Provides free information on childcare and early development for parents and caregivers; foster parent training, 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. They also offer Help Me Grow Home Visiting for parents who are pregnant or have a baby up to 2 years old.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222
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
Authorized by the Higher Education Act and administered by the U.S. Department of Education, this program provides childcare for children 6 weeks to 12 years old for parents who are low-income and enrolled at Ohio State University (OSU). Along with childcare, parents are provided with priority scheduling, mentoring/coaching, and referrals to connect your family to university and community resources.
84 North 17th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(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 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
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.
Enrollment Line: (614) 271-4056
Main Office: (614) 431-2186
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
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.
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 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
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.
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
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 to find an office near you. The United Way/LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to other social services across Franklin County.
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
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
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/preschool-expulsion-prevention
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
sfc.osu.edu
Provides a variety of programs designed to strengthen families on the South Side of Columbus. 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).
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
Provides quality, holistic early childcare and education for ages 6 weeks-5 years with a focus on community partnerships and family empowerment. Programs include infant care, preschool, Head Start, special needs services, and Family Resource Center. Tuition options include publicly funded Title XX, early care and education grants, Early Start Columbus, Military/Veteran support, and private pay with sliding scale. Their website also has resources on professional learning for educators. Call or go online for enrollment details and to request a tour.
Office: 1621 West First Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
Childcare Center: 280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 444-1529
sproutfive.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 are also a Mid-Ohio Market site, providing 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