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Dear Groundwork Team, As we continue to advocate for a new investment of $22 million in Ohio's early childhood education system, in addition to protecting current funding levels, I have some good news about our quality framework, Step Up to Quality (SUTQ). As you know, with the legislature's support, Ohio created SUTQ based on national research proving critical outcomes for kids and returns for our state. And the good news is, it's working! An independent study of SUTQ in Ohio was recently conducted to begin measuring the impact of our program. Among many findings, the key takeaways from the study are as follows: 1. Higher Quality & Better Outcomes: There is a strong correlation between children scoring higher on Ohio's Kindergarten Readiness Assessment and attendance at a 3-5 Star Rated Program. 2. Higher Ratings Mean Better Quality: Programs that are Star Rated showed higher quality classroom practices compared to programs that are not Star Rated. 3. Higher Attendance Matters: Students who attended publicly funded childcare programs over a longer period of time scored higher on average on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment. Based on these findings, we can be confident that the state's investments are paying dividends in outcomes. We understood when the program was created more than a decade ago that we couldn't build our quality early childhood system overnight, but that we needed to do it incrementally, anticipating both lean and more robust budget times. As we continue to advocate for progress in getting high quality programs to our most at-risk kids, these validation study results further our efforts. We have relied on research that tells us high quality early childhood education helps kids and now we can prove it works for Ohio kids! Thank you for your commitment to investing in children, Shannon Jones Executive Director Help share our message at the Statehouse by finding your legislator here!

Dear Groundwork Team, Lynanne and I have finally recovered from a very busy Advocacy Day. Thank you for all of your positive feedback. Your efforts to make the event successful reinvigorated our efforts as we were walking the halls of the Statehouse this week on behalf of Ohio's most vulnerable children. As you know, our budget request is for a $22 million new investment over the biennium in Ohio's early childhood education system. This budget request would partially correct an accounting injustice for 38 Ohio counties, which impacts almost 40% of the children served by publicly funded child care. As the leading independent statewide advocate for early care and education, we believe this is the critical next step as we incrementally build our early childhood education system, even in a tight budget. As the Ohio Senate deliberates on the state budget, in the spirit of Advocacy Day, we call on you again to share Groundwork's case for early childhood education and details about our budget proposal with your legislators. You can also find these resources on our website. Find your legislator's contact information here to follow-up and make sure you send your Advocacy Day thank you letters if you haven't already! Your efforts are critical to our success and we are grateful for your commitment to Ohio kids. Please contact us if we can be of further support to your local advocacy for our unified goals and enjoy the sampling of photos below that evidence the powerful impact we have when we work together. Thank you and enjoy the long holiday weekend, Shannon Jones Executive Director

Dear Groundwork Team, Thank you for making Advocacy Day 2017 an absolute success. With over 200 early childhood stakeholders and the robust participation of key legislative decision-makers in our State, we have elevated both our budget advocacy and our organization to a new level. As I reflect on yesterday's event, I am grateful that Groundwork can call on you, our advocates, from different professional backgrounds all across the state to unify around one common purpose--improving access to quality early childhood education for our most at risk kids. I am humbled by your support and we could not have done this without each and everyone of you. I again want to honor and celebrate our legislative champions that received awards from Groundwork yesterday for their long-standing commitment to Ohio kids and their support of our mission. Certainly their thoughtful remarks and wise suggestions prepared our advocates to deliver a strong and consistent message to the Statehouse about the critical importance of increased investments in Ohio's early childhood education system. Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina) received the "Lay the Groundwork Award" and is joined above by Groundwork's Executive Committee members. From left: Eric Karolak (CEO, Action for Children), Robyn Lightcap (Executive Director, Learn to Earn Dayton), President Larry Obhoff and Stephanie Byrd (Executive Director, Cincinnati Preschool Promise) Representative Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell) received the "Lay the Groundwork Award" and is also joined above by Groundwork's Executive Committee members. From left: Eric Karolak (CEO, Action for Children), Robyn Lightcap (Executive Director, Learn to Earn Dayton), Representative Ryan Smith and Stephanie Byrd (Executive Director, Cincinnati Preschool Promise) Senator Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering), Senator Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus), Assistant Minority Leader, and Representative Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewhood), Minority Whip, received the "A Step Above Award" and is joined by Groundwork Steering Committee Members. From left: Stephanie Byrd, Robyn Lightcap, Karen Lampe, Kimberly Tice, Eric Karolak, Senator Charleta Tavares, Margaret Hulbert, Senator Peggy Lehner, Representative Nickie Antonio, Shannon Jones, Katie Kelley, Rebekah Dorman, and Laura DiCola. Advocacy Day 2017 has passed but our advocacy does not. Now, more than ever, we have to continue to advocate for a new investment of $22 million dollars into the system to correct the accounting injustice impacting 38 counties and almost 40,000 kids across the state in the state budget. To educate your networks and legislators, please continue to rely on us and our resources. We will update resources on our website (http://www.groundworkohio.org) and inform you of important developments in our weekly e-newsletter. Thank you again for all your hard work and dedication to Ohio kids. Shannon Jones Executive Director

Dear Groundwork Team, This morning I delivered testimony in the Senate Finance: Health and Medicaid Subcommittee concerning the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services executive and Ohio House budget proposals. I was grateful to have had the opportunity to share Groundwork's vision for the early childhood education system in Ohio as we look forward to our much anticipated Advocacy Day tomorrow. Similar to the testimony I delivered in the Ohio House, we highlighted the need for greater investment in quality early childhood education programs in addition to detailing our specific FY18-FY19 budget request for new dollars. Please review the full testimony here. Additionally, please review the supportive materials provided to the committee including our Ohio early childhood education case for support and a summary of our budget request for a new investment of $22 million in the system over the biennium. We will continue to share these materials, among others, with legislators during our Advocacy Day and beyond. Groundwork is eager to host you and over 200 early childhood education stakeholders from across the state tomorrow as we hear from respected leaders from both chambers of the legislature and the administration and meet with legislative offices. Please make sure you give yourself enough time to find parking (parking info below). You can be a part of the action whether you are coming or not by following us on Twitter and Facebook at @GroundworkOhio. We can't wait to see you tomorrow at 10:00 AM! Shannon Jones Executive Director Advocacy Day Parking Whether you live in Columbus or are making a journey across the state to join us for Advocacy Day tomorrow, please plan on allowing an extra 15 minutes to your morning to find accommodating parking for the day. There is a small parking lot at our venue, The Athletic Club of Columbus, however, you will find ample parking in and around our venue and the Ohio Statehouse. Given the activity at the Statehouse, the Statehouse parking garage will fill up quickly, but there are many lots and garages on Cap Square to accommodate you. You should plan on paying a minimum of $5.00 parking for the day. Most lots accept credit cards. Thank you and if you have any particular concerns for your group, please feel free to reach out to Lynanne at lwolf@GroundworkOhio.org directly.

Dear Groundwork Team, Advocacy Day is finally upon us and we are sold out! I have been overwhelmed by the support and interest in our event and can't wait for you to enjoy the day we have planned. Together we will deliver a powerful, unified message on the importance of increased investments in early childhood education to the Statehouse! I am happy to share the final agenda with you as we have been sharing exciting announcements along the way. In addition to our esteemed legislators, we look forward to hearing from Dr. Angel Rhodes from the Office of Governor John Kasich and from our partners at the Public Children Services Association of Ohio. Check out our Advocacy Day Social Media tips below to follow along with us throughout the day, share our unified message and build relationships with your legislators. If you have any questions or concerns about Advocacy Day, please don't hesitate to contact myself or Lynanne at lwolf@groundworkohio. Thank you and see you next week! Shannon Jones Executive Director Advocacy Day Social Media 1. Follow Groundwork: Connect with us live throughout Advocacy Day and every day by following us on Twitter @GroundworkOhio and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GroundworkOhio. Share and retweet what you like! 2. Share Your Experience: Share your Advocacy Day experience by telling your network what you are doing, quoting speakers that resonate with you, sharing pictures of fellow advocates and legislators throughout the day. Spending the day with fellow early childhood advocates @GroundworkOhio #AdvocacyDay2017 Talking with @UnitedWayOhio about their commitment to early childhood education @ GroundworkOhio #AdvocacyDay2017 #LaytheGroundwork 3. Thank Your Legislators: Don't forget to thank your legislator on social media and tag them using their Twitter handle (we will provide this to you for easy reference). For example: TY @OhioRepSmith for your leadership on early childhood education. #LaytheGroundwork #AdvocacyDay2017 @Groundwork Ohio TY @peggylehner for being a champion for increased investments in early childhood education #LaytheGroundwork #AdvocacyDay TY @nickieantonio for meeting with your Cleveland early childhood advocates #LaytheGroundwork #AdvocacyDay2017 @GroundworkOhio. 4. ALWAYS use our hashtags and handle: We want to unify and elevate the amazing advocacy that you are doing around the state of Ohio. Help us keep track and promote your work by including the following hashtags and handle in your social media posts. #LaytheGroundwork #AdvocacyDay2017 @GroundworkOhio

Dear Groundwork Team, I am thrilled to announce that Representative Ryan Smith, House Finance Chair, will be addressing you as at Groundwork's Advocacy Day! Representative Smith is a dedicated public servant and a respected leader. He has been at the forefront of our state's response to the Opioid Epidemic and been a champion for his district, bringing attention to disparities that exist in Ohio's Appalachian region. We are grateful that he has taken time to join us and look forward to his remarks on early childhood education in Ohio as he understands well that our kids are our most important investment. Senator Ryan Smith (R-House District 93) is serving his third term in the Ohio House of Representatives and currently serves as the Chair of the powerful House Finance Committee. Chairman Smith represents Jackson and Gallia counties as well as portions of Lawrence and Vinton. Learn more here. There has been an overwhelming level of support for Groundwork's Advocacy Day and our special guests, including Representative Smith, are part of what makes this day so exciting. Given the interest in our event, we have done our best to accommodate everyone, but have reached capacity two weeks in advance of the event......wow! If you have questions or concerns regarding registration, please contact Lynanne at lwolf@GroundworkOhio.com. If you are not able to join us, please stay connected with Groundwork--we value your support and our children need everyone sharing their stories at the Statehouse. We look forward to engaging with you in the future and don't hesitate to reach out to me directly as we continue to build partnerships around the state. If you are registered for our event, see below for a few advocacy day tips as you prepare for meetings with legislators. A final agenda will be made available next week so stay tuned! Shannon Jones Executive Director 5 Tips for Legislative Visits 1. Share Your Story: Whether you are a child advocate, child care provider, local early childhood champion, parent or business leader, you are all part of the quality early childhood education system we are building in Ohio You are on the ground doing the good work--legislators want to hear your story! Why have you committed your life or resources to this work? What impact is it having on kids in your community? 2. Stay On Message: Groundwork derives it's strength by casting a wide net of support from stakeholders around the state and delivering a unified message at the Statehouse. You will be provided with all the materials you need to share Groundwork's case for why early childhood education is critical to all Ohioans and why Groundwork's state budget proposal is a first, critical step in moving the needle for quality early childhood education even in a challenging budget environment. 3. Engage the Staff: Staff advise legislators on policy issues and can be an influential part of a legislator's decision-making process. Treat them as you would a legislator because they often have more time to engage with you. 4. Be A Resource: Legislators rely on their constituents and seasoned advocates to educate them about what is important to their community. Remember, you are a valuable resource to your legislators and their staff. Be willing to be a resource of information for them. Be responsive and prepared to answer questions, or offer to provide additional information as a follow-up. And if you haven't done so before, invite them to meet you in the district and see your work first hand! 5. Follow-Up After Your Visit: Always send legislators a thank you note after your meeting Groundwork will even provide you with thank you notes for the event! A simple thank you goes a long way. Stay in contact with your legislators and their aides. Put them on your mailing list, invite them to your meetings and events

Dear Groundwork Team, I am thrilled to announce that Senator Peggy Lehner, Senator Charleta Tavares and Representative Nickie Antonio will be speaking to you at Groundwork's Advocacy Day! These leaders have all made Ohio's children a priority in their careers as public servants. In the Ohio Senate and House, they are known as early care and education experts within their respective caucuses. They join Senator Gayle Manning, Representative Robert Sprague, President Obhof and others (yes, there's more to come!) as part of our powerful agenda for the day. Senator Lehner (R-Senate District 6), represents portions of Montgomery County. She is currently serving her third term as Chairwoman of the Senate Standing Committee on Education, as well as Vice-Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. Senator Lehner also serves on the Senate Finance Committee and Primary and Secondary Education Finance Subcommittee. Learn more here. Senator Charleta Tavares (D-Senate District 15) represents Columbus, Bexley and parts of Grandview Heights in Franklin County. She leads her caucus as the Assistant Democratic Leader in the Ohio Senate. Senator Tavares is also the ranking member on the Health and Human Services Committee and serves on the Finance Committee. Learn more here. Representative Nickie Antonio (D-House District 13), is serving her fourth term as an Ohio State Representative, representing parts of Cuyahoga including the City of Lakewood and parts of Cleveland's West Side. She serves on the Democratic Caucus leadership team as Minority Whip and on the House Finance and Appropriations Committee. Learn more here. We are grateful for these additional legislative members to join us, especially as we are close to our cap for registration. We anticipate closing out registration next week due to an overwhelming response. If you plan on joining us, let us know by Friday May 5, 2017. Please register for Advocacy Day today to ensure you don't miss this important event! Shannon Jones Executive Director

Dear Groundwork Team, I am thrilled to announce that Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof will be speaking to you at Groundwork's Advocacy Day! President Obhof will join us during our luncheon to be recognized for his commitment to the developing child and share his experience and insight on advocating for increased state investments in early childhood education. As the presiding member of the 33-member Senate, President Obhof (R-Senate District 22), is responsible for leading the Senate Majority's Caucus as it sets the policy agenda for the 2-year legislative cycle. Accordingly, he chairs the powerful Rules and Reference Committee which determines which bills are considered by the full Senate. President Obhof serves Medina, Ashland and Richland counties and parts of Holmes County. Learn more here. We are grateful for President Obhof's time during a challenging and busy state budget season. Please register for Advocacy Day today to ensure you don't miss hearing from him and other honored guests! As we are less than a month from our much anticipated Advocacy Day, we have had a busy week including participating in the following: * The Ohio Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) met and I attended to get the latest updates on the Step Up to Quality Validation Study, progress of the Career Pathways Level rule, state programming geared towards reducing Ohio's abysmal infant mortality rate and further insight into early childhood education investments in the state budget. For more from ECAC, visit here. * We participated in Advocates for Ohio's Future (AOF) Removing Barriers to Work webinar which included information on Ohio child care. Click here for the webinar video and resources from the speakers and download the slide deck here. * We attended the bipartisan, bicameral, Joint Education Oversight Committee for an eye-opening presentation from the National Conference of State Legislatures, No Time To Lose; How to Build a World-Class Education System State by State. It's no surprise to us that the first element to a world-class education systems is "children come to school ready to learn, and extra support is given to struggling students so that all have the opportunity to achieve high standards." Enjoy these resources and I look forward to seeing you at Advocacy Day! Shannon Jones Executive Director #Groundwork #earlychildhoodeducation #earlycare #ohio #advocacy #StepUptoQuality

Dear Groundwork Team, I am excited to share that Senator Gayle Manning and Representative Robert Sprague will be speaking to you at Groundwork's Advocacy Day! Senator Manning and Representative Sprague will kick off our morning as panelists, sharing their seasoned experience and insight on advocating for increased investments in early childhood education. Senator Manning (R-Senate District 13) is serving in her second term in the Ohio Senate representing Huron and Lorain counties. She is the Majority Whip of the Senate and Vice Chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee. Among others, she also sits on the Senate Education Committee bringing unique experience as a former elementary education teacher. Learn more here. Representative Sprague (R-House District 83) is serving his third term in the Ohio House representing Hancock and Hardin counties as well as parts of Logan. He currently serves on the House Finance Committee and the House Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. An engineer by trade, Rep. Sprague joined the House immediately after serving as City Auditor for the City of Findlay. Learn more here. Both Senator Manning and Representative Sprague have an enduring commitment and appreciation for early childhood education. Further, they bring a wealth of knowledge to the state budget process, both having experience navigating challenging fiscal circumstances in their careers as public servants. This announcement is the first of many exciting additions to the Advocacy Day agenda and we are thrilled that these respected legislators are able to join us. Please register for Advocacy Day today to ensure you are part of this exciting event! Have a happy holiday weekend! Shannon Jones Executive Director #Groundwork #advocacyday #panelists

Dear Groundwork Team, Thank you for your support for Groundwork Advocacy Day. Registration opened Monday and I am thrilled by the overwhelming response . Please register now to ensure you are included in this important event! Speaking of Advocacy Day--since we can't stop talking about it!--I will be sharing some of the exciting details of our agenda throughout the coming weeks. Today, I am happy to announce that our team has carefully selected several stalwart legislators to receive two prestigious early care and education awards at Advocacy Day. We can't wait to celebrate our early care and education champions on May 18th! As our budget advocacy continues to progress, I was lucky to spend a couple of days in Cleveland this week to connect with our partners in Cuyahoga County. A special THANK YOU goes to Groundwork Steering Committee member, Rebekah Dorman, for planning such an interesting day. The public/private partnerships in northeast Ohio are amazing and I really learned a lot. I look forward to another trip soon. Before members left for spring break, Lynanne and I hit the Statehouse to meet with nearly a dozen members of the General Assembly. Check out this picture we took with Senator Lehner following our meeting in her office. Notice anyone else in the picture? Yes, that's Margaret Hulbert, one of Groundwork's founders. It was great running into Margaret. As legislators take a well-deserved short break from their important work, it's all hands on deck here! Thank you for your support, have a fantastic weekend and.....see you soon at Advocacy Day! Shannon Jones Executive Director

The wait is over! We are happy to announce that registration for Advocacy Day, May 18, 2017 is now open! Click here to register!

Dear Groundwork Team, As we close out March, I am encouraged by the feedback we are getting in the legislature about the need to support quality early care and education. Our work continues, but we look forward to you joining our efforts. More on that later. As promised, I wanted to share some new information I learned last week in Washington D.C., at the Federal Reserve System Community Development Research Conference which focused on Strong Foundations: The Economic Futures of Kids and Communities. Groundwork is using as many evidence-based tools to bolster our case for support for early childhood education in Ohio as possible and I added the following additional resource, The Minnesota Model for Early Childhood Development: A Market/Parent-Based Approach, by Art Rolnick, to our arsenal. I found Rolnick's research compelling because it easily summarizes the astounding rates of return on investments we see from quality 0-5 programs and the fact that benefits far exceed costs when it comes to early childhood investments. I look forward to learning more about the Minnesota model based on the great results they saw in increasing access to quality early childhood programs for kids in their state. Lynanne continues to enhance our work and this week presented at both the Voices for Ohio's Children Kid's Summit and to the Board of Directors for the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children. Get to know her...she is a talented advocate eager to support early education efforts. Have I mentioned Advocacy Day??? As a critical piece to our budget advocacy strategy, we look forward to sharing registration materials this Monday for our much anticipated Advocacy Day. We need your voice at our table for this important event. Please register and gather others in your organization to participate too. We need everyone to be counted in this important effort! Thanks again for all you do on behalf of children. Have a great weekend! Shannon Jones Executive Director Groundwork Ohio