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
Anyone with young children in their life can use this website to learn about Ohio’s early childhood programs and agencies. There is helpful information about developmental milestones, screenings, emotional wellness tips, healthy pregnancy and more. Use the Child Care Search tool to find a quality program near you.
boldbeginning.org
Child Care Search: childcaresearch.ohio.gov
Ohio Department of Children and Youth: childrenandyouth.ohio.gov
Provides free information and support for pregnant / parenting women and teens, including help finding a doctor, free pregnancy tests, home visiting, and support groups. Baby Bump & Beyond connects families to support and resources through every stage of growth–for children, caregivers, and the entire family. Call for help with setting up the first prenatal visit and referrals to other resources.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 570-3592 or (614) 656-3322
Community resource map: healthcare-access-columbus.opendata.arcgis.com
columbus.gov/Government/Mayors-Office/Initiatives/CelebrateOne
Provides childcare for children 6 weeks to 12 years old for parents who are low-income and enrolled at Ohio State University (OSU). Parents also receive priority scheduling, mentoring/coaching, and referrals to connect your family to university and community resources.
154 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-0531
odi.osu.edu/students/undergraduate/access-collaborative/child-care-access-means-parents-school-ccampis-program
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
Delivers Head Start and Early Head Start educational services to infants and children ages 6 weeks-5 years. They operate childcare centers and provide home-based services. Programs include developmental screenings, nutrition services, onsite medical screenings, kindergarten readiness preparation, speech, vision, and hearing screenings, and family case management. Children in kinship care, foster care, families that are homeless and children with disabilities have priority for enrollment. Visit the website for Head Start locations and Child Care partner agencies.
(614) 271-4056
cdcheadstart.org
Serves: Families with children under the age of 6, children with autism or developmental delays
Early childhood educational services for children including toddler classes, preschool, and home visits. Their preschool program serves a 50:50 ratio of children both with and without developmental delays, a research-based approach aimed at creating inclusive communities. The PLAY Project is an evidence-based, parent-implemented autism intervention for young children. They offer home-based early intervention for children with delays from birth to age 3. The center also has educational resources for families, training opportunities for professionals, and community events. The school year program runs from September to May, but they accept referrals throughout the calendar year.
674 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 253-6933
childhoodleague.org
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 childcare for children ages 6 weeks-5 years at their five Early Learning Centers in the Near East and Linden neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio. Their centers use a play-based curriculum and positive discipline. The Alum Creek Early Learning Center is a PreK-12 school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, and the Myrtle Avenue Early Learning Center is for ages 4-5. The ParentChild+ Program provides free home-visits, books, toys, and referrals to community services for families with a child 1-2years old. The Healthy Families America program provides free, in-home child development assistance for expectant parents or parents of newborns to learn about creating a safe home environment, soothing crying babies, and promoting healthy development.
(614) 253-5525
columbusearlylearning.org
Provides an online resource directory for families in Central Ohio to find consciously chosen resources. Their resources include education and tutoring, childcare, pregnancy, mental health providers, fun activities, and more. Small business owners can join the Business Collective to be added to their directory and access professional support services. Families can call the number below for free concierge services to help them get connected to the resources they are looking for.
PO Box 1655, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(614) 315-1851
consciouscommunitycollectives.com
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
Serves: Children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Provides comprehensive health services for children and adults living with disabilities. Services include early childhood education, adult day services, in-home care, referral services, and outpatient therapies. They also offer afterschool programs and summer day camps for children.
3830 Trueman Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 228-5523
easterseals.com/centralohio
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
Provides financial, medical, and social service programs in Franklin County. Programs include cash assistance (Ohio Works First, LEAP), help paying for child care, food assistance (Ohio Direction Card/SNAP/EBT, WIC), medical assistance (Medicaid, Healthy Start), and Ohio Means Jobs assistance for job seekers. Emergency Assistance (PRC) funds may be requested for a maximum of $2,000 to use towards overdue rent and utility bills, car repairs; or damages as a result of a natural disaster, housefire, or flood. Visit the website to view specific eligibility requirements for each program, and to start your application. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services.
(614) 233-2000
Customer Access Center: (844) 640-6446
Medicaid Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
Ohio Direction EBT Card Assistance: (866) 386-3071
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal (Apply Here): ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal
Main Website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
This free, statewide program helps licensed preschools and childcare providers address challenging behaviors while avoiding expulsion. The program provides on-site support, access to trainings, tools, and resources to manage challenging behavior in preschool age children. Parents or childcare providers can call or complete the online form for a free consultation.
(844) 678-2227
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/behavioral-health/for-providers/helping-ohio-preschoolers-excel
Provides a wide range of recreation and cultural arts opportunities in an inclusive environment defined by Jewish values and culture. All are welcome to participate in their programs. Programs include teen recreation, summer and spring break camps, after school programs, preschool and daycare, fitness classes, theater, and more.
Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and for programs in Fairfield County. The LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to food pantries and other social services across Franklin County and Ohio.
Faith-based organization offering support and community to parents in crisis. Crisis may include homelessness, addiction recovery, domestic abuse, and medical or family emergency. Children stay with host families so parents can focus on their own recovery/treatment. Parents are connected with a team of support and help accessing resources. Families are reunified upon recovery, and parents never lose custody of their children. The primary goal of the program is to keep families together. Call or complete the online form to request support. This program is available in Columbus and Mansfield, Ohio.
Columbus: (614) 210-3267
Mansfield: (419) 982-2839
myvillageministries.com
OAN is part of a nationwide network serving families and professionals in afterschool and summer learning. Their website has tools like quality guidelines for professionals, and STEM education toolkits. Families can use the Find a Program interactive map to find afterschool and summer programs in Ohio based on location.
1003 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212
(833) 626-6446
oanohio.org/find-a-program
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
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
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
A community center dedicated to serving neighbors on the South Side of Columbus. They offer a variety of programs through partnerships with area organizations and help neighbors get connected to important services. Services include GED classes, adult education and workforce development, early education/child care, youth and family services, in collaboration with community partners (Boys & Girls Club, House of Hope, Southeast Healthcare Services, Godman Guild, St. Stephen’s Community Center, Alvis, Community Development for All People and more).
280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 468-9280
reebavenuecenter.org
A network of partners in the South Side of Columbus working to holistically improve quality of life for residents. Their website has resources for finding healthcare, healthy eating, resilience, mental and physical wellness, and managing chronic conditions. Use their Resource Map to locate food assistance, childcare, healthcare, legal help, and more in the South Side. They also host community conversations and helpful trainings for professionals. Go online to contact the organization.
southsidethrive.org
Faith-based community center serving the Linden-area community. Programs include rental and utility assistance, childcare for children 6 weeks to 5 years at Christ Child Early Learning Center, afterschool and summer programs, Kinship Aftercare, Family to Family empowerment program for families with open cases with FCCS, senior food and transportation, and more. They also provide a food pantry with Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Find program details online.
1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org
Hosts programs for all ages, including health and fitness, swimming, childcare, summer camps, juvenile justice, and housing services.
Locations & Contact Info: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
YMCA Columbus Main Website: ymcacolumbus.org
Serves: Women and families (referring to emergency shelter access)
Provides affordable housing and supportive services for families and women who may be recovering from addiction and mental illnesses. The YWCA Family Center provides emergency shelter, meals, childcare, and employment help for families without homes. The Women’s Residency program is a permanent housing program that provides long-term housing and supportive services for women. YWCA Kids Place offers after-school programming for families in Gahanna, Westerville, and United Schools Network districts. Safe & Sound Child Care offers care and early childhood education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers inside the YWCA Family Center. The organization also offers leadership training and advocacy opportunities for adolescents and adults.
(614) 224-9121
ywcacolumbus.org