the likelihood of preterm births. What can be done to minimize the risk? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular physical activity and achieving a healthy weight if a person is planning on conceiving. They urge pregnant women to check their blood sugar and eat healthy foods at the right times and in the right amounts. They also suggest pregnant women maintain moderate and consistent physical activity, as approved by a health care professional. At the crux of these recommendations is the appeal to pregnant mothers and individuals planning on conceiving to attend medical appointments and seek a physician’s care to monitor their health and that of their babies to determine their potential risks and predeterminants. This is extremely important in Ohio as nearly 1 in 4 pregnant mothers in the state are not accessing prenatal care in their first trimester. Additionally, support from the community is essential in assisting the mother in attending appointments, eating healthy, and staying relaxed and restful through pregnancy and childbirth. Individual, community, and collective efforts are vital to minimize our state’s prematurity and gestational diabetes rate. How can you lend your voice NOW to support policies that support healthy moms and babies? Recently, House Bill 190, a bill that designates the week of April 11 to 17th as Black Maternal Health Awareness Week, unanimously passed out of the House Public Health Policy Committee and is currently in the House Rules and Reference Committee awaiting to be placed on the House floor for votes. Additionally, House Bill 7, a bill that seeks to address maternal and infant mortality by supporting strong foundations for Ohio’s mothers and children by bolstering services, currently lies in the House Finance Committee awaiting passage. Within this bill, lies the support of initiatives that help expectant mothers access the care and support they need during pregnancies to prevent gestational diabetes and its associated risks. Bills like this help to raise awareness and strengthen wrap-around services to address the needs of Ohio’s mothers and children. Please contact your Ohio State Representatives, urging them to pass these bills to decrease the prevalence and risks of gestational diabetes and preterm births in Ohio. How can you connect to services? Visit the Ohio Bold Beginning and Nationwide Children’s website for lists of local programs and referral services.