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
Early learning resources are provided by the AAP to assist physicians in promoting, helping and guiding parents and caregivers on the importance of early learning, talking and reading for infants and toddlers. This toolkit also shares parent resources to help families learn ways to introduce and explore early learning and reading at home.
aap.org/en/patient-care/
AAP Books Build Connections Toolkit
Visit your local library to get access to free books, music, movies and documentaries. Many libraries also offer group reading times for children, homework help, job and business help, fun events for all ages, and more. Librarians can often help you get connected to local resources in your community, even if they are not offered directly by the library. Contact your local library to confirm what services they are currently offering.
Ohio
Franklin County
Delaware County
Fairfield County
Hocking County
Licking County
Madison County
Morrow County
Perry County
Pickaway County
Union County
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
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.
CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, specialized programs, and community events.
(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
columbuslibrary.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
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
Provides free books to children from birth to age 5. Through the partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, you can sign up to get a free book very month for your child. The sign-up process is very easy, and can be done with just some basic information. Visit the website to enroll in the program.
Click to enroll: ohioimaginationlibrary.org
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 wrap-around programming to support families overcoming or at-risk for homelessness. Case managers help families access stable housing, emergency rent and utility assistance, household and hygiene items. Education programs include SPARK for 3-4 year old children not enrolled in Pre-K to prepare for Kindergarten, and STEAM afterschool and summer programs for grades K-8 at Dowd Education Center.
(614) 461-9247
Homeless Hotline (614) 274-7000
homeforfamilies.org
INFOhio is Ohio’s PreK-12 digital library. Use the website to find free reading materials, websites, videos, and games organized by age and grade level. Topics range from early learning and learning to read, world languages, STEM, crafts, and more. Parents and Educators can also find parenting resources and professional literature databases. All resources align with the Ohio Department of Education Standards.
infohio.org
A free program to help your child get ready for kindergarten for families in zip codes 43205, 43206, 43207, 43211 or 43224. The SPARK Program will come to you at your home or a location of your choice. They will work with you and your child to learn new words, letter sounds, read books, learn to write and do preschool math. This program is for a child who will start kindergarten in the Fall. Visit the website for eligibility information, additional contact information and application information.
(614) 355-0714
nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/courses-for-parents-and-kids/spark-program
Outlines the school options available for students in Ohio including community/charter schools, private schools, career-technical education, STEM schools, College Credit Plus (formerly known as PSEO and Dual Enrollment), home schooling, scholarships, high school equivalence/GED, and adult diploma programs.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options
Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) are networks of families and educators supporting children’s learning. The Ohio PTA offers annual $500 scholarships for high school seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university, a technical certification, or Special Education degree. Students must attend a school in a district with official PTA status to apply. The National PTA offer additional awards and programs. Their website has tons of helpful information for parents and educators on topics like special education, state assessments, college readiness, summer learning, safety, and more.
40 Northwoods Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 781-6344
Ohio PTA: facebook.com/OhioPTA
National PTA: pta.org/home/family-resources
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
National literacy initiative providing many free resources for families, teachers, and librarians. Go online for resources on teaching kids to read, help for struggling readers, help for kids with dyslexia, literacy apps, webcasts, common core information, book lists, reading classes and more.
readingrockets.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