Groundwork Ohio

Statewide, nonpartisan advocacy advancing policies for young children and families to make Ohio the best place in the nation to be a young child.

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Even when families are connected to programs and services, gaps can remain.

During our Mahoning Valley Roadshow stop, we heard about the unmet needs families continue to face—from diapers and formula to housing and transportation—and how difficult it can be to afford these essentials while also earning too much to qualify for certain forms of assistance.

During National Diaper Need Awareness Week, we’re highlighting what we heard directly from the community: access to basic necessities like diapers is an important part of supporting babies and families. #EndDiaperNeed #NationalDiaperNeedAwarenessWeek @diapernetwork https://t.co/UNviMdTE4g #onebigbabyshower

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

For families with young children, the costs add up quickly—from groceries and diapers to formula and child care.

At our Mahoning Valley Roadshow stop, Angel, a Trumbull County mom, shared how the high cost of child care changed what she and her husband had planned for their family, ultimately leading them to rely on one income.

Her story reflects what we continue to hear from families across Ohio about the difficult choices they face as they work to afford the everyday essentials their children need. #EndDiaperNeed #NationalDiaperNeedAwarenessWeek @diapernetwork https://t.co/UNviMdTE4g #onebigbabyshower

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Smaller classroom ratios. Developmental screenings. Support for children with disabilities. Family voice.

These are among the areas that could be affected by proposed changes to federal Head Start standards.

Federal officials are accepting public comments now. Take a few minutes to make your voice heard and help protect what works for children and families.

🔗https://t.co/WD44jpTniP

#HeadStart #EarlyChildhood #Ohio

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Parents. Grandparents. Caregivers. Child care professionals. Health care professionals. Advocates.

We all have a role to play in shaping Ohio’s future. Voting is one way to make your voice heard about the future you want for Ohio’s children and families.

Step one: Make sure you’re registered to vote by October 5.

https://t.co/rxbhCmRbf5

#VoteBabyVote #ReadyToVoteOhio

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Ohio is creating jobs—but will working families have the child care they need to fill them?

That was one of the questions at the heart of our latest #GroundworkOhioRoadshow stop in Hilliard.

Groundwork Ohio joined @Act4Kidz, U.S. @RepMikeCarey (R-Ohio-15) and his team, and Les Petites Academy to discuss affordability, child care capacity, employer engagement, and the needs of Ohio’s growing workforce.

One message came through clearly: child care is family infrastructure, workforce infrastructure, and economic infrastructure.

Read what we heard in Franklin County: https://t.co/5llLplsf5U

#GroundworkOhioRoadshow2026 #EveryStop #EveryStory #DrivingChange #FranklinCounty @firstfiveyears

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

At the @OhioDCY’s 2026 KIDS Summit, Governor and First Lady DeWine, DCY Director Kara B. Wente, and leaders from across Ohio explored progress in infant mortality, kindergarten readiness, and foster care entry—and what’s next.

Groundwork Ohio Policy Associate Dominique Johnson was a featured panelist, sharing her personal experience navigating pregnancy complications, premature birth, and the NICU.

The Summit reinforced why continued investment, collaboration, and listening to families are essential to helping every child develop, learn, heal, and thrive.

👉 ICYMI, read Dominique's blog for key takeaways from the Summit.
https://t.co/dXPTWN97GD

#OhioKids #EarlyChildhood #KindergartenReadiness #InfantMortality #FamilySupports @GovMikeDeWine @FranDeWine

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

“If we didn’t have Head Start, I would be the stay-at-home parent.”

Without family nearby to provide care and without the ability to afford child care, Clarisse says she wouldn’t have been able to work.

“The biggest goal for Head Start is to help families get financially stable, and that’s exactly what they did for us.”

Now, proposed federal changes to Head Start could weaken standards that support the comprehensive services children and families like Clarisse’s rely on.

📢Speak up for Head Start. Submit a public comment by October 6 and urge federal officials to protect the standards that support children and families: https://t.co/WD44jpTniP

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

No family should have to choose between diapers and other basic essentials. This National Diaper Need Awareness Week, Groundwork Ohio is supporting @diapernetwork to help more babies stay clean, dry, and healthy. https://t.co/UNviMdTE4g #EndDiaperNeed #NationalDiaperNeedAwarenessWeek #onebigbabyshower

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Two stops, two counties, one day!

Our first visit to Butler County included a Sleep Safe mini training and a birthing bag giveaway. Huge thanks to #QueensVillage Butler County and #ButlerCountyGeneralHealthDistrict for a wonderful conversation about doulas, resource sharing, and collaborative solutions.

Next, we traveled back to Franklin County for a community conversation with families. In our discussion, we heard that parents and caregivers want safety and stability for their families, including children in kinship care.

Stay tuned for a full recap of our Roadshow stops to Butler and Franklin Counties! 

#GroundworkOhioRoadshow2026 #EveryStop #EveryStory #DrivingChange

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

For families, diaper need isn’t just about the cost of diapers. It can mean the stress of wondering whether you’ll have enough to make it to the next paycheck.

Last month during our Mahoning Valley Roadshow stop, one parent shared what that experience can feel like.

During National Diaper Need Awareness Week, we’re lifting up the voices of families and the everyday challenges they face in meeting their babies’ basic needs.

#EndDiaperNeed #NationalDiaperNeedAwarenessWeek @diapernetwork https://t.co/UNviMdTE4g #onebigbabyshower

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Reliable child care helps first responders answer the next emergency. ➡️ https://t.co/Hekth6PlbX

#ChildCareWorks @Act4Kidz @ChildCareAware @RepDaveJoyce @FOPofOhio

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Head Start has served Ohio families for more than 60 years. Today, more than 26,000 children and families across all 88 counties rely on its combination of early learning, health, developmental, and family supports.

Proposed federal changes could reshape important Head Start standards — and your voice can make a difference.

📣 Submit a public comment by October 6 and speak up for the quality and comprehensive services children and families rely on.

🔗 https://t.co/WD44jpTniP

#HeadStart #EarlyChildhood #Ohio

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

🎉 Help us celebrate Sara Loken’s two year work anniversary at Groundwork Ohio! 🎉

As our Managing Director of Communications, Sara leads our marketing and communications strategy with a thoughtful approach that continues to elevate Groundwork Ohio’s profile across the state and with partners across the nation. Her leadership helps ensure that our mission and brand are consistently reflected in how we show up in public outreach and advocacy.

We appreciate Sara's a deep commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and social impact work—and we’re so grateful for the expertise, creativity, and leadership she brings to our team every day. 💙

Thank you, Sara, for helping Groundwork Ohio elevate the voices of children and families and champion a brighter future for Ohio. We’re so lucky to have you on our team! 🥳👏

#GroundworkOhio #WorkAnniversary #TeamGroundwork #EarlyChildhood

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Do you have early childhood on your agenda? 📝👶

You don't want to miss The Morning Meeting at 9:30 am featuring Danielle Ewen of Sixth Street Consulting! She's joining us to share insights on the latest budget appropriations.

RSVP now at the link in our bio!

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

“Collaboration over competition.”

That idea captured the spirit of our latest #GroundworkOhioRoadshow stop in Tuscarawas County.

State Rep. @jodi_salvo, State Sen. @al_landis, staff from U.S. @SenJonHusted's office, and Tuscarawas County Commissioner Mitch Pace joined child care providers, employers, and community leaders to discuss the county’s shortage of child care—especially for infants and toddlers—and how it affects families and the local workforce.

We also heard about creative solutions already underway, including partnerships between employers and child care providers to make care more accessible and affordable.

Read what we heard in Tuscarawas County: https://t.co/GSSM92QpvE

#GroundworkOhioRoadshow2026 #EveryStop #EveryStory #DrivingChange #TuscarawasCounty #FlourishEarlyLearningCenter #TuscoMfg @firstfiveyears

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Diapers are a basic need. Nearly 1 in 2 U.S. households with young children experience diaper insecurity, according to the NDBN Diaper Check 2026. This week, Groundwork Ohio is joining the @diapernetwork to raise awareness, support families, and help. https://t.co/UNviMdTE4g #EndDiaperNeed #NationalDiaperNeedAwarenessWeek

[Action for Children @Act4Kidz]

Like so many families, first responders are reeling from the cost of child care.
We all lose when working doesn’t pay. Hear Darren’s story and tell Congress to support child care. ➡️ https://t.co/zqlxxdZtFT

#ChildCareWorks @GroundworkOhio @JoyceBeatty @ColumbusEA

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Well-child visits are essential touchpoints with a child's physician.

For Ohio children enrolled in Medicaid, only 58% received the recommended six or more well-child visits in their first 15 months.

Early screenings and regular care help catch concerns sooner and connect families to the support children need to grow, learn, and thrive.

#InfantHealth #WellChildVisits #OhioFamilies