Provides free information on childcare and early development for parents and caregivers; and professional support for childcare providers. They offer year-round parenting classes for parents with kids of all ages throughout Central Ohio, information about choosing quality childcare, family-focused kindergarten-readiness program, and resources for co-parenting.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222 in English & Spanish or (855) 302-4453
actionforchildren.org
afclearning.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 in the community, 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; or call the Information and Referral Center during business hours for live help and referrals to programs near you. They also provide information and resources on starting and operating a successful child care business. Visit the website for additional contact information.
National Child Care Information and Referral Center: (800) 424-2246
childcareaware.org/state/ohio
Provides health and safety training (like CPR, first aid, communicable disease and child abuse prevention) for childcare employees as well as the communities they serve. 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. 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: 10945 Reed Hartman Highway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
Cleveland: 2800 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Toledo: 1715 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, Ohio 43537
(614) 341-7700
childrenshungeralliance.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 Head Start programs, search for licensed preschools or childcare, kindergarten readiness, and additional resources and programs available for families in Ohio.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Early-Learning
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, from 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 helpful guidance and articles on a variety of safety topics including bicycle safety, burns, poison, driving, home safety, gun safety, sports, playgrounds, and more.
nationwidechildrens.org/injury-research-and-policy-injury-topics
Parents can apply for an Ohio ID card for their children at any Deputy Registrar BMV location. Parents of children who have an Ohio ID card can also add their contact information to their child’s record for use in the event the child becomes lost or is reported missing. The fee is waived for children under age 17 with a disability.
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(844) 644-6268
Ohio ID Card Info: bmv.ohio.gov/dl-id-card.aspx
Find a location near you: publicsafety.ohio.gov/local-office
Provides professional development and technical assistance for local child care, early learning, and out of school time programs. Families can contact the organization or visit the website for referrals and help finding child care.
2469 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 396-5959
occrra.org
Their 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 or the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). These websites provide licensing information and forms for child care professionals. Parents can find information on financial assistance, helpful forms, or use the Childcare Search Tool to find providers by location, type of facility, licensing status, location, and the number and ages of children served. Print the two-page Parent’s Guide to Choosing Safe and Healthy Child Care checklist.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Family and Customer Support: (877) 302-2347, option 4
Preschool Licensing: education.ohio.gov/Topics/Early-Learning/Preschool-Licensing
jfs.ohio.gov/child-care
Provides training and educational resources for families to help support their child’s learning, emotional health, and plans for the future. They also build professional training and tools for school leaders, teachers, and community partners. Visit the website for educational resources such as tips to support your child’s attendance, English learner family toolkits, and more.
1900 Kenny Road, Suite 1036, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-2805
ohiofamiliesengage.osu.edu