Serves: Children birth to age 21, parents, and families.
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
A neighborhood-based community center that serves the near east and near south neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio. Programs for families include soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education training, emergency housing/rent assistance, nutrition programs, utility services, health care, parenting workshops and more. They partner with Columbus Early Learning Centers to provide childcare. Programs for youth include after-school, summer day camp for kids ages 5-13, and the TRANSIT ARTS center which provides free music and art classes. Village Central Senior Program helps adults ages 60 and older maintain independence and combat isolation by providing transportation services, wellness programs, home repairs, organized social events, community engagement and more. They also have a business training program called ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs.
1150 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Front Desk/Intake: (614) 252-3157
Village Central Senior Program: (614) 545-2703
TRANSIT ARTS: (614) 732-0198
cchouse.org
Delivers Head Start and Early Head Start educational services to infants and children aged 6 weeks-5 years of age. They operate full and part-day centers, partner with privately-owned child care centers and provide one-on-one home base services. They also offer mental health services, disabilities services, developmental screenings, nutrition services, onsite medical screenings, kindergarten readiness preparation, speech, vision, and hearing screenings, educational field trips, and various family engagement opportunities. Case management services are provide to parents and caretakers including economic mobility services, workforce development, adult education services, and advocacy and resource support. Visit the website for Head Start locations and Child Care partner agencies.
Enrollment Line: (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 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
A community‐based, non‐profit, advocacy organization that works to empower Black and urban communities through economic, educational and social progress with programs, classes and services.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.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
Settlement house located in Franklinton serving zip codes 43222, 43223, and 43215. Programs include parenting classes, senior outreach, a preschool, youth programming and sports, rent and utility assistance, medical appointments with The Breathing Association, and the Gladden Food Pantry. The food pantry provides home delivery for seniors and disabled residents, and diapers.
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.
1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-2731
columbusjcc.org
Represents the 88 county boards of developmental disabilities throughout Ohio and monitors legislation at the state and national level. Their website lists helpful advocacy information for individuals, families, and professionals.
73 East Wilson Bridge Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 431-0616
oacbdd.org/index.php
Head Start is the largest national school readiness program. The Ohio Head Start Association focuses on leadership and advocacy. Use their Directory to find Head Start providers and services in each county in Ohio. They also have information on becoming a Head Start ambassador and contacting your congressional representatives.
ohsai.org
Helps licensed preschools and child care providers in Ohio with preschool-age children whose behavior poses challenges in the preschool setting, putting them at risk for expulsion. To access free on-site consultation services call the number below or complete their online request form. OPEPP is a collaboration among the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), Big Lots Behavioral Health Services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and local early childhood mental health providers.
(844) 678-2227
nationwidechildrens.org/preschool-expulsion-prevention
The Head Start and Early Childhood Education program is for income eligible 3 and 4 year old children living in the Grove City and Columbus (South-Western school district) area. Children attend half-day sessions at one of the locations below and receive school-readiness education and a nutritious meal.
Offers early education and care for children from 6-weeks to 5 years old. Families can enroll their children in early head start, head start, and preschool classrooms (both publicly funded Title XX child care and private pay provided). They also provide parenting classes and supportive services for caregivers. They have multiple locations (listed below).
(614) 444-1529
sproutfive.org
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
Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Hosts programs for men, women and children of all ages covering health and fitness, swimming, age-specific activities, childcare, summer camps, juvenile justice, housing, and more.
Administrative Office: 1907 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 389-4409
YMCA Locations & Contact Info: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
YMCA Columbus Website: ymcacolumbus.org