Groundwork Ohio

At Groundwork Ohio, we believe families should have a strong voice in decisions that shape their children’s future. Registering to vote is a powerful way to strengthen that voice. Check your registration today—deadline is April 6 to vote in the May 5 primary election: 👉 olvr.ohiosos.gov #VoteBabyVote #ReadyToVoteOhio

New research from the @USChamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with Groundwork Ohio and the @OhioChamber, reveals the true cost of child care challenges in Ohio. The Untapped Potential: Ohio report found that gaps in child care cost our state $5.48 billion each year—impacting working families, employers, and Ohio’s economy. Child care isn’t just a family issue—it’s a workforce and economic issue. Strengthening access helps parents work, supports businesses, and builds a stronger future for Ohio. 💪👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🚨 Tell Congress to support early learning and child care: ow.ly/yQf850YvYCo 📊 Two-thirds of Ohioans (66%) believe federal support for child care and early learning for low-income working families is a good use of taxpayer dollars—including 74% of Ohio parents. 💡A majority of voters also support increasing federal funding for quality child care programs. As Congress begins work on FY27 funding decisions, lawmakers need to hear from families and advocates across Ohio. Take action today to urge Congress to support strong federal investments in early learning and child care. #childcareworks #layingthegroundwork #federalfunding #earlylearning #advocacy #ohiokids

What surrounds a child shapes their future. 🌱✨ Learn how relationships, communities, and systems influence young children’s brains in our March 31 webinar featuring @HarvardCenter ’s Stephanie M. Jones, PhD. 📌 Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 🕙 Time: 10:00 am 📅 Save your spot today → bit.ly/GOBrainScience #ChildDevelopment #BrainBuilding #EarlyLearning

👉 Take two quick actions for early learning: join us for #TheMorningMeeting on Thursday morning and send a message to Congress. 🎉 We’re excited to welcome Joseph O'Hern from @firstfiveyears to #TheMorningMeeting Thursday, March 19, to share an update on federal early learning and child care funding as Congress begins work on FY27 appropriations. Programs like CCDBG, Head Start, and Early Head Start help families access safe, affordable child care and support young children’s healthy development—and funding decisions are now taking shape in Congress. 📣 Take action: Send a message to your Members of Congress urging them to support strong federal investments in early learning and child care. 🔗 It takes less than 60 seconds to message your congressmembers: secure.everyaction.com/gOs3-t7TKEeW2r… You don’t want to miss this conversation. Join us Thursday at 9:30 am.🔗 Register for the Morning Meeting here: secure.everyaction.com/Ofdui3RysEyJ7E… #Groundwork #Ohiokids #earlylearning #childcareworks

ICYMI: In Ohio, 1 in 5 children lives in poverty—a reality that impacts their health, learning, and long-term opportunities. Economic stability gives families the foundation children need to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Our blog explores why strengthening supports for families is essential to breaking the cycle. ❤️💙 Read more from Groundwork Ohio: groundworkohio.org/post/breaking-…

👉 Take two quick actions for early learning: join us for #TheMorningMeeting on Thursday morning and send a message to Congress. 🎉 We’re excited to welcome Joseph O'Hern from @firstfiveyears to #TheMorningMeeting Thursday, March 19, to share an update on federal early learning and child care funding as Congress begins work on FY27 appropriations. Programs like CCDBG, Head Start, and Early Head Start help families access safe, affordable child care and support young children’s healthy development—and funding decisions are now taking shape in Congress. 📣 Take action: Send a message to your Members of Congress urging them to support strong federal investments in early learning and child care. 🔗 It takes less than 60 seconds to message your congressmembers: secure.everyaction.com/gOs3-t7TKEeW2r… You don’t want to miss this conversation. Join us Thursday at 9:30 am.🔗 Register for the Morning Meeting here: secure.everyaction.com/Ofdui3RysEyJ7E… #Groundwork #Ohiokids #earlylearning #childcareworks

"My son... he did not start talking until he was almost three. So a real big joy was hearing him say animal sounds." -Montgomery County mom After engaging with thousands of women across the state, we recognize that all mothers share the same hopes for their children: they want healthy babies with bright futures. Read more in our Threads of Hope report for insights on how we can bridge the gap for healthier futures. groundworkohio.org/threads-of-hope

Ready to turn brain science into action? 🧠 💪 Join us March 31 for a powerful session with @HarvardCenter and discover what we can all do to create the conditions every child needs to thrive. We’re bringing in Stephanie M. Jones PhD, esteemed developmental psychologist and one of the nation's leading experts in early childhood development. You don’t want to miss! Save your seat now! ➡️ bit.ly/GOBrainScience

Child care professionals are essential voices in Ohio’s future. Policies affecting child care funding, workforce supports, and family affordability are shaped by elected leaders. Make sure you’re registered to vote by April 6 so your voice counts in the May 5 primary. 👉 olvr.ohiosos.gov #VoteBabyVote #ReadyToVoteOhio

@CradleCincy i is transforming maternal and infant health in Hamilton County by centering Black women’s voices, promoting equity, and building community partnerships. Through programs like Mama Certified, advisory boards led by local moms, and statewide collaboration, they’re reducing infant mortality, improving care, and driving meaningful change across the county. Read their spotlight and learn how collective impact is creating healthier futures for moms and babies: groundworkohio.org/post/partner-s…

What surrounds children shapes who they become. 💞 RSVP to join this exclusive Groundwork Ohio webinar with Harvard’s Stephanie M. Jones, PhD – one of the nation's leading experts in early childhood development – to learn how brain science can guide better policies and stronger communities. 📌 Tuesday, March 31, 2026 🕙 10:00 am ➡️ bit.ly/GOBrainScience #EarlyChildhood #BrainScience #BrainDevelopment @HarvardCenter

What's one barrier you've faced in accessing quality early learning or child care for your young child? Share your comment below—we're listening to amplify family voices! 👶📚 #GroundworkOhio #EarlyChildhood #ChildCare #piday

@AbosedeOgunnika This is a great question! Currently, due to our legislative policy focus (and a few required in-person sessions and events) our Fellowship is only open to candidates in the state of Ohio in the U.S.

@GroundworkOhio Is this open to international applicants?

Do you put the "pro" in procrastination? This reminder is for you! 😉 Our Early Childhood Fellowship provides emerging professionals with skills training and real-life practice to enhance their leadership skills to support their work with young children and families. Some fellows come in curious, some come in as champions of children, but all come in with an interest to make Ohio better for our youngest children and the people who care for them. If you are interested in becoming a better advocate for the pregnant moms, infants, young children and families you serve-- the time is now! ⏳ ⏲️ Finish your application today. Limited scholarships are available! 💡 groundworkohio.org/fellowship

The earliest years of life are a time of both extraordinary opportunity—and vulnerability. In Ohio, 1 in 4 children under age 5 live in poverty, and 14% experience two or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) by kindergarten. These early challenges can shape a child’s health, development, and future. That’s why Groundwork Ohio, alongside partners across the state, is working to expand the Safe Babies approach into prevention—supporting families before deeper system involvement occurs. By aligning this work with local community needs, Ohio is helping promote healing, stability, and resilience during the most critical years of a child’s life. Ohio is leading the nation by expanding Safe Babies beyond the courtroom and into communities—supporting families during the first three years, when it matters most. 🔗 Learn more about Safe Babies Ohio: groundworkohio.org/safe-babies-oh…

🗣️📣 Tell Congress to support early learning and child care: ow.ly/88Nu50YtrfN Programs like CCDBG, Head Start, and Early Head Start help families access safe, affordable care while supporting children’s healthy development during the most important years of life. As Congress begins work on FY27 funding decisions, lawmakers need to hear from families and advocates across Ohio. 🫵🫵🫵 Take action today to urge Congress to support strong federal investments in early learning and child care. ✍️ #ChildCareWorks #EarlyLearning #OhioFamilies

🎉We’re proud to share that our Vice President, Brittany Boulton, has been named a 2026 Executive of the Year by @columbusbiz1st. This recognition celebrates leaders across Central Ohio who demonstrate vision, impact, and a deep commitment to their communities. Brittany’s leadership at Groundwork Ohio has strengthened our advocacy efforts, elevated the voices of families, and advanced policies that support Ohio’s youngest children and the people who care for them. From engaging policymakers to building strong community partnerships, Brittany leads with strategy, collaboration, and heart. We are grateful for her leadership and thrilled to see her recognized among this year’s honorees. Please join us in congratulating Brittany on this well-deserved achievement! Read more: bizjournals.com/columbus/news/…

The choices Ohio makes in the next few years will shape the future for our youngest children. Registering to vote helps ensure that families, early childhood professionals, and caregivers are part of the conversation about childhood policy and systems. Register or update by April 6 to vote in the May 5 primary election: 👉 olvr.ohiosos.gov #VoteBabyVote #ReadyToVoteOhio

New investments are helping support healthier beginnings for babies in Ohio. @FirstYearCLE will distribute $1.8 million received from @OhioDCY in grants to 10 community and faith-based organizations working to prevent infant deaths in Cuyahoga County. The funding will support prenatal education and provide families with direct help for essentials like food, housing, and transportation. The initiative aims to reduce persistently high infant mortality rates by ensuring families can access trusted support and resources where they already are—within their communities. Programs like these recognize that healthy pregnancies and thriving babies depend on more than medical care—they require stable housing, nutrition, strong community connections, and trusted information. 🔗 Read more: ideastream.org/health/2026-03… @Ideastream @twizner