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.
Stark County Educational Service Center
To learn about the educational services available in your community, contact the Stark County Educational Service Center (SCESC), or reach out to your local school district directly.
North Canton, OH 44720
North Canton Primary Preschool
North Canton, OH 44720
Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC)
Canton, OH 44703
Help Me Grow-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.
North Canton, OH 44720
Contact your local school district to learn about the childhood education programs available near you:
Alliance City School District
Alliance, OH 44601
Canton City School District
- 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
Canton Local School District
- Backpack Program - Weekend backpack meals every Friday for qualifying students.
- Career programs offered through the South Stark Career Academy.
Canton, OH 44707
Fairless Local School District
11885 Navarre Rd.Navarre, OH 44662
Jackson Local School District
7602 Fulton Dr. NWMassillon, OH 44646
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.
Uniontown, OH 44685
Louisville City School District
407 East Main St.Louisville, OH 44641
Marlington Local School District
10320 Moulin Ave. NEAlliance, OH 44601
Massillon City School District
- 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
Minerva Local School District
Minerva, OH 44657
North Canton City School District
- Biomedical sciences
- Business management
- Construction tech
- Culinary arts
- Interactive media
- Medical technology
- Pre-engineering
- Teaching professions
- Video production
- Welding
North Canton, OH 44720
Northwest Local School District
Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Osnaburg Local School District
East Canton, OH 44730
Perry Local School District
Massillon, OH 44646
Sandy Valley Local School District
Magnolia, OH 44643
Tuslaw Local School District
Massillon, OH 44647
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.
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
Canton, OH 44702
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, Inc. has been serving the local community for more than 100 years as an independent Goodwill affiliate. While most people recognize Goodwill as a retail thrift chain, that is only a portion of the Goodwill mission. Goodwill is a nonprofit, social service agency dedicated to improving the lives of all people by providing skill-building programs and services needed to help remove common barriers to good jobs and independence. At Goodwill, it is our job to help individuals overcome barriers to getting and keeping good jobs. Our employment skills programming boils down to two key areas: Pre-employment Training and Job Placement Services. Other Ways We Can Help: Social Services Provides assistance to individuals in navigating and connecting to community resources. Financial Literacy Offers financial education on topics related to personal finances. Literacy Services Assists adults in overcoming reading and math obstacles. COMPASS Sexual Assault, Prevention & Support services for women, children and men who are survivors of rape or sexual abuse. Learn more here. Parenting Skills Training Program Classroom based program that educates parents who are at risk or who have had children placed in foster or alternative care. Home-Based Parenting Program Provides education and real-life application with support in the parents’ own home. Goodwill Ken Weber Community Campus (Walk-in services): Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:00–11:00am and 1:00–3:00pm
For more information, 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
Canton, OH 44707
The Helping Hands Network
PO Box 595
Waynesburg, OH 44688
Perry Helping Perry
- 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
Stark County Job & Family Services
- 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.
Canton, OH 44702
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
- Ohio Department of Education – Support for parents and teachers of English learners in Ohio.
- Ohio Schools and ESL Programs – Resources and information on state-wide ESL programs for Ohioans.
Canton City School District
- 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
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
- 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
OhioMeansJobs Stark County
Canton, OH 44709
R.G. Drage Career Technical Center
Massillon, OH 44646
Stark County Educational Service Center
North Canton, OH 44720
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.
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
Canton City School District
- 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
Bridges
The English Learning Center
Canton, OH 44702
Greater Stark County Urban League
Canton, OH 44707
Stark Community Foundation
Suite 200
Canton, OH 44702
Stark County Community Action Agency
- Emergency HEAP Appointment Line: 330-617-1055
- Short term help for heating and cooling costs
- Income payment plan program
- Fans/air conditioners
- Repairs/replacement - furnace and hot water tank
- Insulation
- Energy Audits
- Fully and half-day classes
- Home-based Early Head Start services for children birth to three (3) years of age
- Social and Health Services
- Parental Involvement/Family Engagement
- Reducing barriers that can prevent health pregnancies and babies
- Community connections leading to self sufficiency
- Goals Assets Investment Network (GAIN)
- Asset building/financial literacy program)
- Senior Programs (i.e. nutrition)
- Housing (rental and mortgage) Assistance
- Youth Enrichment and Academic Program
- Financial Aid Boot Camp
- WIOA Employment
- Summer Employment
Stark County Job & Family Services
- 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.
Canton, OH 44702
Stark State College
North Canton, OH 44720
YMCA of Central Stark County
Canton, OH 44718
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.
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.
