Groundwork Ohio

This Father’s Day, we’re sharing reflections on the many ways fathers help shape the lives of young children.

Casey Kozlowski, Ashtabula County Commissioner 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.

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.



Source: NICHQ - National Institute for Children's Health Quality, Fathers: Powerful Allies for Maternal and Child Health

Groundwork Ohio joined the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce 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 Phil Plummer Plummer 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.

Two child care bills took an important step forward this week, advancing from committee in the Ohio House.

Thank you to Representative Gary Click and Representative Mike Odioso for Ohio for sponsoring House Bill 484, which would expand access to publicly funded child care for child care professionals, and to Representatives Andrea White for Ohio and Sharon A. Ray 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 Springfield News-Sun article:

Two House bills to expand public childcare to more Ohio families pass committee The Ohio House is primed to vote on two bills that would make publicly funded child care available to more Ohio families.