Here's what we found for you
- Education: childhood
Education helps to set the foundation for a successful life, so it is important for every child in Stark County to learn in a quality, supportive environment. You have options when deciding where and how your child will be educated, and there are many community programs available to help you along the way. Find out what you can do today to help your child thrive tomorrow.
- Education: youth & teens
Adolescents and teenagers are at a critical time in their educational journeys. From this point forward, their behavior and academic performance will have a lasting impact on their long-term success. Students at this age establish learning behaviors, studying patterns and goals for their futures. They may also face social or emotional challenges that require more attention and support. Find helpful adolescent education programs and resources for students in school as well as the community members who are influential to their success.
- Education opportunities: young adults
After school, it is important for students to look forward to what’s next. Whether they pursue a career, enroll in college or enlist in the armed services, young people have options in choosing their path toward adulthood. Some of these opportunities will require a high school diploma, others may demand a background of skills or training. Either way, emerging adults should have a plan for the future, so they are set up for long-term success.
- Education resources
Education resources are available to support the behavior, emotional wellbeing and academic performance of children throughout Stark County. Find programs and services dedicated to providing a strong educational foundation for local students of all ages and abilities.
- Access to education
Homeless and runaway youth may struggle with academic and behavioral problems at school. They are more prone to high expulsion and suspension rates and less likely to complete high school. Plus, without proper education, opportunities to obtain meaningful employment are limited. Learn what local support services and resources are available to help young people complete their education and prepare for success in adulthood.
- GraduationWhether your child goes on to a postsecondary education, meaningful employment or a different living arrangement, he or she will need to transition into the “real world.” All three of these present their own challenges and opportunities. You may have discussed some of these prospects with your child and his or her IEP team before graduation. No matter what path your child takes, there are steps regarding medical and legal rights to be considered as your child transitions to adulthood.
- Adult literacyAdult literacy programs are designed to address several important learning areas, including writing, reading, basic math and cultural competency. These programs not only help to support individual success. When more adults in Stark County are literate, the community sees reductions in crime and substance use as well as improved public health and employment rates.
- High school equivalenceNontraditional students who have not received a high school diploma can pursue similar credit through a High School Equivalence Test (HiSET), Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) or General Equivalency Development (GED) program. These courses allow students to apply for jobs or pursue a college degree that would otherwise require a high school diploma.
- CARE Teams
School can present many challenges for students. Whether they are struggling in class, experiencing issues in the home or having a hard time socially, CARE Teams are available to help. Each CARE team is different, but they are typically made up of school guidance counselors, administrators, teachers, clinical staff, family support specialists and mental health professionals. With different skills and backgrounds at the table, each member of the CARE Team contributes a unique perspective to address student issues with wraparound resources.
- Stark County CARE Teams cover basic needs so students can focus on academicsTogether, these professionals brainstorm ideas for ways to support children so they can do their best while they’re at school.
- Special education servicesEvery child with developmental disabilities has a right to receive a free, appropriate, public education in the least restrictive environment possible. Learn how school districts across Stark Country are supporting students with functional needs through a variety of educational programs and services.
- Career & technical education
Career and technical education programs prepare students with work-based learning opportunities and academic experience in a variety of fields. These courses are based in local high schools, community centers and technical schools around Stark County. Upon completion, students are equipped with the skills they need to pursue careers in advanced technical fields that require specialized training.
- Career counselingIn the search for fulfilling work, it’s not uncommon for young adults to be uncertain about how to find career options that match their skills and interests. Learn about local employment resources that help young people in Stark County through every step of the process.
- School support resourcesIn order for a student to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential, it is important that they receive support, not just at home, but also in school. Learn about the programs and services available for students in Stark County.
- Military education servicesThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers military and veterans access to various educational assistance programs that are aligned with their career interests and goals. They can choose to pursue a college degree via the GI Bill, enroll in online correspondence courses or explore on-the-job training options.
- English as a second languageFor students who speak a different language at home and at school, school programs are provided to help them learn English as a second language (ESL). By developing skills for writing, reading and speaking, students are better able to communicate with their teachers and classmates. Learn about the language assistance services available in classrooms.
- Gifted education
Children are identified as gifted when they demonstrate cognitive, creative or leadership ability that is significantly above average for their age. In Stark County, schools provide tailored curriculum and programming to help support and challenge these gifted students. Find more information about gifted education in Stark County.
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are required to receive special education services in Stark County public schools. These important documents are put together by the teaching staff, parents, school administrators and the students themselves, to prepare for success in school. Included in these plans are details about the child’s learning needs, services required from the school and ways to monitor the student’s progress.
- Transportation for studentsReliable transportation to school and extracurricular activities is critical for academic success. Yet some young people do not have safe, dependable ways to get to and from school. Cost-effective and convenient options are provided through public and private transportation services. Find out how these local resources can meet your daily transportation needs.
- Evaluation Team Report
The Evaluation Team Report (school district evaluation) is essentially the beginning step in the special education process. Before a child can receive educational accommodations and related services, the child must be evaluated to identify developmental delays. Once the evaluation is complete, the child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is assembled by a team including parents, teachers, therapists, behavioral specialists and school administrators.
- Adapted physical education
In Stark County, adapted physical education (APE) is offered to students of all ages when identified as a need on a student’s Individual Education Plan. This promotes progress in all areas of development while providing students with the opportunity to explore and manipulate age-appropriate materials in a safe and nurturing environment. Contact your local school district to learn about the APE and other special education services provided near you.
- Occupational & physical therapy
Occupational and physical therapists support children with disabilities by developing fine and gross motor skills, self-help skills and sensory control. Stark County schools must provide this service when a child’s education needs demonstrate their necessity. Using direct and indirect services, as well as assistive technology and classroom modifications, therapists collaborate with parents, teachers and other intervention specialists to help children reach their full educational potential.
- Itinerant services
Itinerant services are provided for preschool students by intervention specialists or related service providers wherever the child is – at home, at school or in another childcare setting. School districts in Stark County must provide some form of itinerant services to students as part of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) continuum for preschool. Contact your local school district to learn more about this and other special education services.
- Stark County Educational Service Center Provides Schools with Helpful ResourcesThe Stark County Educational Service Center provides schools with helpful resources that support student educational, health and emotional needs.
- North Canton Students Use Business to Inspire Positivity in and Outside of the ClassroomA group of students from Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio, started You Choose, a Junior Achievement business to promote positivity.
- Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: A mother and son’s 20-year journeyI teach about people with disabilities and how Stark DD helps more than 3,900 people, including my son, living in Stark County. Read our story.
- Importance of Safe Places and Caring Relationships for Our LGBTQ+ Young People
In honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, let us take a moment to learn more about what we can do in our personal and professional lives to create safe spaces and caring relationships for our LGBTQ youth (and adults).
Far too many LGBTQ+ youth do not feel safe and accepted or feel a sense of pride in themselves. In fact, LGBTQ+ youth experience bullying, parental rejection, depression, and thoughts of suicide at significantly higher rates then their heterosexual peers.
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton – Down Syndrome Achievement Center
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton is fulfilling the dream of the Down syndrome community of having a location where individuals with Down syndrome of all ages have a place to call their own, where they feel safe and can explore their abilities through proven programs with support and celebration. Parents no longer feel the anxiety of finding a place where their loved one will be unconditionally accepted and offered opportunity to become their best of all.
Each participant will grow with the programs at their own pace and interact with their peers in an environment of celebration and achievement.
Canton, OH 44718
Stark Education Partnership
Improvement and innovation services to provide all students with access to quality education and careers.
Suite B
Canton, OH 44702
YWCA Canton
Provides emergency shelter to the homeless and tools to help them get back on their feet and become self-sufficient
Also provides early care and education services to children that enhance their development and prepare them to be successful as they transition to kindergarten
To be placed in housing you must first register with the homeless hotline by calling 330-452-4363
Canton, OH 44702
CCS District/Adult Education
Adult Career & Technical Education
Canton, OH 44710
Adult Career & Technical Education
Personal and professional development skills to support adult learners as they obtain industry credentials for career employment in high-demand occupations.
Canton, OH 44710
Dementia Education and Support Group
For individuals with a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia.
Alliance, OH 44601
Goodwill Community Campus
On the Ken Weber Community Campus
Employment, education and family strengthening services
Canton, OH 44707 Learn more
ABLE (Adult Basic Literacy Education)
Adult college and career readiness programs offered through Canton City Schools.
Canton, OH 44702
Stark County Community Action Agency
Emergency HEAP Appointment Line: 330-617-1055
Summer & Winter Crisis
PIPP
Offers employment services, financial support and career counseling to the Stark County community.
Head Start
HEAP
HWAP (Home Weatherization)
Community Action Pathways HUB
Work Force Development
Canton, OH 44714
Massillon City Schools Career Technical Education
Helping students to develop professional skills and experience to prepare them for future employment:
- Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
- Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
- Skills USA
- Business Professionals of America (BPA)
- Educators Rising
- Junior Achievement
Massillon, OH 44646
CommQuest Canton
Addiction and mental health counseling, psychiatric services, case management, education and employment services, detox, hot meals, social center
Stark State College
Education options for adults in Stark County.
North Canton, OH 44720
Kids Link
Individualized education program for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
Streetsboro, OH 44241
Out of the Box
Education, behavior and social programs for children ages 5 to 22.
Unit D
Akron, OH 44310
Down Syndrome Support Network of Stark County
Support, advocacy, education and resources for families of children with Down syndrome.
North Canton, OH 44720
Ohio Guidestone
Providing counseling, support, advocacy and education with a focus on prevention and treatment.
Canton, OH 44702
Stark Community Foundation
Building a strong community through economic development, education and strong neighborhoods.
Suite 200
Canton, OH 44702
La Leche League of Canton
Breastfeeding support group offering mother-to-mother encouragement, information and education.
Canton, OH 44718
North American Indian Cultural Center
Employment, education and training opportunities for American Indians and Native Alaskans in Ohio.
Tallmadge, OH 44278
JRC Learning Center
Early child care services for children whose parents are working to further their educations.
Canton, OH 44705
Not For Sale Ohio
Not For Sale is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing human trafficking and providing education to bring awareness to this modern-day tragedy.
North Canton, OH 44720
Kids’ College at Stark State
An education-based summer program designed to stimulate creativity and provide unique learning opportunities on a college campus.
North Canton, OH 44720
EN-RICH-MENT
Music education, nurturing and training for youth who come from low-income, high-risk backgrounds.
Canton, OH 44702
Rebecca Stallman Southgate School
School districts may refer students with intense needs to this separate public education facility for students ages 5 to 22.
Canton, OH 44707
Stark County Educational Service Center
Coordinating education, leadership and professional services throughout Stark County. Visit the Stark County ESC website for more information.
North Canton, OH 44720
Massillon Health Department
Ensuring the accessibility of health services to all Massillon residents:
- Preventing communicable diseases
- Reducing pollution
- Health education programs
Massillon, OH 44646
Troop & Family Assistance Center Specialist
Offers resources and links to veteran programs for jobs, education, health care, legal and financial services. Contact Jennifer Perez, Contractor.
Partners Against Trafficking of Humans Stark County
Volunteers working together to raise awareness, education and advocacy to protect and serve local victims of human trafficking. Learn more on Facebook.
Suite 1150
Canton, OH 44702 Learn more
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Helping to support Ohioans with disabilities as they achieve quality employment and independence:
- Customized employment plans
- Education
- Social Security disability determination
Canton, OH 44709
Alliance Career Center
Supporting students with skills and experience to prepare them for employment in their desired career fields through technical training, continued education and career guidance.
Alliance, OH 44601
YMCA of Central Stark County
Health, education and financial support services to help build strong foundations and strengthen our community. View all local YMCA locations.
Canton, OH 44718
Planned Parenthood: Canton Health Center
High-quality, affordable health care and education services:
- LGBTQ+ services
- Men’s health
- STD testing, treatment and vaccination
- Women’s health
Canton, OH 44709 Learn more
Stark County Health Department
Serves the public health needs of more than 250,000 people in Stark County:
- Emergency preparedness
- Environmental health
- Health education
- Kids safety
North Canton, OH 44720
The Arc of Ohio: Northeast Region
North Canton, OH 44720
McKinney-Vento Homeless Resources for Awareness
Grant funding and local liaisons helping to ensure that all children – including those who are homeless – have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education.
OhioMeansJobs
Serving Stark County employers and job seekers with access to all community partner programs, education, training, counseling and employment opportunities. Visit the website to learn more.
Canton, OH 44709
The Pregnancy & Parenting Center
Accurate, up-to-date information and pregnancy support:
- Pregnancy testing
- Limited ultrasound
- STD testing
- First prenatal visit
- Community referrals
- Education and resources
- Post-abortion counseling
Canton, OH 44708 Learn more
ASCEND
Formerly Foundations
Promoting recovery through peer support, education, advocacy and networking.
Peer ran Respite Unit is based on short-term, in-house stay for those struggling with mental health and addiction recovery issues.
Free(no insurance necessary or accepted)
Also offers classes in person or via zoom with a possible $45.00 Walmart card stipend for attending 20 classes.
Additional locations:
227 Third St. SE,
Suite 200
Canton, OH 44702
Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities
MUI Hotline: 330-477-4477 – If you believe a person with disabilities is at reasonable risk for harm
Funds and services to support the health, safety and education of people with developmental disabilities including:
Transportation
Self Advocacy
Respite Care
Canton, OH 44708 Learn more
Alliance Pregnancy Center
These confidential, cost-free services include:
- Abortion Information
- Adoption Agency Referrals
- Adoption Information
- Maternity & Infant Supplies
- Medical Referrals
- Parenting Education
- Post-Abortion Support
- Pregnancy Options Information
- Pregnancy Tests
- STD/STI Information
- Support for Men
- Ultrasound (Onsite)*
Suite 102
Alliance, OH 44601
Catholic Charities
Emergency rent and utility assistance for Stark County residents: call Monday – Friday between 9 and 10 a.m.
Through tangible assistance and other essential services, Catholic Charities affirms human dignity, meets basic human needs, strengthens families, builds communities, and empowers others to transform their lives.
Suite 1150
Canton, OH 44702
Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC)
The Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) promotes healthy development through family strengthening and early education resources:
- Child care information and referrals
- Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) kindergarten readiness program
- Professional development resources for educators
- Home and group-based learning opportunities
- Developmental screenings and community resource connections
Canton, OH 44703 Learn more
Early Explorers Educational Child Care
Supporting children, ages birth to 12, with hands-on activities necessary to strengthen social, emotional, physical and kinesthetic development.
Massillon, OH 44646