Provides free information on childcare and early development for parents and caregivers; 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.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222 in English & Spanish or (855) 302-4453
actionforchildren.org
afclearning.org
Provides information for young adults, families and professionals related to foster care, health and health insurance.
www.aap.org/en/patient-care/foster-care
The website has information on a wide range of health topics, including safety, fitness, school issues, dating, substance abuse; emotional wellness, including helping children handle stress, psychiatric medications, grief. It also provides information about healthy living, family life, immunizations, developmental stages and more.
healthychildren.org
Baby sign language is a way for all parents to improve early infant communication and communicate with children before they can actually speak. This website is full of free resources, including free videos, flash cards and tutorials.
(855) 827-5275
babysignlanguage.com
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
Check Eligibility for State Programs: Eligibility Assessment
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
Authorized by the Higher Education Act and administered by the U.S. Department of Education, this program provides childcare for children 6 weeks to 12 years old for parents who are low-income and enrolled at Ohio State University (OSU). Along with childcare, parents are provided with priority scheduling, mentoring/coaching, and referrals to connect your family to university and community resources.
84 North 17th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 292-0531
odi.osu.edu/ccampis
Offers an alternative to the court system by providing an impartial mediator who helps work out conflicts. They provide problem-solving services for domestic and family issues, divorce, neighborhood conflicts, tenant-landlord disputes to prevent eviction, workplace issues and consumer rights disputes. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale.
67 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-7191
communitymediation.com
Helps families struggling with their infants’ crying, sleeping or feeding. Call their Warmline for free to speak to an infant specialist. Services are available in English and Spanish. Visit the website for contact hours.
Erikson Institute
451 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654
Warmline: (888) 431-2229
erikson.edu/services/fussy-baby-network/
Provides national resources in support of grandfamilies within and outside the child welfare system. You can find information on current and pending laws, adoption, financial help, special guardian options and more. Visit the website for resources, programs and benefits.
grandfamilies.org
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
The Children’s Defense Fund has published a resource kit for kinship caregivers that provides information on topics such as cash assistance, child care and education programs, health care and coverage, as well as other issues important to relative caregivers. They also offer scholarship programs and advocate for legislation on behalf of children.
395 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-2244
Resource Kit: childrensdefense.org/policy/resources
CDF Ohio Website: cdfohio.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.
A free e-newsletter written by pediatric specialists and customized to meet the health and safety needs of your family. When you enter the ages of your child(ren), you will only get articles that are relevant to your family.
nationwidechildrens.org/e-newsletter-sign-up
Parents can apply for an Ohio ID card for their children at any Deputy Registrar BMV location. Parents of children who have an Ohio ID card can also add their contact information to their child’s record for use in the event the child becomes lost or is reported missing.
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(844) 644-6268
Ohio ID Card Info: bmv.ohio.gov/dl-id-card.aspx
Find a location near you: publicsafety.ohio.gov/local-office
Their website contains helpful resources relating to juvenile justice, foster care, adoption, kinship care (relatives and non-relatives raising children) and information for youth transitioning from the foster system to adulthood, as well as advocacy information.
2600 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43231
(614) 461-0014
ohiochildrensalliance.org
Provides statewide advocacy, funding, and educational resources for parents and professionals to prevent child abuse and neglect. Programs include Parent Cafe support groups for parents and free online positive parenting class (Triple P). Browse their website for informational articles related to parenting.
(614) 387-5478 or (614) 722-5305
To report child abuse in Ohio: (855) 642-4453
Triple P: Positive Parenting Program
Central Ohio Website: Regional Prevention Councils/Central
Ohio Children’s Trust Fund Website: octf.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/octf
Helps parents understand what children are expected to learn in school and how to help them succeed, so families can choose a school for their child, get involved in their child’s learning and get information about learners with special needs and talents.
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-Involved-with-your-Child-s-Learning
Educates, supports, and advocates for adoptive, foster, kinship and respite families impacted by Ohio’s child protection system. Provides educational resources, virtual family support groups, and a Warmline to get support. Keeps members up to date on the latest news related to foster care and adoption.
303 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 222-2712
Warmline: (800) 228-3014
ofcaonline.org
Provides access to hundreds of handouts and resources, covering a wide array of subjects such as agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community development, and youth development.
2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-6181
ohioline.osu.edu
Provides training and educational resources for families to help support their child’s learning, emotional health, and plans for the future. They also build professional training and tools for school leaders, teachers, and community partners.
1900 Kenny Road, Suite 1036, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-2805
ohiofamiliesengage.osu.edu
Provides birth parents the option to leave an infant (up to 30 days old) with a medical worker in a hospital, a medical worker at a fire department or other emergency service organization, or a peace officer at a law enforcement agency. If the infant is left with a person at one of these places and has not been abused, the parent will face no legal consequences for making this choice.
(866) 886-3537
jfs.ohio.gov/safe-havens
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
A group of teachers and parents in Dublin City Schools who provide education designed to keep youth safe and healthy. Underage drinking, internet safety, bullying and eating disorders are some of the topics they focus on. Presentations are free and open to the general public. They also link families to summer youth programs focused on healthy communication, emotional development, and self-confidence.
5175 Emerald Parkway, Dublin, Ohio 43017
percdublin.org
This website offers helpful advice, extensive information about drug and alcohol use, free online trainings, and support groups for parents. Text, call or email the free and confidential helpline. Visit the website for contact information. Support is available in both English and Spanish.
711 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017
(212) 841-5200
Hotline: Text CONNECT to 55753
drugfree.org/get-support
Provides information about early detection of developmental delays, tools and resources to maximize all children’s motor, sensory, and communication development. Resources include free online courses, a free app, videos and games for children, and educational information for parents organized by age and developmental milestones.
Toll-free Parent-Answered National Hotline: (800) 955-2445
pathways.org
Advocates for and supports child protection program and public policy for safe children, stable families, and supportive communities. They also provide leadership opportunities for young people (aged 14-24) who have experienced foster care. Go online to find resources and information, referrals, and follow-up services to grandparents and other relatives raising children through kinship care.
37 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-5802
pcsao.org
This online resource supporting the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of children and young adults, 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
Provides car seat inspections, educational resources, product recall information and safety tips to help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries. Visit their website for a list of car seat inspection locations.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6138
Car Seat Inspection Sites: safekids.org/coalition/safe-kids-central-ohio
Main Website: safekids.org
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
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 what to expect as your child grows, how to deal with challenging behaviors, and evidence-based parenting practices.
(202) 638-1144
zerotothree.org