Oberlin’s go-to for everything KIDS!

Free School Readiness Programming • Free Yearly Developmental Screenings • Serving Children from Birth to Age 5

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You’re invited to join in the fun with OberlinKids

Once you’ve taken the steps to sign up your child to be a member of OberlinKids, they are enrolled in our program, On Track for Kindergarten, and eligible to receive all member benefits and participate in our featured programs.

Members of OberlinKids can enjoy these benefits for free:

  • Resources and one-on-one support available

  • Literacy and learning playtime kits

  • Playgroup and parent group opportunities

  • Access to the Community Classroom

  • Family engagement events and activities

  • Monthly e-newsletter full of great collaborative info

Learn More & Sign Up or Renew

Our Signature Programs

  • Community Classroom

    A space for members of OberlinKids to drop-in and play. Meet other families and find activities related to literacy, math, STEAM, arts and crafts, social emotional development, and science!

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  • On Track for Kindergarten

    A free screening program you can complete at your own convenience. OberlinKids will contact you with the results and any additional resources and/or recommendations for keeping your child On Track for Kindergarten.

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  • Literacy & Learning Bags

    OberlinKids distributes bags filled with thoughtfully selected items for your families to play with together a few times each year.

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  • Family Engagement Programming

    Opportunities for you to meet other caregivers with the same questions you have while getting tips and information you can actually use in your daily life.

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  • Lorain County Imagination Library

    All children birth through age five and living in Lorain County or most (if not all) of Ohio can register today to get a free book mailed to their home each month!

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Vonda’s Story

The Power of Community Support

When Vonda became the unexpected guardian of her three young nieces due to neglect in their home, she was unprepared but determined to keep them out of foster care. The girls faced developmental delays and health issues. A chance meeting with Jennifer Keathley from OberlinKids at a community Easter event led to life-changing support. Through developmental screenings, preschool placement, and continuous guidance, OberlinKids helped Vonda navigate her new role. This story highlights how strong community partnerships, including support from United Way and 15 local organizations, can transform lives when families face crisis. Together, we Live United.

It's not too early to start the journey to school.

You are not alone! OberlinKids is along for the ride!

Get personalized support to help your child get ready for school with our free programming.

Sign up or Renew Today

Since its launch in 2014…

  • 3,000+ SERVED & COUNTING

    Children and caregivers receiving benefits from free programming through OberlinKids

  • 2,000+ SCREENINGS

    Children have been screened for communication, motor, cognitive, social, and emotional milestones

What People Are Saying

  • “OberlinKids is a phenomenal asset to the Oberlin community. This organization is dedicated to helping families with young children thrive and really consider the whole child.”

    Anonymous Survey Response

  • “...Thank you for the time you spent with me going over Jack’s screening information. Jack is loving his new books... 🙂 …I’m excited because Jack is really beginning to understand the proper use of pronouns and says ‘me’ or ‘I’ when he speaks about himself or points to himself in a picture.”

    Cheryl, Mother

  • "...I know you are constantly trying to impress early reading success on the community, and I just wanted you to know that it's working in our house. ...Cooper is in 3rd grade this year. He is a voracious and enthusiastic reader. ... [He] grabbed a copy of Moby Dick and ploughed through it in less than 48 hours..."

    Heather, Mother

  • “OberlinKids is one of the things I am most grateful for in this community. ... Some of our favorite memories around town are at the Community Classroom, Second Saturdays events, and library play dates that wound up connecting us to ‘our village’. We are so lucky to have these supports for our little ones and their families!”

    Anonymous Survey Response

  • “We did our first play date in Oberlin today with our twins. [The Community Classroom is] such a beautiful play space with so many sensory toys and educational pieces. Everyone was welcoming to our family and nice laid back !🥰🥰”

    Rebecca, Mother

  • “OberlinKids has been amazing with my ever changing family! With every bonus kiddo that is welcomed into my home we are able to take the ASQ screenings and see where they place so it can be shared with Early Intervention and their doctors to help get them on track. The programs for the community are always a fun time for my children and myself as well! We love this organization for all they do past, present and future for the community.”

    Anonymous Survey Response

  • "We appreciate the opportunities that OberlinKids offers to bring children and parents in the community together. They have led to many wonderful friendships and support. Thank you for all you do!"

    Hiroko, Mother

  • “Being in the Community Classroom was a wonderful experience! Everything your child loves is there and it was decorated beautifully. ... It couldn’t have been a better place to learn and feel relaxed while being with your little one. It was so fun to observe and watch Adalyn explore through play!”

    Sandy, Grandparent

  • “Adalyn and Sandy had a great time [at the Community Classroom]. I asked for any feedback ... and [Sandy] said, ‘I have none, it was an absolutely wonderful experience for Adalyn!’ ...when they got to the car to leave, Adalyn said to her, ‘Thank you, grandma.' They had a blast.”

    Colleen, Mother

  • “I visited the Community Classroom with all 3 of mine last Monday, and it was so great! Everyone had a good time, even Sophia, who at first declared she was too old for baby stuff, haha. She loved the writing desk. Apollo and Olivia sat with play dough for a long time, and everyone had a turn painting. I'm so happy that we finally got a chance to check it out, and we will be back many times, especially after school starts back up.”

    Liz, Mother

  • “[The Community Classroom] is a safe space where I know my kids can just be kids — play and be curious, without the critical eyes of other patrons or employees. I like running into other parents and getting to know them or picking up where we left off in prior conversation. I also love the financial accessibility as it’s one of the few places you can go with your kids and just exist for free.”

    Anonymous Parent

  • “OberlinKids is such an amazing resource. Both as a first time mom and now as a mom of 2, I can always count on Ms. Jenn and the group for support and ideas.”

    Anonymous Survey Response

  • “I’m so happy to know that OberlinKids is here to support and encourage families in raising happy, healthy children who are connected to their community.”

    Anonymous Survey Response

  • “I love everything you do! We have a blast at your summer events outside! They're so creative and our kids love them!”

    Anonymous Survey Response

Nurturing Children. Empowering Caregivers. Connecting Communities.

OberlinKids is powered by United Way of Greater Lorain County.