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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Parenting kids in school
Every student has unique needs and challenges, and a parent’s attitudes about education can be an important factor in a child’s journey through school. By modeling curiosity, confidence and a love of learning, parents can inspire a positive academic experience. Find helpful tips and resources for parenting during childhood education in Stark County.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- School Safety
Stark County’s goal is always to keep all students safe – physically, socially and emotionally. Inside and outside of the classroom, many resources are in place to support our local students. From guidance counselors and mental health specialists to school resource officers and ongoing building improvements, Stark County has taken many steps to improve the safety at our local schools.
If you or someone you know has a concern about your safety while in school,
- Asking for helpIt is important for young people to understand their strengths and weaknesses, so they can identify when they need support. If a student struggles to read in class, they may want to ask for their tests to be read out loud. Many educational and social services are available in our local schools, but to be effective, kids need to raise their voices and ask for help.
- School referrals for basic needsIn order for a child to learn and thrive, it is important that their basic needs are met. When children are hungry or homeless, they are not prepared for success in school. Fortunately, many Stark County school districts have resources in place to provide access to food, clothing, shelter and more.
- 2-1-1 Helpline Transitions Resources to StarkHelpCentral.com
In 2023, 2-1-1, Stark County’s helpline, transitioned to StarkHelpCentral.com.
Closing the Stark County information system and online database—that was run by United Way of Greater Stark County—and moving resources to StarkHelpCentral.com helps streamline the process for community members looking for resources and information.
StarkHelpCentral.com can help you find community resources available to you and your family. The searchable community resource website is supported by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR),
- 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
Early Childhood Education Alliance
For nearly twenty years, the Early Childhood Education Alliance has been focused on providing quality early childhood experiences for children and families in Alliance, Ohio. Thanks to our partners, ECEA is able to connect families with resources and programs that ensure children enter kindergarten ready to succeed. ECEA believes it is important to EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, and COLLABORATE because early experiences last a lifetime.
Alliance, OH 44601
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio mails kids one free book each month until his or her 5th birthday. Any child in Ohio between birth and age 5 is eligible for the program, which is available at no cost to families.
Stark Library sponsors this program in Stark County.
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
Stark Education Partnership
Improvement and innovation services to provide all students with access to quality education and careers.
Suite B
Canton, OH 44702
The Ken Weber Community Campus At Goodwill
Located in downtown Canton, the Campus is home to Goodwill offices and 20 other non-profit organizations that share collaborative outreach to the community and find efficiencies through shared space and services.
Canton, OH 44707
Ohio Coalition for the Education Of Children with Disabilities
The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) is a statewide nonprofit organization that serves families of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities in Ohio, educators and agencies who provide services to them.
Community Building Partnership
Healthy Neighborhoods:
City of Canton Down Payment Assistance
Aultman Core Asset Area Down Payment Assistance
Neighborhood Leaders
Housing Counseling:
Financial Fitness
Home Buyer Workshop
Suite 400
Canton, OH 44702
OhioMeansJobs Stark County
Northeastern Ohio’s premier workforce development and training centers that connects job seekers with employers by providing numerous resources in a single location
Serving Stark County employers and job seekers with access to all community partner programs, education, training, counseling and employment opportunities.
Canton, OH 44709
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)
Work Force Development
CommQuest Canton
Addiction and mental health counseling, psychiatric services, case management, education and employment services, detox, hot meals, social center
OhioGuidestone
Providing counseling, support, advocacy, and education with a focus on prevention and treatment in the home, community, office, or telehealth.
Additional Program:
The Prevent Relapse Occurrence Team with Enhanced Case management and Treatment (Protect) works with juveniles who have shown sexual behavior problems who are not incarcerated or are returning to the community following separation. PROTECT services are designed to work specifically with individuals who have been identified as participating in “sexting” behavior or other minor-related sexual behavioral issues.
Suite A
North Canton, OH 44718
ALS Care Project
If you, a loved one, or your ALS patient has been diagnosed with ALS, you may CONTACT US for information or assistance from anywhere in the USA or world. Nursing consultation includes assessment of patient problems; nursing recommendations; education on options for breathing and living; and referral to appropriate multidisciplinary healthcare providers for best management of care and patient outcomes.
Massillon City School District
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
Stark State College
Education options for adults in Stark County.
Kids’ College: An education-based summer program designed to stimulate creativity and provide unique learning opportunities on a college campus.
Massage Therapy Clinic: Free once-a-month therapeutic massages offered to veterans through the Hands for Heroes program.
North Canton, OH 44720
Kids Link
Individualized education program for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
Streetsboro, OH 44241
Down Syndrome Support Network of Stark County
Support, advocacy, education and resources for families of children with Down syndrome.
North Canton, OH 44720
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
JRC Learning Center
Early child care services for children whose parents are working to further their educations.
Canton, OH 44705
Massillon Health Department
Ensuring the accessibility of health services to all Massillon residents:
- Preventing communicable diseases
- Reducing pollution
- Health education programs
- Pest control
- WIC – nutrition education program that provides nutritious foods that promote good health for pregnant women, women who just had a baby, breastfeeding moms and infants and children up to age 5.
Massillon, OH 44646
EN-RICH-MENT
Music education, nurturing and training for youth who come from low-income, high-risk backgrounds.
Canton, OH 44702
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
- Support Groups
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
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
- Car seat help
Canton, OH 44703 Learn more
Canton City School District
Offers Adult Career & Technical Education – learn more at www.ccsdistrict.org/adulted
FREE Classes at Aspire of Stark County:
- Earn a High School Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- Improve English (ESOL-English for Speakers of Other Languages)
- Prepare for pre-employment testing
- Study for entrance exams
- Brush up on skills for success in college or training programs
- Improve your current job skills
- Help your children with homework
- Gain personal enrichment and satisfaction
Canton, OH 44702
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
- Reproductive Health department
- WIC – special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children
- Naloxone kits at the Stark County Health Department are available by appointment. If interested, please call (330) 451-1678.
- Adult &
North Canton, OH 44720
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
Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities
A Major Unusual Incident (MUI) is an event that negatively impacts the health, safety or wellbeing of an individual with developmental disabilities. If you or someone you know is experiencing a major unusual incident, call the 24-hour hotline to report the event.
MUI Hotline: 330-477-4477
The Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities exists to connect individuals and families with the services they need for health, safety, education and a high quality of life.
Canton, OH 44708 Learn more
Community Action Pathways HUB
Are you or someone you know pregnant and could benefit from being connected to community services and support? If so, then you have the opportunity to take advantage of this program. The HUB utilizes Community Health Workers that assist in decision making during pregnancy. They link you to services in the community that can help you and your baby.
Do you need…
- A ride to your doctor’s appointment?
- Baby items like a crib or diapers?
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