Ohio to receive $48 million for increased access to early childhood education

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) will receive $48 million in federal grant dollars over the next three years to increase access to childhood care and education.

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families is funding ODJFS via its Preschool Development Grant - Birth to Five.

The grant money will fund programs that focus on:

• Increasing access and family engagement in early childhood care and education
• Expanding of child care for those with special needs, English language learners, and those experiencing homelessness
• Creating long-term and sustainable local, state, and federal funding for early childhood education programs
• Expanding marketing and outreach to increase family awareness of their potential eligibility and access to child care options
• Preparing early childhood care and education professionals with culturally appropriate trauma training, credentialing, and parent supports
• Making sure family members and other caretakers are key partners in grant activities, policy development, and new initiatives.

“The plans for this grant are expansive,” ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder said. “It will fund a needs assessment to determine the best way to provide safe and enriching early child care and education for young children with physical disabilities and emotional needs. It will also address workforce needs, family engagement, and the impact of trauma on the mental health of children, all to help them achieve their God-given potential.”

“The largest group of Ohioans living in poverty are children aged five and under,” said Governor DeWine. “This grant allows Ohio to better serve these children by creating stronger cross program coordination and higher quality programming in publicly funded childcare, public preschools, early intervention and home visiting that form a strong foundation for successful learning.”

For more information about the grant and its application, you can visit ODJFS’s website.

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