There are only 2,000 days between a child’s birth and their first day of Kindergarten. Every day, every moment matters.
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Parents
Providers
Community

Parents + Guardians

Parents, you are your child’s first teacher. The experiences you provide, the bonds you share, and the opportunities you have to ensure your children thrive are invaluable. Learn how Action for Children can support you and your family as you grow together.

Providers

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) workforce works to promote the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children. AFC works to promote the ECE workforce through professional development and technical assistance.

Community

Action for Children’s work is made possible through the support, advocacy, and active participation of the entire community. By hosting events, sharing up-to-date news, and engaging with stakeholders throughout Central Ohio, AFC seeks to inform and inspire.

Finding Child Care
Looking for child care? Action for children can help your family find care that meets your needs:
1. Schedule a time to speak with a Family Engagement Specialist by calling 614-224-0222
2. Submit your child care request online
3. Conduct your own search 24/7 on our interactive map

Free Online Parenting Support During COVID-19
Sign up for brief, one-on-one parenting support by phone on a wide variety of topics for parents and caregivers of young children. This service is currently available in Madison, Marion, Pickaway, and Union counties. To sign up, email TripleP@actionforchildren.org or call 614-382-2445. For more information, click here.

Family Resources
School Re-Opening Plans – list of re-opening plans for every school district in Central Ohio
School Decision-Making Tool for Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians
Detailed Summary of Youth Day Camp Restart
For more information for families, please visit the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ page for families

Activities and Tips
How to talk to children about COVID-19
Pandemic Stress Management Practices for Parents
Social Distancing for Kids
Help stop the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19

Central Ohio Critical Child Care Network
Action for Children welcomes all providers into the Critical Child Care Network, where we have been collaborating and sharing resources to ease the challenges brought on by COVID-19.

Provider Resources
Temporary Pandemic School-Age Child Care Center Requirements – ODJFS
Child Care Center Manual Procedure Letter 29 “Update for Temporary Pandemic School-Age Child Care Center Requirements” – ODJFS
Temporary Pandemic School Age Child Care Center Licensing Steps – ODJFS
Responsible RestartOhio “Child Care Rules and Best Practices” – ODJFS
Center-based Rules & Regulations during COVID-19: Q&A with ODJFS (June 23) – Action for Children
Center-based Rules & Regulations during COVID-19: Putting It Into Practice (June 25) – Action for Children
Professional Development ONLINE Training Schedule for September

Community Resources
Ohio Voting Resources
Action for Children’s COVID-19 Response Timeline

Action for Children supports Anti-Racism Efforts
A message from CEO Eric Karolak
Resources and Reading Materials
Juneteenth Community Message

AFC in the News

NBC4: Childcare providers continue to adapt during pandemic (August 26, 2020)

Columbus Parent: Pandemic Prompts Day Care Dilemmas for Providers and Parents (Aug. 6, 2020)

Columbus Dispatch: Central Ohio child care centers waiting on subsidy figure before considering return to full capacity (July 31, 2020)

Columbus Dispatch: Amid pandemic, parents cautious over child care (July 19, 2020)

Columbus Dispatch: How will Ohio schools hold fall classes as coronavirus cases rise? (July 12, 2020)

NBC4: Parents Night In Benefiting Action for Children June 25 at 7 pm (June 25, 2020)

Columbus Dispatch: Ohio’s child care centers weigh reopening under state guidelines (May 24, 2020)

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