Groundwork Ohio

06/07/2026

For 20 years, Emma Ginther worked as an early childhood educator. Today, she helps shape countywide early learning strategies in Franklin County while continuing to advocate for children, families, and educators.

As a Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Leadership Fellow, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, with a passion for expanding access to high-quality early education, supporting fair compensation for educators, and ensuring community voices help shape policy decisions.

Read her full fellow spotlight: https://www.groundworkohio.org/post/early-childhood-leadership-fellow-spotlight-emma-ginther

06/06/2026

What do you want to be when you grow up?

During Family Voices at the Statehouse, Rachel Giannini invited some of Ohio’s youngest attendees to answer that question and share their dreams for the future.

Their responses were creative, thoughtful, and a powerful reminder of why investing in young children matters. Every child deserves the opportunity to pursue their goals, reach their full potential, and have their voice heard.

Thank you, Rachel, for helping create such a meaningful and memorable moment for children and families from across Ohio.

06/05/2026

Season 2 of Groundwork Ohio's The Morning Meeting is officially a wrap!

This season, 2,232 attendees joined us for conversations with policymakers, practitioners, researchers, advocates, and community leaders working to make Ohio the best place to be a young child.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in, shared ideas, asked questions, and helped create a space for learning, connection, and action on behalf of Ohio's children and families.

We'll be back this fall, but until then, you can catch up on past episodes and revisit your favorite conversations anytime.

Watch previous Morning Meetings: https://groundworkohio.org/morning-meetings

06/05/2026

A recent op-ed published in the Enquirer - Cincinnati and Kentucky by bi3 President & CEO Jill Miller is a powerful reminder that while the headlines about Hamilton County's rising infant mortality rate are alarming, they do not have to define our future.

Jill highlights the unacceptable reality that Black infants in Hamilton County continue to die at disproportionately higher rates than white infants, while also pointing to solutions (Cradle Cincinnati, Queens Village Cincinnati) already making a difference through community partnerships, family-centered support, and investments in maternal and infant health.

One line that especially stands out:
"Ask yourself a simple question: What can I do in one hour to support a new or expecting mom?"

Thank you to Jill Miller and bi3 for elevating both the urgency of this issue and the community-driven solutions that can help more babies reach their first birthday.

Read the op-ed:

Opinion: Hamilton County's rising infant mortality rate should move the entire community to action.

06/05/2026

When policymakers discuss child care, parents deserve a seat at the table.

Sara Laughlin, a Miami County parent and Groundwork Ohio Family Action Network member, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend Child Care Aware of America's Child Care Strong: Igniting Opportunity Symposium 2026.

In her reflection, Sara shares how Head Start has made it possible for her to work and support her family, why family voices matter in policy conversations, and how the experience inspired her to continue advocating for Ohio's children and families.

Read the blog: https://www.groundworkohio.org/post/finding-my-voice-why-i-attended-the-child-care-aware-of-america-symposium-in-washington-d-c

06/04/2026

Families in Gallia County: Your voice matters.

Join BCDI Ohio and Groundwork Ohio for a welcoming virtual listening session on Wednesday June 24, focused on child care, early learning, and family supports in your community.

This family-centered conversation is an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and families to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and help inform advocacy and solutions that better support children and families across Gallia County.

Eligible participants who actively participate will receive a stipend. Space is limited, and registration is encouraged.

Register here: https://www.mobilize.us/bcdiohio/event/958925/

06/04/2026

Groundwork Ohio traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal child care and early learning investments during First Five Years Fund's inaugural First Five Federal-State Partnership Summit.

Our team met with 10 Ohio congressional offices to discuss FY27 funding, the Child Care Modernization Act, and Ohio’s projected $375M annual child care funding deficit beginning in 2028.

Read the blog: https://www.groundworkohio.org/post/groundwork-ohio-first-five-years-fund-to-advocate-for-federal-child-care-investments-in-washington

06/03/2026

Families are struggling to make ends meet & give their little ones what they need for a strong start. We’re joining ZERO TO THREE & families to tell Congress it’s time to expand the . https://bit.ly/StrollingThunder26

06/03/2026

In Ohio in 2024, a full 73% of single-parent households couldn’t make ends meet.

Behind every data point are families working hard to provide for their children while navigating the rising costs of everyday necessities.

Take a look at The Brookings Institution's latest analysis on affordability challenges facing households across the country.👇

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