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
Advocates for people with disabilities in Ohio. Their website has helpful resources on abuse, neglect and exploitation, employment, benefits counseling, education, voting, and more. Rise Up is an interactive youth advocacy guide with resources for transitioning into adulthood. Most of their resources are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Somali. Complete the online intake form for legal help.
200 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181
Rise Up guides: disabilityrightsohio.org/riseup
Intake Form: disabilityrightsohio.org/intake-form
disabilityrightsohio.org
Provides free civil legal assistance and guidance to low income residents and senior citizens of Columbus and Central Ohio. Legal Aid attorneys may be able to help you with the following types of cases or legal problems: consumer law, family law, housing, public benefits, reentry, seniors, tax law, veterans, and education. Their website also has a page of Resources with easy to read information on these topics.
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
Situations may arise where parents or other family members believe a school has violated federal or state law. The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) and Office of Early Learning & School Readiness (EL&SR) encourage parents, family members and schools to work together to resolve differences for free. The website provides information about mediation services and more.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education/Dispute-Resolution
This site has resources for educators to identify and best serve PreK-12 students learning English. Find State guidelines for communicating with families, creating inclusive learning environments, supporting international/foreign exchange students, and more.
(614) 446-4109
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/English-Learners
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
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Children and Youth Act ensures all children and youth have equal access to free and appropriate public education. Families experiencing homelessness are entitled to transportation, free meals, and additional school support services. Use the website to learn about state laws and services.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 324-7646
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Homeless-Youth/Families
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
Offers a free Special Education Legal Clinic for parents of students with disabilities (ages 3-26). Parents and guardians meet with a special education advocate or attorney to ask questions and discuss challenges related to special education services. The Clinic includes a group workshop followed by a Q&A panel from special education professionals. Free, 30-minute guidance sessions with attorneys are also available.
262 South 3rd Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Columbus: (614) 745-2001
Cleveland: (216) 714-1515
Cincinnati: (513) 496-1635
lawyers4students.com/legalclinic
Online resource supporting families and children with challenges, disabilities, and healthcare needs from prenatal to age 25. The website helps families find resources, organizations and events to meet their specific needs and challenges. Users can customize profiles by location (counties within Ohio), age ranges and topics of interest.
redtreehouse.org