Groundwork Ohio

Groundwork champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities.

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Families are struggling to make ends meet & give their little ones what they need for a strong start. We’re joining @ZEROTOTHREE & #StrollingThunder families to tell Congress it’s time to expand the #ChildTaxCredit. https://t.co/aDoFF23MdG

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

One week later, we're still thinking about the energy and impact of Family Voices at the Statehouse.
Nearly 300 parents, caregivers, advocates, children, and community partners came together at the Ohio Statehouse, meeting with more than 50 state and federal policymaker offices to share their stories and advocate for Ohio's youngest children and families.
When families speak, policymakers listen. Read our recap of this incredible day: https://t.co/1o3MN0QBuU

@OhioSenateGOP @OhioSenateDems @OHRGOPCaucus @OHHouseDems

[4C for Children @4CforChildren]

We loved attending @ChildCareAware’s Symposium in D.C. to speak with policymakers about early childhood education.

Also attending this year... parents! Check out this @GroundworkOhio blog from a Miami County parent who is sharing her story.

https://t.co/hyL6gkaxq0

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

In Ohio in 2024, a full 73% of single-parent households couldn’t make ends meet.

Behind every data point are families working hard to provide for their children while navigating the rising costs of everyday necessities.

Take a look at @BrookingsInst's latest analysis on affordability challenges facing households across the country.👇

[The Brookings Institution @BrookingsInst]

For years, the cost of basic necessities has outpaced incomes for a large share of Americans—leaving more than 40% of households struggling to make ends meet. The first installment of a new series, States of Affordability, maps affordability challenges by state, county, and race—and what it would take to close the gap. https://t.co/bHD0dsumeJ

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Today, Groundwork Ohio attended the Ohio Head Start Association, Inc.'s June Leadership Professional Development Conference.

Lizbeth Casco White joined as a keynote speaker, sharing her personal connection to Head Start as a former Head Start parent, later a Head Start program manager, and now Director of the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families.

Director Casco White underscored the Administration’s gratitude for the tireless efforts of Ohio’s Head Start programs, meeting the needs of kids and families each day. “Head Start doesn’t enroll a child, it embraces a whole family.”

@ACFHHS @OhioHeadStart @HeadStartgov @NatlHeadStart

[bi3 @bi3cincinnati]

Thank you, @GroundworkOhio, for elevating the voices of families across the state!

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

We’re still reflecting on the powerful conversations from Family Voices at the Statehouse.

When families share their lived experiences directly with policymakers, it helps connect policy decisions to the realities facing children and families across Ohio. From child care and health care to economic stability and early learning, families made their voices heard.

A special thank you to our sponsors and partners who helped make this day possible: bi3, The Literacy Cooperative, Lakeshore Learning, CelebrateOne, Queens Village Columbus, HOPE Toledo, the Ohio Head Start Association, and Twinkle French Schottke.

Read more about the event, key highlights, and the impact of family voices at the Statehouse: https://t.co/1o3MN0Q3Fm

@bi3cincinnati @hopetolpromise #queensvillagecolumbus @OhioHeadStart @highlights @celebrateone @lakeshorelm @literacycoop

#FamilyVoices #FamilyVoicesOhio #OhioFamilyVoices #GroundworkOhio #Advocacy

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Families in Montgomery County: Your voice matters.

Join BCDI-Ohio and Groundwork Ohio for an in-person listening session on Tuesday June 23, focused on child care, early learning, and family supports in your community.

This family-centered conversation is an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and families to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and help inform advocacy and solutions that better support children and families across Montgomery County.

Eligible participants who actively participate will receive a stipend. Space is limited, and registration is encouraged.

Register here: https://t.co/7MDaRQUMqO

@ClevelandBCDI @4cforchildren

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Groundwork Ohio and the Ohio Chamber's new resource, Business Innovation in Child Care: Case Studies Across Ohio, was recently highlighted in the Spring 2026 edition of The County Leader, alongside a guest column by Groundwork Ohio President & CEO Lynanne Gutierrez.
Thank you to the County Commissioners Association of Ohio for highlighting this work and for its continued partnership in advancing conversations around child care, workforce participation, and economic growth across Ohio.

Read more: https://t.co/4kN3ACtWZa

@OHCounties @ohiochamber

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

We can all agree that no child should have to go without health care. But, in 2024, more than 40,600 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in Ohio did not have health insurance, according to a report from @GeorgetownCCF.

Health insurance helps young children get the care they need to grow, learn, and thrive—from regular checkups to early screenings and preventive care.

Get the facts at: https://t.co/Ne55LZRPw5

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Access to child care remains a major challenge for many rural Ohio families and employers.

In our recent resource, Business Innovation in Child Care: Case Studies Across Ohio released in partnership with The @OhioChamber, we highlight how @coad4kids
is partnering with businesses and communities across southeastern Ohio to help expand child care access and support working families.

From employer-supported child care centers to community partnerships and workforce solutions, COAD4kids is helping communities create innovative approaches to meet local child care needs across rural Ohio.

Read more: https://t.co/2mf6jXlWs8

@Coad4kidsOhio

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Nearly 300 parents, caregivers, advocates, and young children from across Ohio gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for Family Voices at the Statehouse — a day dedicated to elevating family voices and connecting families directly with policymakers.

Families met with state and federal legislators, shared their lived experiences, participated in advocacy conversations, and reminded leaders that families must be at the center of policy decisions impacting Ohio’s youngest children.

The day featured keynote speaker @GianniniRachel, bipartisan legislative discussions, powerful family story videos, a literacy corner for children and families, and a celebratory stroll to the West Lawn of the Statehouse.

Thank you to every family, partner, sponsor, volunteer, and advocate who made this incredible day possible.

Read more: https://t.co/xRDMXbQL4p

@OHHouseDems @OHRGOPCaucus @OhioSenateGOP @OhioSenateDems @nickieantonio @clickforohio @MLawsonRowe @MathewsforOhio @ohiodcy

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Thank you to Representative Meredith Lawson-Rowe (@MLawsonRowe) for joining Groundwork Ohio’s Family Voices at the Statehouse and for speaking with families about the real pressures impacting their daily lives.

We appreciated your thoughtful conversation during our bipartisan legislative panel around child care affordability, health care costs, and the importance of policies that support working families. Ohio families deserve to be heard in the policymaking process, and we’re grateful for your time, partnership, and engagement throughout the day.

Thank you for helping center family voices in these important conversations.

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Thank you to Representative Gary Click (@clickforohio) for participating in Groundwork Ohio’s Family Voices at the Statehouse and engaging directly with families from across Ohio.

We appreciate your thoughtful conversation during our bipartisan legislative panel around affordability and the challenges families face when support disappears too quickly as income changes. Conversations like these matter, and we’re grateful for your willingness to listen to families and explore solutions that help parents and caregivers move toward long-term stability.

Thank you for spending the day with Ohio families and helping elevate their voices.

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Thank you to Leader @NickieAntonio for joining Groundwork Ohio’s Family Voices at the Statehouse and taking time to hear directly from Ohio families.

We’re grateful for your thoughtful conversation during our bipartisan legislative panel around reducing barriers for families and improving access to affordable, quality child care across Ohio. Events like this are a reminder of how important it is for policymakers to hear directly from parents and caregivers about the realities they are facing every day.

Thank you for helping create space for family voices at the Statehouse.

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Families in Muskingum County: Your voice matters.

Join BCDI-Ohio and Groundwork Ohio for a welcoming virtual listening session on Wednesday June 10, focused on child care, early learning, and family supports in your community.

This family-centered conversation is an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and families to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and help inform advocacy and solutions that better support children and families across Muskingum County.

Eligible participants who actively participate will receive a stipend. Space is limited, and registration is encouraged.

Register here: https://t.co/2zYhBlYEo8

@ClevelandBCDI

[Brittany Boulton @BAnneBoulton]

LOVED spending the day with 67 families (including their young children) and almost 50 policy-makers today at the Statehouse with this rockstar team!

[Groundwork Ohio @GroundworkOhio]

Ohio families are telling us exactly what they need — and at Family Voices at the Statehouse, policymakers listened.

When asked what single issue would matter most to their family if solved:
• 37% said child care & early learning
• 35% said health care access & quality
• 26% said economic stability

Families also shared major stressors including unaffordable child care, housing and food costs, maternal mental health, and concern about children’s environments. As one parent shared, “Daycare costs should not cost more than my rent.”

Thank you to the nearly 50 policymakers and their staff for taking time to hear directly from families.

#FamilyVoicesAtTheStatehouse #FamilyVoicesOhio #OhioFamilyVoices

@OHRGOPCaucus @OhioHouseDems @OhioSenateGOP @OhioSenateDems