This website is a great source of verified health information for parents on a wide range of health topics, such as healthy living, family life, immunizations, child development, and medical conditions. They offer articles with topics including safety, fitness, school issues, dating, substance abuse, emotional wellness, psychiatric medications, grief and more. You can also use the website to find a pediatrician in your zip code.
healthychildren.org
Baby sign language is a way for all parents to improve early infant communication and communicate with children before they can speak. This website has free resources including videos, downloadable flash cards, and tutorials.
babysignlanguage.com
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
Serves: Children, teens, individuals, and families with ID/DD and/or behavioral health challenges.
Provides person-centered care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges. They offer primary care, dental, psychiatry, outpatient behavioral health, community-based ABA, care coordination, long-term and temporary residential support, in-home and out-of-home respite services, day programs, and afterschool programs. Family Support Services are provided by the State of Ohio for families who need help keeping their loved one at home. Services vary by location, find details and request an appointment on their website.
(800) 409-2729
iamboundless.org
Serves: Children birth to age 21, parents, families, and adults.
Nonprofit education center serving children with autism and developmental disabilities. Bridgeway Academy utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to provide private school-day education from preschool through high school, life skills training, vocational training, and transition to adulthood support. Bridgeway Therapy Center serves Bridgeway Academy students and outpatient clients for music therapy, speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health, and family partnership services. Clinical staff work with families and professionals to assess, diagnose and develop individualized treatment plans in client-centered therapy sessions. They are a provider of Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program, Jon Peterson Scholarship, Title XX (20), Medicaid, Level One, I. O. and Self Waiver and some insurances.
1350 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43209
(614) 262-7520
bridgewayohio.org
AAC Center Informational Handout: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2024/08/AAC-Evaluation-Center-Handout.pdf
Sends free games, tips, and resources right to your cell phone. Messages are targeted to your child’s age and include information on child development, language, early literacy, health, safety, behavioral tips and more.
Text BRIGHT to 274448 to sign up
Text STOP to 274448 to stop
Text HELP to 274448 for help
General Questions: (303) 433-6200
brightbytext.org
Download the free development tracker to follow a child’s normal development from age 2 months old to 5 years. Get tips from CDC for encouraging your child’s development; and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing.
cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones-app.html
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
Provides important information, insights, and practical tips on kids’ mental health for families and professionals. The Family Resource Center has tons of information and resources on topics including ADHD, autism, anxiety, behavior problems, depression, OCD, gender identity, family issues, trauma, suicide, and more. The Symptom Checker analyzes your answers to give a list of psychiatric or learning disorders associated with those behaviors/symptoms (Note: this tool cannot diagnose your child, but it can help inform you of possible diagnoses to help you learn about them and facilitate a conversation with a professional). The website houses resources for teachers, pediatricians, and other professionals, and is also available in Spanish.
childmind.org
Serves: Families with children under the age of 6, children with autism or developmental delays
Early childhood educational services for children including early childhood intervention, toddler classes, 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. The center also has educational resources for families, training opportunities for professionals, and community events. Find program and enrollment details online.
674 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 253-6933
childhoodleague.org
Provides mobile pediatric Speech Therapy services, including Myofunctional Therapy, for kids of all ages in Ohio. In-person services can be offered at your home, school, or daycare in Franklin, Union, Madison, or Delaware Counties. Online sessions are available to anyone in Ohio at a discount. Sessions can be at no cost to families through the The Jon Ptereson or The Autism Scholarship, and families can use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for to pay for services.
3693 Hilliard Station Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 657-5673
columbusareaspeechtherapy.com
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.
Free program through Columbus City Schools to support Deaf or Hard of Hearing students PreK-12. Works with central Ohio school districts to provide services such as access to extracurriculars and transportation to suit individual needs. Find enrollment details online.
(614) 365-5977
ccsoh.us
Program: Nonprofit providing occupational individual and group therapy, audiology and hearing aid services, speech-language therapy sessions and evaluations, community outreach programs, American Sign Language classes for adults and youth ages 16 and older, and a Support Service Provider program.
Eligibility: Varies by program, serves young children (under the age of 6 years old) up to seniors (65 years old and older)
Cost: Varies by program; self pay and accept many insurances, including Caresource, Molina and Medicaid
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization
(614) 263-5151
columbusspeech.org
This church provides several important community programs in the Merion Village neighborhood of Columbus, along with worship services. Programs include daily Fresh Markets with free produce for income-eligible individuals, nutrition education, free health and wellness classes, community events, an after-school program at Lincoln Park Elementary, Free Store, and ID 4 All People.
Fresh Market Website: heal4allpeople.org/all-people-s-fresh-market
Main Website: 4allpeople.org
Non-profit serving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind community. Services include ASL classes, C-Print, interpreting, case management, early intervention for ages 0-3, employment services, adaptive equipment programs, youth mentoring programs and summer camps.
Program: Offers youth and their families mental and behavioral health services. Licensed social workers and counselors provide counseling and clinical treatment programs addressing a range of issues including school concerns, sexual abuse, delinquency, domestic violence, family conflict, substance abuse and mental health issues. They also offer parenting classes, free kindergarten readiness programs, and after-school and summer programs at their two youth centers.
Eligibility: Varies per program, serves those from 6 weeks old up to 21 years old.
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance and self-pay (sliding scale fees based on income); most programs are free.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by someone else for counseling programs; psychiatric services require referral through a Directions for Youth counselor.
Central Intake: (614) 294-2661
dfyf.org
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.
Serves: Preschoolers and Students ages 18-22 with special needs who have deferred their high school diploma.
The ESC offers multiple programs on the campuses at Columbus State Community College and The Ohio State University to create individualized transition plans for students and help them meet their career and lifestyle goals. Each program includes help with activities of daily living, hands-on experience at multiple work sites, on-campus, and in the community. They also host an Early Learning Peer Model Program with small group instruction for preschool-aged children. Find program details and application instructions online.
2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
www.escco.org/Default.aspx
Provides developmental evaluations, early intervention, and special education services for children living in Granville, Heath, Licking Valley, North Fork and Johnstown School Districts. They also offer a social-behavioral program for students, ages 2 ½ – 6, with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or significant communication and social emotional deficits.
119 Union Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 349-1629
lresc.org/FlyingColorsPreschool.aspx
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. PRC Emergency Assistance funds may be requested for car repairs up to $2,000. 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 should apply for services as well.
Call (844) 640-6446 to apply for SNAP/OWF cash assistance/Medicaid benefits
Medical Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.gov
Find lots of educational resources and city services on their website. FCPH offers many services and resources, including:
280 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-3160
Weekend, Holiday and After Hours Emergency Hotline: (614) 525-3965
Telecommunications for the Deaf: 711 or (800) 750-0750
myfcph.org
Provides free support, advice and information for moms to help them have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and to be a great parent. Pregnant women or parents of newborns receive free developmental monitoring, screening and assessment, and referrals by home visiting professionals until the child’s third birthday.
The Center for Family Safety and Healing
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Referral Line: (614) 722-8222
familysafetyandhealing.org/services/home-visitation/hfa
This online resource offers great information about hearing and hearing loss, and a national clinic directory to help you find a provider near you. They also have an online hearing test and lots of information on topics like hearing loss in children, various hearing diagnoses, assistive listening devices, and navigating insurance and financial help.
(800) 567-1692
healthyhearing.com
Program: Prenatal support, parenting education, developmental screenings, and linkage to community resources through home visiting services.
Eligibility: Women who are expecting and new parents whose first child is under six months old and meet income guidelines.
Cost: No cost to families.
Referral: A parent, guardian, home visiting provider or professional.
246 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Referral Line: (614) 656-3322 or (800) 755-4769
Central Intake and Referral Form: odhgateway.odh.ohio.gov/ochids/public/refer
Their website also has information about child health, children with special needs, school readiness, safety, resources by county and parent rights.
helpmegrow.ohio.gov
Click the links to access free letter templates and tools to help you advocate for your child’s special education needs at schools and agencies. Click Here for more resources on Legal Rights for Education
Offers inpatient, outpatient, and community-based psychiatry, psychology, and counseling services for youth up to age 21. Treatment areas include mental health crisis, anxiety, ADHD, depression, eating disorders, OCD, ODD, conduct disorders, autism, and psychosis. Use the online Community Behavioral Health Resource Directory to find treatment providers and community resources across Ohio by diagnosis, type of service, organization name, or county.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-8080
nationwidechildrens.org/behavioral-health
Serves: Children 16-30 months for diagnostic screening, Children ages 2-22, Parents, and Families.
Provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Services include diagnostic assessment, behavioral intervention, outpatient psychotherapy, and ABA team services. Find details about services and eligibility online. They also host the following programs:
187 West Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
For an Autism Diagnostic Screening: (614) 355-8080
For all other Autism resources: (614) 355-7570
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/center-for-autism-spectrum-disorders
Provides comprehensive services for children with hearing loss, including diagnostic assessment, early intervention, audiology, and specialized speech services. A multidisciplinary team of pediatric professionals works with families to assess the child’s needs and determine appropriate treatment. Additional Support Services are available for children under 3 years old with sensorineural hearing loss. They also offer regular Hearing Team Education, a series of educational presentations, and Hearing Loss Support Groups for parents, caregivers, and teens.
555 South Eighteenth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Main Office and Referral: (614) 722-6200
Support Services: (614) 722-2441
Support Groups: (614) 722-3049
nationwidechildrens.org/hearing
Provides developmental occupational therapy (OT), speech and language therapy, and physical therapy (PT) services. Services are provided at the main hospital and at many clinic locations throughout the community, for children from birth to age 21.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-2200
Occupational Therapy: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/occupational-therapy
Speech Pathology: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/speech-pathology
Physical Therapy: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/physical-therapy
Serves: Infants, school-aged children, teens, and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The Nisonger Center has a variety of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Services include clinical support services, specialized dental programs, inclusive childcare and early childhood education, social programs for teens, TOPS post-secondary education and transitional skills program for adult students at OSU, psychiatric services, and more. Contact the center for program details and eligibility.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Administration: (614) 685-3192 or (855) 983-9955
nisonger.osu.edu
Provides free pregnancy support, developmental monitoring, screenings and assessments, and referrals for identified services for first-time pregnant prior to 28 weeks gestational age of the baby. Participants must meet income eligibility.
The Center for Family Safety and Healing
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Referral Line: (614) 722-8222
familysafetyandhealing.org/services/home-visitation/nfp
Statewide nonprofit organization serving educators, agencies, and families of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities in Ohio. Programs include 1:1 reading mentoring, It’s My Turn free online self-advocacy course for middle and high schoolers, Family-to-Family meetings for parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, and parent mentoring. Families and professionals can find helpful trainings, videos, and tipsheets on their website. Call your county’s Information Specialist for help getting connected to resources in your area.
125 Executive Drive, Marion, Ohio 43302
(844) 382-5452
Information Specialist Directory (Click on your County): filecabinet5.eschoolview.com/7132D93C-113A-42DB-AD9B-3D42946C44E5/effd8e8a-ebbd-4eb0-8dea-6fee64aba5a4.pdf
Main Website: ocecd.org
The Department of Developmental Disabilities is a statewide system of supports and services for people with developmental disabilities, and their families. Each county in Ohio has its own Board of Developmental Disabilities, which is the place to start for determining eligibility, assessing your needs, and coordinating which services can best support you. Their offices can help you with early intervention programs, healthcare services, waivers and scholarships, job training and employment, unusual incident reporting, and more.
Statewide system that provides coordinated services to parents of children under age 3 with disabilities or developmental delays in Ohio. Parents and caregivers with concerns regarding their child’s development can have their child evaluated for free. A service coordinator works with families to develop a coordinated Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to support their child’s development. Contact them through the website.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
ohioearlyintervention.org
Provides support and education to Ohio’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing students PreK-12. Students with an IEP are eligible at no cost. Students are educated at OSD as the district of service, but remain a student of their home district. The home district must request placement for a student to attend. OSD offers year-round after school programs, summer programs, 4Plus transition/career readiness program, family events, and more.
500 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 728-4030
osd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/osd
This toolkit contains helpful online handouts with nutritional and developmental information for parents and physicians of newborns to teens, to help prevent childhood obesity.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-4824 or (614) 644-7035
nationwidechildrens.org/ounce-of-prevention
Services: Provides comprehensive psychological evaluations, specializing in Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Giftedness assessments. Provides actionable recommendations for home, school, and other relevant settings. Education consultation services are also available.
Eligibility: Ages 3-21.
Cost: Private pay, does not accept insurance but can provide a Super Bill for reimbursement. Initial fee of $250, followed by $150 per hour. Evaluations typically take 10-15 hours.
Referral: Self-referral.
2700 East Main Street, Bexley, Ohio 43209
(440) 796-0932
passpsychology.com
Provides expert-based information about early childhood development from preemie/NICU to 6 years old. You can find lots of educational information on developmental milestones, parenting practices, early detection of developmental delays, and more. Resources include free online parenting courses, a free app, developmentally appropriate videos and games for children and families.
Toll-free Parent-Answered National Hotline: (800) 955-2445
pathways.org
Online resource directory supporting families and children with life challenges, disabilities, and healthcare needs from prenatal to age 25. The website helps families find resources and organizations to meet their specific needs and challenges. Users can customize profiles by location (counties within Ohio), age ranges, medical conditions, and topics of interest.
redtreehouse.org
Assists people of all ages with all types of disabilities to live more independently. The majority of their board and staff are people with disabilities, assisting others with disabilities. They provide information and referrals for housing, education, transportation, assistive technology, and benefits. They also offer Advocacy/Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training, and help locating other community-based services.
Created by Mount Sinai Parenting Center, Sparks is a parent video series for parents of children from birth through 5 years of age. Sparks provides information about safety, sleep, nutrition, parent-child bonding, development and growth. This information is available in Spanish as well. You can also sign up to receive these videos by text! Parents will receive automatic text updates with your next video link as your child grows.
Text SPARKS to (844) 650-1210
sparksvideoseries.com/watch-now
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
Behavioral health intervention and treatment services for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.
Program: Outpatient and inpatient services (home-based and school-based), telehealth, therapeutic preschools and after school programs, residential care, support for foster families, and specialized services for Hispanic/Latino children. Children with an autism diagnosis are eligible for outpatient mental health and play therapies.
Eligibility: Youth ages 3-18 years old, and their families.
Cost: Therapies can be billed to Medicaid and a variety of insurances.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization. Walk-in services (no appointment needed) are available.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731 or (614) 824-5437
svfc.org
Uses movement, music, and art to bring kids together and provide an enriching experience. They offer year-round 6-week sessions, small groups, and summer camp for ages 1-21, as well as adult groups. Each session is a blend of music and visual art experiences that actively involve children of all abilities. Find program details and sign up online.
129 Orangewick Drive North, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
(937) 645-7641
theartofmusicllc.com
Early intervention is a range of services for infants and toddlers up to age three who are experiencing a delay in some area of their development.
Non-profit providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and assistive equipment to families of children with physical disabilities. All services are offered at no cost to families that qualify.
(727) 946-0963
wheelchairs4kids.org
Program: Provides behavioral health, early intervention, traditional and therapeutic foster care, pre- and post-adoption support, and respite services for youth and families in Central Ohio.
Eligibility: Ages 4 and older, eligibility varies by service.
Cost: Contact organization. Families seeking Behavioral Health services must have Medicaid.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization.
2323 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 258-9927
Offers helpful information about behavior, development, care and education of infants in their first 3 years of life. Access free resources and articles to learn about prenatal care, what to expect as your child grows, how to deal with challenging behaviors, and evidence-based positive parenting practices.
(202) 638-1144
zerotothree.org