August 2025 Newsletter
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Table of Contents
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At-A-Glance
View the flyers in full-screen mode.
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OberlinKids Announcements
Celebration of Community Impact 🎉
Community Classroom 🏫
Upcoming Events 📅
Programs & Resources 🧸
Get Ready for Kindergarten 🎒 -
Partner Announcements
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Child Care Resource Center
CDA Academy Orientations
Meet Your Parent Youth Ambassadors -
City of Oberlin
Share Your Vision for the Oberlin Enrichment & Activity Center 📝
Open House @ OEAC 🎈 -
Common Ground
Family Fun Fridays at Common Ground Canopy Tours
Annual Firewalk 🔥 -
Community Music School
Musical Beginnings Class For Ages 0 - 3
MusicPlay Class For Ages 3 - 5 -
Connecting for Kids
Music Therapy & More @ OPL
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FAVA
FAVA Summer Art Camp 2025
Upcoming Art Classes at FAVA
Third Annual FAVA’s Art Fair in the Square -
Kendal Early Learning Center
Program Information
Now Enrolling for Preschool -
Lorain County Community Action Agency
Head Start Preschool
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Lorain County Health & Dentistry
Back-to-School Vaccines & Physicals
Stay healthy, stay learning. -
MAD* Factory Theatre
Fall Class Registration Open: Ages 5-11 & 12-18
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Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services Board of Lorain County
Embracing a Neurodiversity Paradigm: Understanding Autistic Adults
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MovementWorks
Moving to Readiness Program
MovementWorks Dance Classes:
Boys Dance & Creative Movement, Lyrical Dance Class, Dance with Me -
Oberlin Business Partnership
Oberlin’s 4th Fridays
Dog-Gone End of Summer Event -
Oberlin Community Services
The 9th Annual Jaqui Willis Back to School Giveaway
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Oberlin Public Library
Little Engineers Group of Oberlin (L.E.G.O.)
Story Time at OPL -
Oberlin Schools
Back to School Event
Upcoming School Events
Pre-K Start Days -
United Way of Greater Lorain County
Advocacy Blast
Donate to support OberlinKids
2-1-1 Get Connected. Get Help.
Volunteer Engagement Opportunities
OberlinKids Announcements
News
2025 Celebration of Community Impact
1,778 screenings were completed since launching online access in 2019
Over $78,000 in grants and donations were received in FY 2025 to support our scholarship, literacy & family engagement programming
282 ASQ-3 & ASQ-SE2 screenings were completed last year
33 Partners from throughout Lorain County work together in OberlinKids Community Collaborative
55 Families and over 100 kids visited the Community Classroom over the past year
750 Themed Literacy Kits & 2,309 individual books distributed
% of Children “demonstrated” Kindergarten Readiness on the 24-25 KRA-R Assessment:
52.9% Oberlin City Schools
39.7% Lorain County
36.6% State of Ohio
We hosted 53 Community Events
$17,578 Preschool Scholarships Awarded FY 25
73% of eligible children have completed an On Track for Kindergarten screening in the past fiscal year
210 Kids have completed at least one ASQ screening before kindergarten
Events
End of Summer Fun Day
July 12, 2025
10am - 12pm
E. College St. Courtyard (Behind Slow Train Cafe)
A morning of learning through outdoor play.
Free fun for the whole family!
Explore the beautiful park, interact with natural materials, and learn about the benefits of encouraging children to learn and discover their surroundings.
Partner organizations will be offering resources, crafts, and more!
Free chair massages provided by Peace of Mind Healing & Esthetics Salon, LLC
Updates due to weather will be made on the OberlinKids Facebook page.
Made possible by Forget Me Not Center, Meadow Speech Therapy, OberlinKids, & United Way of Greater Lorain County.
Programs & Resources
Community Classroom Information
Located in the Oberlin Engagement & Activity Center
36. S. Prospect St, Room #107Classroom is for members only.
Become a member or renew today: Click here.
Special Play Groups! Check Event Calendar and Socials for info: Facebook / X (formerly Twitter).
Open weekdays 8:30am - 4pm — Drop in and play when your schedule allows!
Caregivers MUST remain with kids at all times.
Please sign in for grant reporting.
Classroom activities:
Play-Based Learning
Infant & Toddler Area
Preschool Practice
Meet up with friends for a play date
Siblings Welcome
Sensory Play
Arts & Crafts
Social Skills
Exploration
School Readiness
Math, Science, STEAM
Language & Literacy
Dramatic Play
Taking Turns
Making new friends
Oberlin Free Store for Kids
Peace Community Center
44 E. Lorain St., Oberlin, Ohio
Hours
August 2025
Saturday, August 2 - 9am - 12pm
Tuesday, August 5 - 4pm - 6pm
Saturday, August 16 - 9am - 12pm
Tuesday, August 26 - 4pm - 6pm
September 2025
Saturday, September 6 - 9am - 12pm
Tuesday, September 16 - 4pm - 6pm
Saturday, September 20 - 9am - 12pm
Tuesday, September 30 - 4pm - 6pm
OberlinKids & THRIVE! Produce Pickup
In partnership with Baumhardt Gardens
July 17 - September 18
Every Thursday, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Pick up at:
The outdoor courtyard behind Slow Train Cafe
E. College S. Courtyard
23 Eric Nord Way, Suite #2, Oberlin, Ohio
Weekly Produce Bags cost $12 each (Venmo, cash, or check). Pay at pickup.
Open to everyone.
Take one of the below actions to reserve your box:
Scan the QR code,
Contact ewhitacre@loraincountyhealth.com, or
Click the button below.
Get Ready for Kindergarten
Wishing the Class of 2038 an amazing year in Kindergarten
Click on the thumbnails to view the tip sheets larger.
Ready for Kindergarten! Top Tips for Parents to Help Your Child Start Successfully (2 pages)
Enrollment & Paperwork
Daily Routines
Emotional Readiness
Independence Skills
Social Skills
Early Learning Skills
Getting to School
First Day Checklist
Complete your child’s On Track for Kindergarten Annual Screenings by September 25, 2025 to be entered to win* a $50 Amazon Digital Gift Card.
*To be eligible, your child must be ages birth to 66 months and live in Oberlin or attend a partner early learning center in Oberlin (KELC, OECC, OES, MovementWorks Preschool, Heart N Hand, Head Start).
Both the ASQ-3 and ASQ-SE-2 must be completed to be entered to win. Each child 0-5 earns you an entry!
Partner Announcements
Child Care Resource Center
CDA Academy Orientations
July - August 2025
Start your journey with us by attending one of our upcoming orientations. Discover everything you need to know about our program and kickstart your registration.
**A $100 registration fee is required. Use the training ID # below to search for the orientation session of your choice on OCCRRA and register.
July 16th - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Training ID #: 10155275July 22nd - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Training ID #: 10155276July 30th - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Training ID #: 10155277August 5th - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Training ID #: 10155278August 13th - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Training ID #: 10155279
Contact Alyssa today!
aboker@ccrcinc.com
440-242-0413 Ext. *241
Meet Your Parent Youth Ambassadors
SERVING: ERIE, HURON, LORAIN, SANDUSKY, AND SENECA COUNTIES
Feeling overwhelmed?
We are here to help you navigate and take advantage of all the supports available to you and your family to help you not only survive but thrive.
• Child Care • Housing • Food • Activities •
Sarah Puskas
440-242-0413 *227
Melissa Roberts
440-242-0413 *252
Child Care Resource Center
City of Oberlin
Share YOUR Vision for the Oberlin Enrichment & Activity Center
The City of Oberlin is working with GPD Group to develop plans for improvements to the Oberlin Enrichment and Activity Center (OEAC). Part of this process is developing a vision for the space with the Oberlin community.
Although Recreation Department programming and the Senior Citizens Space will continue in the OEAC, we want YOUR INPUT on how to enhance these programs and/or on other uses the City should consider for the OEAC.
And Join Us for an Open House
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Oberlin Enrichment & Activity Center
36 South Prospect Street, Oberlin, Ohio
Share YOUR ideas for the OEAC!
Tours of the OEAC will be provided, and public input sessions will be held throughout the evening to gather ideas on how to best use the OEAC space.
Come by any time! • FREE & Open to the Public • Light Refreshments Provided
For more information, contact Public Works Director Jeff Baumann: 440-775-7204 - JBaumann@CityofOberlin.com
Common Ground
Family Fun Fridays at Common Ground Canopy Tours
Buy one adult zipline tour and get a youth tour for $60.
Common Ground
Annual Firewalk
September 20, 2025
6:30pm - 10:30pm
Join us on Saturday, September 20, for the Gregg Gilder Memorial Firewalk, an evening built around empowerment, clarity, and connection. With guidance from experienced instructors, you’ll walk barefoot across hot coals–not to prove anything, but to remember the strength that’s already in you.
It’s not just about the fire, but also about letting go, stepping forward, and leaving with memories you will remember. $69 | Ages 14+
Community Music School
Musical Beginnings Class
For Ages 0 - 3
Community Music School
315 E. College St.
Oberlin, Ohio
Did you know that many children can match pitch and copy rhythms before they can form words? The Community Music School’s Musical Beginnings class encourages young children to learn music as a native language at a time when the brain is most ready for language development. Children in the course learn how to sing in tune, move in time, and hear music internally, preparing a path for a lifetime of musical study and enjoyment.
Classes begin in September 2025.
Scholarship assistance available.
Community Music School
MusicPlay Class
For Ages 3 - 5
Community Music School
315 E. College St.
Oberlin, Ohio
The Community Music School’s MusicPlay program introduces a variety of musical concepts through singing, moving, listening, describing, analyzing, and creating. Important skills such as listening and sharing are developed in a nurturing environment.
Classes begin in September 2025.
Scholarship assistance available.
Connecting for Kids
Music Therapy & More
Presented by Connecting for Kids
Hosted by Oberlin Public Library
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
6:30pm - 7:00pm
Oberlin Public Library
65 S. Main St, Oberlin, Ohio
OberlinLibrary.org
440-775-4790
A hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s academic, motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. Led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist.
Designed for children ages 0-6 with concerns about development.
REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED
Please register each individual child who will be attending separately. Register online below.
FAVA
FAVA Summer Art Camp 2025
Arts, crafts, & more!
Half-Day Summer Art Camps
Ages 6 - 12
June 9 - 13
July 14 - 18
July 28 - August 1
August 18 - 22
Pre-K Camp
Ages 3 - 6
June 24 - 26
FAVA is partnering with:
Allen Memorial Art Museum
Oberlin Heritage Center
Upcoming Art Classes at FAVA
Upcoming Classes
Beginning Ceramic Wheel Throwing
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Qi Gong Practice
Intro to Oil Painting
Fun with Fabric
Intermediate Wheel
August Summer Camp
Ages 6-12 - August 18 - 22
Upcoming Workshops
Pet Portraits Paint n Sip
Mug Making
Ceramic Flower Making
Monarch Butterfly Paint
Pet Portraits Paint n Sip
Child/Parent Ceramics
Poppy Flowers Paint n Sip
Fall Leaf Tiles and more
Third Annual
FAVA’s Art Fair in the Square
September 13, 2025
10am - 4pm
Tappan Square in Downtown Oberlin
Food
Fun
Art
Music
Sponsored by the City of Oberlin
Kendal Early Learning Center
Kendal Early Learning Center
where everyone feels right at home…
Kendal Early Learning Center
600 Kendal Dr
Oberlin, Ohio
Kendal Early Learning Center is a Step Up To Quality Five-Star rated program, located inside Kendal at Oberlin. Our unique intergenerational program, combined with the creative curriculum, provides a balanced approach for young children to learn and grow. We provide programming for preschool children, and we have ODJFS Subsidy, 4 ECE Grant Slots, and private-pay openings available.
Now Enrolling — Contact Us:
Jeni Hoover, Director
440-775-9815
Lorain County Community Action Agency
Head Start Preschool
This free comprehensive educational program is available for income-eligible children ages 3 - 5. We offer health, educational, and family social services, including support for children with disabilities.
Classrooms are located in Lorain, Elyria, Oberlin, Wellington, and LaGrange.
Home-based options are also available.
Join us on August 6th from 8am to 4:30pm for a Head Start Recruitment Fair & Open House. There will be snacks, enrollment opportunities, & Center tours. Every child will receive a book.
Lorain County Health & Dentistry
Back-to-School Vaccines & Physicals
LCH&D offers all recommended back-to-school vaccines. We also provide school and sport physicals.
Call 440-240-1655 to schedule with us.
Stay healthy, stay learning.
Lorain County Health & Dentistry offers a broad range of medical, dental, vision, behavioral health and pharmacy services, regardless of ability to pay.
LCH&D offers pediatric care services such as growth, development, nutrition, vision, hearing, and emotional health screenings, and health education.
For more information or to schedule an onsite or Telehealth visit at any LCH&D site in Lorain, Elyria, Oberlin, or North Ridgeville, call: 440-240-1655.
Lorain County Health & Dentistry
MAD* Factory Theatre
Fall Class Registration is Open!
September - December 2025
Disney FROZEN Kids
Ages 5-11
Dreamworks SHREK THE MUSICAL JR
Agest 12-18
Register today! Scholarships are available! Email themadfactorytheatreco@gmail.com for more info.
Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services Board of Lorain County
Embracing A Neurodiversity Paradigm: Understanding Autistic Adults
In Person Training given by Dr. Alexis DaFonseca and Frankie Culkar
Monday, September 22, 2025
1:00pm - 4:00pm
The Amy H Levin Conference and Learning Center
1165 N. Ridge Rd
Lorain, Ohio
440-309-9509
In-Person Training
3 Free CEUs
Embracing a neurodiversity paradigm extends our professional ethical standards of cultural humility to include the multivariate ways in which human minds and central nervous systems are organized. We will aim to understand the exclusionary and counterproductive assumptions inherent in the medicalized model of assessment, care, and mental health treatment with neurodivergent individuals, specifically targeting the population of Autistic adults. By expanding our understanding of presentations of Autism beyond the limitations of stereotypes that preclude accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, clinicians are more equipped to empower this underserved population.
Deadline to register: Friday, September 19, 2025
For more information, contact: lcieslak@mharslc.org
MovementWorks
Moving to Readiness
A Montessori Hybrid Kindergarten Readiness Program
MovementWorks
12077 Leavitt Rd, Oberlin, Ohio
440-462-8970
Schedule
Mornings:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
8:30am - 11:30am
Afternoons:
Tuesdays & Thursdays
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Class includes:
Nature play
Child-led learning
Individualized lessons
Arts & culture exploration
Age appropriate academics
Storytime sessions
Basic Spanish and sign
For potty trained children, ages 2.5 - 6 years old.
MovementWorks
NEW!
Boys Dance & Creative Movement
MovementWorks
12077 Leavitt Rd, Oberlin, Ohio
440-462-8970
Thursdays
6:00pm - 6:55pm
Move, jump, create, and explore! Through a mix of hip hop, jazz, acro, and creative movement, students build strength, coordination, rhythm, and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
MovementWorks
NEW CLASS ALERT!
Lyrical
MovementWorks
12077 Leavitt Rd, Oberlin, Ohio
440-462-8970
movementworksoffice@gmail.com
Tuesdays
6:15pm - 7:10pm
7:15pm - 8:10pm
MovementWorks
Dance with Me
MovementWorks
12077 Leavitt Rd, Oberlin, Ohio
440-462-8970
movementworksoffice@gmail.com
Wednesdays
3:45pm - 4:15pm
“A joyful movement class for toddlers and their grownup.”
Ages 1.5 to 3.5
Oberlin Business Partnership
Oberlin’s 4th Fridays
2025 Dates
June 27th - 6pm - 8pm
July 25th - 6pm - 8pm
August 22nd - 6pm - 8pm
Downtown Oberlin
Art walk
Music
Vendors
Food
Family fun
Oberlin Business Partnership
The Dog-gone End of Summer Event
Thursday, September 18, 2025
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Tappan Square, Downtown Oberlin
All friendly and well-mannered canines are welcome!
Enjoy a dog gone good time!
Costume contest
Parade
Vendors
Music
Collaboration with Local Shelters
Register your canine to participate.
Oberlin Community Services
The 9th Annual Jaqui Willis Back to School Giveaway
This event is held each summer in memory of the late Jaqui Willis, a lifelong educator, OCS board member, volunteer, and community organizer who had a passion for ensuring every Oberlin student could begin the year with the supplies needed to succeed.
Get free supplies for the 2025-2026 school year.
Oberlin City Schools families can sign up below.
Deadline to register is August 8, 2025.
Oberlin Schools
Back to School Event — Open Doors 2025
Thursday, August 21, 2025
4:00pm - 6:00pm
On the grounds between Oberlin Elementary School and Oberlin High School
210 N Park St, Oberlin, Ohio
For students who are registered for kindergarten at Oberlin Elementary.
Oberlin Schools
Upcoming School Events
Fall 2025 Sports Meeting
August 4, 2025
6:00pm
@ OHS Gym
Open Doors Back to School
August 21, 2025
4:00pm - 6:00pm
@ ALL BUILDINGS
First Day of School - Grades K-12
August 25, 2025
Board of Education Meeting
August 26, 2025
6:00pm
@ OES Cafeteria
Oberlin Schools
Pre-K Start Days
Last Names A-L:
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Last Names M-Z:
Friday, August 29, 2025
All Pre-K students to attend school on
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Oberlin Public Library
Little Engineers Group of Oberlin (L.E.G.O.)
Wednesdays
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Oberlin Public Library
65 S. Main St, Oberlin, Ohio
440-775-4790
Join the Little Engineers Group of Oberlin to test your brickmaster skills! L.E.G.O. meets every Wednesday.
Suggested for children over 5 years old.
Oberlin Public Library
Story Time at OPL
Fridays
11:00am - 12:00pm
Oberlin Public Library
65 S. Main St, Oberlin, Ohio
440-775-4790
No registration required. Drop in!
Books!
Music!
Fish!
Bubbles!
United Way of Greater Lorain County
Advocacy Blast
Want to take action in our community?
Sign up for our Advocacy Blast today!
United Way of Greater Lorain County
Want to help?
Donate to support OberlinKids or the causes that mean the most to you.
If we work together, we have the power to change the odds for people at risk in Greater Lorain County.
United, we help people live healthier lives.
United, we help children get ready for kindergarten.
United, we help at-risk middle school students succeed.
United, we help working families get back on their feet in times of crisis.
2-1-1
Get Connected. Get Help.
Get connected to resources 24/365 through 2-1-1 First Call for Help.
United Way of Greater Lorain County
United Way Volunteer Engagement Opportunities
Collect.Sort.Deliver Impact Initiative
Family Volunteer Days
Lorain County Free Tax Prep Volunteer Opportunities
