Children thrive when they have caring adults in their lives who make them feel safe, supported, and loved. A review of more than 150 studies found that infants and toddlers with highly involved fathers show stronger cognitive development and richer vocabulary skills. Early father involvement is also linked to fewer behavior challenges later in childhood. This Father's Day we're celebrating the dads and father figures who help children grow with confidence and security. #PresentFromTheStart #FatherhoodMatters #StrongStartsWithDad Source: @OCFatherhood Annual Report

This Father’s Day, we’re sharing reflections on the many ways fathers help shape the lives of young children. Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski highlights the lasting impact of a father’s presence—from words of encouragement and shared experiences to simply showing up for the moments that matter. These everyday actions help build confidence, create a sense of security, and leave memories that last a lifetime. Fathers and father figures play an important role in helping children feel loved, supported, and valued as they grow. #PresentFromTheStart #FatherhoodMatters #StrongStartsWithDad

June is a time to recognize and celebrate the important role fathers play in helping children, families, and communities thrive. As part of our recognition of Father's Day and Responsible Fatherhood Month, we're highlighting organizations working to support and empower fathers across Ohio. In this spotlight, we're featuring Urban Family Development Center and its Dads2B initiative, which works to strengthen families through father engagement, maternal health support, infant vitality initiatives, and community partnerships. From helping fathers advocate for themselves in maternal health settings to creating opportunities for dads to connect, learn, and lead, Dads2B is helping build stronger families and stronger communities. Read more: groundworkohio.org/post/part…

Ohio fathers have stories, experiences, and insights that deserve to be heard. Dr. Jasmine Moses of Black Child Development Institute–Ohio shares why listening to fathers and father figures is essential to building stronger supports for children and families. Read the blog and take the statewide Fatherhood Survey today. Read more: groundworkohio.org/post/why-… #PresentFromTheStart #FatherhoodMatters #StrongStartsWithDad @ClevelandBCDI

A father's impact begins long before a child takes their first steps. Research shows that when fathers are actively involved during pregnancy, mothers are 1.5 times more likely to receive prenatal care during the first trimester. Every appointment attended, question asked, and moment of support helps build a strong start for both babies and families. #PresentFromTheStart #FatherhoodMatters #StrongStartsWithDad Source: Fathers: Powerful Allies for Maternal and Child Health

Today, Groundwork Ohio Vice President Brittany Boulton (@BAnneBoulton) participated in a presentation to Connecting People to Possibilities in NE Ohio (ConxusNEO) and Elevate Akron Elevate Greater Akron alongside Richelle Wardell, Education & Health Strategist for the City of Akron as well as Early Childhood Resource Center CEO Angela Moses and Director of Strategic Initiatives Amy Wise. Brittany shared a statewide landscape of child care barriers and costs for Ohio's working families and invited business leaders to participate in Groundwork Ohio's business coalition. Learn more about our business coalition: groundworkohio.org/businesse…

Groundwork Ohio joined the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce (@DaytonChamber) for its Legislative Day in Columbus on June 9, bringing together business, community, and policy leaders to discuss priorities shaping Ohio's future. We appreciated the opportunity to hear from Representative @PhilPlummerOH and Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Stephanie Keinath and engage in conversations about strengthening Ohio's workforce and economy. We're encouraged to see child care recognized as a key policy priority and workforce participation strategy. When families have access to affordable, reliable child care, parents can work, businesses can grow, and communities can thrive. Thank you to the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce for the invitation and for prioritizing child care as a workforce issue.

This Father’s Day, we’re highlighting reflections on the lasting influence fathers have across generations. For Barb Smoot, President & CEO of @WELD_National, the example set by her father continues to shape her family today. His commitment to sharing caregiving responsibilities and being an active, engaged parent demonstrated that fatherhood is not about helping—it’s about showing up, being present, and sharing in the work of raising a family. The impact of involved fathers extends far beyond childhood, helping shape stronger families and brighter futures for the next generation. #PresentFromTheStart #FatherhoodMatters #StrongStartsWithDad

Senate Bill 218 continues to move forward in the Ohio House, advancing efforts to strengthen Ohio's child care system and expand access for families. Thank you to Senator Kristina Roegner (@kristinaroegner) for championing Senate Bill 218 and to Representative Tracy Richardson (@Richardson4OH) Richardson for sponsoring companion legislation, House Bill 464, which is also moving through the legislative process after passing unanimously out of the Ohio House. Together, these efforts help advance solutions that support children, families, providers, and employers across Ohio. Groundwork Ohio Vice President Brittany Boulton (@BAnneBoulton) provided testimony on the bill, emphasizing the importance of increasing access to quality child care and addressing barriers that make it difficult for families to find and afford care. Child care remains one of the biggest challenges facing Ohio families and our workforce, and policy solutions like Senate Bill 218 and House Bill 464 are an important part of the conversation. Read more in this @OhioCapJournal article by @susantebben: ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/…

Two child care bills took an important step forward this week, advancing from committee in the Ohio House. Thank you to Representatives Gary Click (@clickforohio) and Mike Odioso (@RepMikeOdioso) for sponsoring House Bill 484, which would expand access to publicly funded child care for child care professionals, and to Representatives Andrea White (@AndreaWhite2020) and Sharon Ray (@sharonrayohio) for sponsoring House Bill 7, which would make foster and kinship caregivers eligible for publicly funded child care. These proposals help address barriers facing Ohio families and the early childhood workforce. We appreciate the bipartisan leadership focused on strengthening child care access for Ohio's children and families. Read more in this @springfieldnews article by @averykreemer: springfieldnewssun.com/news/… @OHRGOPCaucus @OHHouseDems

Yesterday, Monday June 8, Groundwork Ohio Vice President Brittany Boulton delivered proponent testimony of Senate Bill 218, legislation that would recognize the existing certification process for Department of Defense family child care providers and remove unnecessary duplication in Ohio's licensing requirements. By aligning state policy with rigorous federal oversight already in place, SB 218 helps reduce barriers for qualified providers, supports military families, and contributes to Ohio's efforts to expand access to safe, reliable child care. Read the testimony: groundworkohio.org/post/grou…

Earlier today, Groundwork Ohio Senior Director of Policy Caitlin Feasby Feldman delivered interested party testimony on House Bill 795 to the Ohio House Medicaid Committee. Thanks to the advocacy of parents, families, caregivers, and disability advocates across Ohio, provisions that would have eliminated payment for family caregivers were removed from the bill. Groundwork Ohio's testimony focused on the importance of maintaining continuity of Medicaid coverage for young children, pregnant women, and families while ensuring efforts to strengthen program integrity do not create unintended barriers to care. In Ohio, Medicaid covers approximately half of all births and provides health coverage for nearly 400,000 children from birth through age five. These investments help ensure families can access preventive care, developmental screenings, treatment, and other supports that are critical during a child's earliest years. Read the testimony: groundworkohio.org/post/grou…

Children's needs should remain at the center of decisions that shape their future. Senate Bill 174 would update Ohio's parenting laws to encourage courts to consider factors such as a child's developmental needs, safety, relationships, and overall well-being when making parenting decisions. Take action today and ask your state representative to support SB 174. 🔗bit.ly/KidsSB174

The everyday moments matter. Reading a book, sharing a meal, taking a walk, or simply talking together all help build a child's brain. Research shows that children with involved fathers demonstrate stronger language skills, higher cognitive test scores, and positive social development as they grow. This Father's Day, we celebrate the dads and father figures helping Ohio's youngest children learn, grow, and thrive. #PresentFromTheStart #FatherhoodMatters #StrongStartsWithDad

Raising a baby is expensive. Now is the time for support, not obstacles. We’re joining @ZEROTOTHREE & #StrollingThunder families to tell Congress: Invest in #SSBG #TANF #Medicaid #SNAP and other programs that keep babies healthy, fed, and safe. bit.ly/StrollingThunder26

This Father’s Day, we’re highlighting the voices of fathers and father figures who understand the important role they play in a child’s life. Commissioner Jeff Fix reflects on fatherhood as both a gift and a responsibility — one that brings joy, challenges, pride, and the opportunity to help shape a child’s future. Strong, supportive relationships help children grow, learn, and thrive, and fathers play an important role in that journey. #PresentFromTheStart #FatherhoodMatters #StrongStartsWithDad

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: groundworkohio.org/post/earl…