Provides child care and early learning information free of charge for parents and caregivers; and provide professional support to child care providers. They also offer year-round parenting classes for parents with kids of all ages throughout Central Ohio, provide information about choosing quality child care, help people who operate home-based childcare, and offer a family-focused kindergarten-readiness program.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222 in English & Spanish or (855) 302-4453 Toll-free
(800) 750-0750 PTDD/Ohio Relay Service
actionforchildren.org
afclearning.org
Anyone with young children in their life can use this website to learn about Ohio’s early childhood programs, resources and agencies. There is helpful information about developmental milestones, screenings, emotional wellness tips, healthy pregnancy and more.
boldbeginning.ohio.gov
Child Care Search: childcaresearch.ohio.gov
Provides free information, resources and support for pregnant / parenting women and teens. Baby Bump & Beyond is a direct connection to help families find the level of support and resources needed through every stage of growth–for mom, dad, caregiver, child and the entire family. Call, or send a message online for help with setting up the first prenatal visit and refer to other resources.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-1717 or (614) 656-3322 and ask for Baby Bump & Beyond
columbus.gov/celebrate-one
Community resource map: healthcare-access-columbus.opendata.arcgis.com
CCAMPIS program authorized by the Higher Education Act and administered by the U.S. Department of Education, supports the participation of low-income parents in college through the provision of childcare services for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. Along with childcare they are provided with priority scheduling, mentoring/coaching and referrals to connect you and your family to university and community resources and services.
84 North Seventeenth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 292-8936
odi.osu.edu/ccampis
Provides information on how to find high quality child care in the community, including steps toward choosing quality child care, ways to help pay and budget for child care, state-by-state resources and more. The website also provides information and resources on starting and operating a successful child care business. Visit the website for additional contact information.
Child Care Referrals, Resources & Information Where You Live: (800) 424-2246
childcareaware.org
Ohio: childcareaware.org/state/ohio
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. Coad4kids is part of a statewide network of child care resource and referral agencies, so if you live outside their service area call them and they can direct you to an agency near you.
(800) 577-2276
coad4kids.org
Provides high quality early learning so that children are ready for Kindergarten and can achieve school success. CELC Centers are rated 5 Stars in the Step Up to Quality Rating System. They offer a home visiting program as well, which provides free books and toys for families with children ages 16 months through 4 years. They offer center-based care for families with children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. CELC also provides expectant parents and parents of newborns support through the Healthy Families America program. They have multiple locations throughout Columbus.
Provides information about food assistance (Ohio Direction Card / EBT), cash assistance, medical assistance (like Medicaid), job training, emergency assistance (PRC), help with paying for child care and more. Each center serves certain zip codes. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services. Refugees and immigrants can apply for services as well.
Call (844) 640-6446 to apply for SNAP/OWF cash assistance/Medicaid benefits
Child Care: (614) 233-2000
Medical Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.gov
All child care centers in the state of Ohio are licensed by the ODJFS or the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). These websites also provide information on licensing rules, forms and training. Parents can search online for child care providers by location, type of facility and ages of children, its licensing status, its location and the number and ages of children served. Print out the two-page Parent’s Guide to Choosing Safe and Healthy Child Care checklist.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
ODJFS Child Care Help Desk: (877) 302-2347
jfs.ohio.gov/cdc
Licensing Information: jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/providers.stm or education.ohio.gov/Topics/Early-Learning/Preschool-Licensing
Provides early childhood education and additional supportive services for infants and toddlers ages six weeks through age four, and their families living at or below the poverty line. In addition to child care centers and family child care homes, they offer children onsite medical, hearing, dental, vision exams, developmental screenings, nutritional care and mental health access. They also connect parents to community resources including housing stability, workforce development, education, and financial security. There are no direct fees associated with enrollment in Early Head Start. However, families are required to pay their Publicly Funded Child Care copay to the child care center/family child care home, if applicable.
175 East Seventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
General Information: (614) 292-7680
Apply for Services: (614) 294-2661, ext. 2528
go.osu.edu/goodstart