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.

Early education programs

Early Childhood Center

Nurtures young children, ages 3 to 5, as they begin to spend a few hours away from their homes, parents and familiar surroundings.
301 Portage St. NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 497-5608

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
Find a list of child care programs in Stark County here. 
1718 Cleveland Ave. NW
Canton, OH 44703
Phone: (330) 491-3272
Phone: 1-877-691-8521
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8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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8:00 am - 8:00 pm
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8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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8:00 am - 8:00 pm
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8:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Early Explorers Educational Child Care

Supporting children, ages birth to 12, with hands-on activities necessary to strengthen social, emotional, physical and kinesthetic development.
3775 Wales Ave. NW
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 481-4097

The Goddard School: Canton

Pre-kindergarten and preschool services for infants, toddlers and young children.
7042 Fulton Dr. NW
Canton, OH 44718
Phone: (330) 966-3793
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7:00 am - 6:00 pm
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7:00 am - 6:00 pm
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7:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Goddard School: Uniontown

Pre-kindergarten and preschool services for infants, toddlers and young children.
1009 Boettler Road
Uniontown, OH 44685
Phone: (330) 896-8611
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7:00 am - 6:00 pm
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7:00 am - 6:00 pm
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7:00 am - 6:00 pm
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7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Head Start

Free learning and development services for children from low-income families, ages birth to 5. Visit the website to find programming near you.
3015 Mahoning Rd. NE
Canton, OH 44705
Phone: (330) 456-6218
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8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Help Me Grow-Home Visiting

Home Visiting is a voluntary, home-based program offered at no cost to your family.  Our home visitors are well-trained professionals who use a compassionate approach that offers information and support during pregnancy, and empowers you as the parent with skills, tools, and confidence to nurture the healthy growth of your child through the earliest years – a critical time of development.
WHO SHOULD BE REFERRED?
Pregnant women and families with young children.Supporting first-time parents with home visiting services for children up to 3 years old
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Once your family has been referred, you will be assigned a home visitor, who will provide caring support and reliable information on the topics that matter most to you about your pregnancy and child’s development. Whether it’s what you can do to strive for a healthy pregnancy; how to soothe your crying baby; how to manage sleep (yours included!); or how to deal with the stresses of parenting; your home visitor is there to help, listen to your concerns, and connect you to community resources based off of your needs. We invest in you to make your own decisions about what is best for you and your child.
BENEFITS OF HOME VISITING
Healthy birth outcomes - Pregnant women who participated in Home Visiting had 48 percent fewer low birth weight babies. Source.
Increasing children’s school readiness - Children who participated in Home Visiting scored 25 percent higher on first through third grade reading and math achievement tests. Source.
6057 Strip Ave NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: 330-492-8136, ext. 1480

McKinley Early Childhood Center

Affordable child care for children 6 weeks to 12 years old.
1350 Cherry Ave. NE
Canton, OH 44714
Phone: (330) 454-4800
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tiny Tots Preschool

Providing children with opportunities to grow socially, emotionally, physically and academically.
1720 Schneider St NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 494-7001
Stark County public schools

Contact your local school district to learn about the childhood education programs available near you:

Alliance City School District

Aviator Food Bags: Weekend food bags for students who may not have access to consistent meals throughout the school year. Free GED classes for individuals in Alliance. Register for morning classes Mondays at 8:30 a.m. or evening classes Mondays at 5 p.m. (registrations may take up to three hours).
200 Glamorgan St.
Alliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 821-2100
GED Classes: 330-829-2267
GED Classes: 330-829-2267

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
305 McKinley Ave. NW
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 438-2500
Adult Career & Technical Education: (330) 438-2556
Adult Career & Technical Education: (330) 438-2556
ASPIRE: (330) 438-2559

Canton Local School District

Backpack Program - Weekend backpack meals every Friday for qualifying students. Career programs offered through the South Stark Career Academy.
600 Faircrest St. SE
Canton, OH 44707
Phone: (330) 484-8019

Fairless Local School District

11885 Navarre Rd.
Navarre, OH 44662
Phone: (330) 767-3577

Jackson Local School District

Career Tech information at jackson.stark.k12.oh.us/Page/1911
7602 Fulton Dr.
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 830-8000

Lake Local School District

Career programs offered through the Stark Career Compact:
  • Career-based intervention (CBI)
  • Health tech
  • Legal studies
  • Marketing & business management
Performing Arts Summer Spectacular: A unique six-week theater camp for students entering seventh through 12th grade that culminates in the performance of a musical production.
436 King Church Ave. SW
Uniontown, OH 44685
Phone: (330) 877-9383
Stark Career Compact: (330) 877-4282
Stark Career Compact: (330) 877-4282

Louisville City School District

407 East Main St.
Louisville, OH 44641
Phone: (330) 875-1666

Marlington Local School District

10320 Moulin Ave. NE
Alliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 823-7458

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
930 17th St. NE
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 830-3900

Minerva Local School District

Free GED classes for students in Minerva. Register for classes Mondays at 9 a.m. (registrations may take up to three hours).
406 East St.
Minerva, OH 44657
Phone: (330) 868-4332
GED Classes: (330) 438-2559
GED Classes: (330) 438-2559

North Canton City School District

Career programs offered through the Stark Career Compact:
  • Biomedical sciences
  • Business management
  • Construction tech
  • Culinary arts
  • Interactive media
  • Medical technology
  • Pre-engineering
  • Teaching professions
  • Video production
525 7th St. NE
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 497-5600
Stark Career Compact: (330) 497-5620
Stark Career Compact: (330) 497-5620

Northwest Local School District

Northwest local school district in Canal Fulton, OH. www.northwest.sparcc.org
2309 Locust St. S
Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Phone: (330) 854-2291

Osnaburg Local School District

310 Browning Ct.
East Canton, OH 44730
Elementary: (330) 488-0392
Elementary: (330) 488-0392
Middle School: (330) 488-0334
Middle School: (330) 488-0334
High School: (330) 488-0316
High School: (330) 488-0316

Perry Local School District

Public school system in Perry Township. Career tech classes offered.
4201 13th St. SW
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 477-8121

Plain Local School District

Career Tech information available at plainlocal.org//career-tech-overview
901 44th St. NW
Canton, OH 44709
Phone: (330) 492-3500

Sandy Valley Local School District

Career tech classes are offered.
5362 State Rte. 183 NE
Magnolia, OH 44643
Phone: (330) 866-3339

Tuslaw Local School District

1835 Manchester Ave. NW
Massillon, OH 44647
Phone: (330) 837-7813
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.

CARE Teams strive to remove the barriers that prevent students from succeeding in the classroom. They provide community and school-based referrals to ensure students have full bellies, emotional support and anything else they need to stay happy and healthy. Every student has the ability to receive help from a CARE Team, as long and as often as the needs are there.

Contact your local school district to find out more about your CARE Team.

Back-to-School Supplies

Being prepared for the new school year sets up students for success. However, it can be difficult to get everything you need for the classroom when you can’t afford it. Thankfully there are non-profit organizations in Stark County that offer affordable options, help families pay for items or offer free school supplies.

For example, have you ever considered shopping at stores like Goodwill during back-to-school time? Goodwill carries many gently used items like bookbags, but also stocks brand new items like pencils and glue as school approaches. To find the store nearest you, see the list below or visit GoodwillGoodSkills.org.

ASPIRE Today: Community Outreach

Each year, Aspire hosts a back-to-school giveaway and event in Canton, Ohio.
320 3rd Street Northwest
Canton, OH 44702

Goodwill Industries

Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that create job training programs, employment placement and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items. The Ken Weber Community Campus has walk-in services available Tuesdays and Thursdays for community resource connections. For further information on what Goodwill has to offer, please call our main campus or visit our website. Thrift Store Locations
  • Alliance 12501 W State St, Alliance, OH 44601 330-821-4880
  • Massillon 2745 Indian River Rd, Massillon, OH 44646 330-833-9825
  • Whipple Ave NW 4379 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH 44718 234-360-8564
  • Tuscarawas St W 5139 Tuscarawas St W, Canton, OH 44708 330-479-8222
  • N Main St 1230 N Main St, North Canton, OH 44720 330-494-2464
  • Atlantic Blvd NW 2630 Atlantic Blvd NW, Canton, OH 44705 330-456-8020
Main Campus: (330) 454-9461
Main Campus: (330) 454-9461

Helping Hands Network

Clothes and shoes for Sandy Valley Local School District students.   Food pantry: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m.
126 South Main St.
Waynesburg, OH 44688
Phone: (330) 866-2005
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9:00 am - 11:30 am
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
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9:00 am - 11:30 am
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
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9:00 am - 11:30 am
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Perry Helping Perry

A community-based organization that exists to provide needed support for Perry residents Food pantry, clothing, school supplies and more
  • Food Pantry Non-perishable food and toiletries 3rd Saturday of each month 9am – 12pm Trinity United Methodist Church 3757 Lincoln Way E Massillon, OH 44646
  • Clothes Closet Clothing for infants, children, and adults 5038 W Tuscarawas St Canton, OH 44708 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Saturday 10am – 4pm Thursday 10am – 7pm
  • Backpacks Provide backpacks and school supplies for families in need In partnership with Whipple Heights Alliance Church Click here for application
  • Sack Snacks Weekend snacks for school age children Prepared throughout the school year by Perry Helping Perry volunteers. They are distributed to all the schools in the Perry Local School District and discreetly given to qualifying children
  • Bikes Provides donated bikes to children and adults Give us a call at 330-737-1281 or send us an email
  • Christmas Giveaway Help families provide gifts and stocking stuffers for their children In partnership with Perry Christian Church Click here for application
Phone: (330) 737-1281

Stark County Job & Family Services

Report child abuse: 330-455-KIDS / 1-800-233-5437 Partner with our customers, community and other service providers to protect children and vulnerable adults, stabilize and strengthen families, and encourage self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
  • Cash assistance
  • Food assistance
  • Medicaid & Medical
  • Non-emergency transportation - Transportation to and from Medicaid-qualified appointments, including doctor visits, dental visits, vision appointments and more.
  • Child care services
  • Work experience program - Program participants are matched with local businesses and organizations in exchange for public assistance benefits.
  • Subsidized Employment Program (SEP) - Supports local employers by offsetting the costs of hiring and training new employees.
  • Foster care & adoption
  • Kinship care
  • Child support services
  • Project KARE
  • Healthy Start - Medicaid-funded program providing basic medical coverage for pregnant women and children up to 19 years old.
  • PRC Plan - providing short-term assistance to address an emergent need and help families retain and maintain employment.
221 3rd St. SE
Canton, OH 44702
Toll free: 1 (888) 698-6893
Toll free: 1 (888) 698-6893
Local: (330) 452-4661
TDD: (330) 451-8879
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8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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English as a second language

For students who speak a language other than English, the schools will provide an English language development program if needed. The programs are designed to assist students acquiring the English language to develop the linguistic and academic skills necessary for success in the schools and beyond.

Contact your local district to learn more.

Helpful Links

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
305 McKinley Ave. NW
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 438-2500
Adult Career & Technical Education: (330) 438-2556
Adult Career & Technical Education: (330) 438-2556
ASPIRE: (330) 438-2559
Runaway or homeless resources

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.

Be sure to check with your local school district as well to see what specific resources they have available.

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
305 McKinley Ave. NW
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 438-2500
Adult Career & Technical Education: (330) 438-2556
Adult Career & Technical Education: (330) 438-2556
ASPIRE: (330) 438-2559

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 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.  
822 30th St. NW
Canton, OH 44709
Phone: (330) 433-9675
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9:00 am - 4:30 pm
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9:00 am - 4:30 pm
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R.G. Drage Career Technical Center

Career programs offered at Fairless, Tuslaw, Northwest, Louisville, Minerva and Malvern schools. www.drage.stark.k12.oh.us Offers mandatory career and educational guidance to Stark County youth and adults preparing to take the GED test through Ohio's test voucher program. 4-H Youth Development located here, offering hands-on activities to help youth between the ages of 5 and 19 develop lifelong learning skills. Visit ohio4h.org for more information.
2800 Richville Dr. SE
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 832-9856
Toll free: 1 (800) 372-4322
Toll free: 1 (800) 372-4322
4-H Youth Development: (234) 348-6001
4-H Youth Development: (234) 348-6001

Stark County Educational Service Center

Coordinating education, leadership and professional services throughout Stark County. Visit the Stark County ESC website for more information.
6057 Strip Avenue NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 492-8136
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8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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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, talk to an adult you trust, request services from the Youth Mobile Response Team or contact your local district to learn about the safety resources available in your school. In situations requiring emergency attention, dial 911 right away.

Youth Mobile Response Team: Mobile behavioral health services are available for youth in their homes, at school and in various other community settings. This service can be accessed 24/7.

Hotline: (330) 452-6000

 

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.

Tips to Help Your Child Succeed

Supporting a student through their journey in school can be difficult for any parent. These tips can help:

  • Attend back-to-school night and parent-teacher conferences.
  • Get involved by volunteering at your child’s school.
  • Know the school’s disciplinary policies.
  • Make sure your child is ready to learn. Prepare a healthy breakfast and ensure your child has supplies, lunch and completed homework ready to go in the morning.
  • Support homework expectations.
  • Teach organizational and study skills.
  • Visit the school and its website. Learn about school programs, curriculum, teachers and after-school activities that are available. Note test dates, special programs and class trips.

References

Adult education or literacy programs

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
305 McKinley Ave. NW
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 438-2500
Adult Career & Technical Education: (330) 438-2556
Adult Career & Technical Education: (330) 438-2556
ASPIRE: (330) 438-2559

Bridges

Bridges is a voluntary program for young adults in the foster care system who are ages 18, 19 or 20. It provides guidance and support during the transition to adulthood for individuals who are in school, working or have a qualifying medical condition.
Phone: (614)-490-4357

The English Learning Center

English as a second language (ESL) services for adults in Stark County.
619 Tuscarawas St. W
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 452-7443

Greater Stark County Urban League

Helping Stark County residents to develop responsibility, independence and life skills through job readiness and re-entry services.
1400 Sherrick Rd. SE
Canton, OH 44707
Phone: (330) 754-1576

Stark Community Foundation

Building a strong community through economic development, education and strong neighborhoods.
400 Market Ave. N
Suite 200
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 454-3426

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

Stark County Job & Family Services

Report child abuse: 330-455-KIDS / 1-800-233-5437 Partner with our customers, community and other service providers to protect children and vulnerable adults, stabilize and strengthen families, and encourage self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
  • Cash assistance
  • Food assistance
  • Medicaid & Medical
  • Non-emergency transportation - Transportation to and from Medicaid-qualified appointments, including doctor visits, dental visits, vision appointments and more.
  • Child care services
  • Work experience program - Program participants are matched with local businesses and organizations in exchange for public assistance benefits.
  • Subsidized Employment Program (SEP) - Supports local employers by offsetting the costs of hiring and training new employees.
  • Foster care & adoption
  • Kinship care
  • Child support services
  • Project KARE
  • Healthy Start - Medicaid-funded program providing basic medical coverage for pregnant women and children up to 19 years old.
  • PRC Plan - providing short-term assistance to address an emergent need and help families retain and maintain employment.
221 3rd St. SE
Canton, OH 44702
Toll free: 1 (888) 698-6893
Toll free: 1 (888) 698-6893
Local: (330) 452-4661
TDD: (330) 451-8879
Hide HoursShow Hours
Mon.
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tue.
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed.
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thu.
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fri.
8:00 am - 4:00 pm

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.
6200 Frank Ave. NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 494-6170
Massage Therapy Clinic: (330) 494-6170, ext. 4725
Massage Therapy Clinic: (330) 494-6170, ext. 4725

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.
4700 Dressler Rd NW
Canton, OH 44718
Phone: (330) 491-9622
Gifted education programs

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.

Contact your local school district to learn more about their gifted programs.

Helpful links

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Find research-based education resources, tips and ideas for families.

Ohio Department of Education Parenting Guide

Resources to help guide a child’s education from preschool to graduation.

Ohio Department of Education Parenting Topics

Resources to help parents with everything from gifted education to graduation requirements.

Online Homeschooling Resources

Whether you’ve made the decision to homeschool or you’re still considering the option, find resources offering help and guidance.

U.S. Department of Education Resources for Parents

National education resources and information for students of all ages.

Bold Beginning!

Access local resources for all things related to pregnancy and early childhood, including information about milestones and healthy beginnings.