Provides free information on childcare and early development for parents and caregivers; foster parent training, and professional support for childcare providers. Parent & Youth ambassadors offer free 1:1 care navigation services to help families with service referrals, benefit navigation, and more. They offer year-round parenting classes for parents with kids of all ages throughout Central Ohio, information about choosing quality childcare, and resources for co-parenting. Help Me Grow and SPARK Kindergarten Readiness programs offer free home-visiting services are available for parents who are pregnant or have a child up to 4 years old. FatherUp offers free support for dads navigating the child support system, co-parenting, employment, or other challenges.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222
Checklist for Choosing Childcare: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2018/09/5C-checklist.pdf
Childcare Finder: actionforchildren.org/parents-guardians/choosing-child-care
Parent Learning Website: afclearning.org
Main Website: actionforchildren.org
Provides shelter, food, healthcare, and mental health services for victims of disaster; disaster preparedness and lifesaving skills training; blood drives, and specialized services for members of the military and veterans. The Central & Southern Ohio Region includes Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton.
24/7 Disaster Services: (800) 733-2767
Columbus Office: 995 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 253-2740
redcross.org/local/ohio/central-and-southern-ohio.html
Provides information on how to find high quality child care, child care regulations, and more. The website has a state-by-state resource map to help you find child care providers, financial assistance programs, and other resources in your area. Call the Information and Referral Center during business hours for live help and referrals to programs near you. They also provide resources on starting and operating a successful child care business.
National Child Care Information and Referral Center: (800) 424-2246
childcareaware.org/state/ohio
Provides health and safety training (CPR, AED, First Aid, communicable disease and child abuse prevention, babysitter safety) for the community and for childcare employees. They offer online, blended, and group trainings for a minimal fee. Go online to find course details and to register. Trainings have been approved by Ohio Department of Education, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and OSHA.
(614) 721-7222
childcaretrainingohio.com
Works with schools, community organizations, and child care providers throughout Ohio to increase participation in USDA child nutrition programs. They provide technical assistance to child care providers to help implement programs serving nutritious food. Contact their office for help finding childcare centers and meal programs; including after-school, weekend, and summer programs that offer free food for kids.
Columbus: 1105 Schrock Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Cincinnati: 3600 Park 42 Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
Cleveland: 2800 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Toledo: 1715 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, Ohio 43537
(614) 341-7700
childrenshungeralliance.org
A free child care resource and referral agency serving families of all income levels within the 31 counties of Ohio in the Appalachian region. They have a list of child care programs, including Head Start programs, public pre-schools, child care centers, family child care homes, school age programs, and infant care programs. Use the online database or call for help finding child care. The website also has resources for child care providers. COAD4kids is part of a statewide network of child care resource and referral agencies, so if you live outside the service area call to be directed to an agency near you. The COAD parent organization provides additional services such as home weatherization and help for seniors, for those in their Southeast Ohio service area.
1 Pinchot Lane, Athens, Ohio 45701
Office: (740) 594-8499
Help Finding Childcare: (330) 364-8882
coad4kids.org
Provides information, resources and services related to early learning and school readiness. This office also licenses preschool and childcare programs. Use the website to find information on kindergarten readiness, Head Start programs, search for licensed preschools or childcare, and additional programs available for families in Ohio.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Early-Learning
Provides professional development for schools and direct student services to improve student learning. Services include technical assistance and professional training for educators, school districts, after school programs, and community organizations. Their office oversees alternative education programs, interpreter services, experiential learning opportunities, supports for students experiencing homelessness, supports for students with disabilities, workforce development programs, gifted programs, and more. Visit the website for a full list of programs and registration details.
2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 445-3750
escco.org/Services.aspx
Click the links below for helpful information and printable information sheets.
Provides a national, voluntary accreditation program for child care providers who wish to meet quality standards that go above and beyond basic licensing requirements. They offer professional development resources such as publications and online education for purchase. The website also has free educational resources for families on topics including behavior and development, school readiness, and more.
(202) 232-8777 or (800) 424-2460
For Families: naeyc.org/our-work/families/browse-by-topic
Main Website: naeyc.org
Provides professional development and technical assistance for local child care, early learning, and out of school time programs. Families can contact the organization for referrals and help finding child care and early learning programs.
2469 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 396-5959
occrra.org
This website offers important information for families and professionals about state food and nutrition programs. Find guidelines and applications details for child and adult day care food programs, the national school lunch program, and summer food programs.
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Food-and-Nutrition
All child care centers in the state of Ohio are licensed by the ODJFS. Child care professionals can visit the website for licensing information and forms. Parents can find information on child care financial assistance programs or search for a licensed child care provider.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Family and Customer Support: (877) 302-2347, option 4
Early Child Care & Education Search Tool: childcaresearch.ohio.gov
Main Website: jfs.ohio.gov/child-care
Provides training and educational resources for families to support their child’s learning, emotional health, and plans for the future. They also offer professional training and tools for school leaders, teachers, and community partners. Visit the website for resources on topics including attendance, literacy, English learner family toolkits, and more.
1900 Kenny Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-2805
ohiofamiliesengage.osu.edu
The Schoenbaum Family Center at the Ohio State University (OSU) provides childcare through the A. Sophie Rogers School for Early Learning, community programs for children and families, advocacy, and professional development for educators and childcare providers. Call or go online to apply for programs.
175 East Seventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 247-7488
sfc.osu.edu