New to OberlinKids? We’re glad you’re here!

OberlinKids is your community collaborative—a network of more than 30 local organizations, educators from preschool through college, healthcare and mental health providers, social service agencies, businesses, community leaders, and families working together to develop solutions to ensure every child in the Oberlin City School District is healthy and ready to learn.

At OberlinKids, every family is valued as a partner. Parents, grandparents, foster parents, step parents, caregivers, neighbors, educators, and professionals all have an important role in helping our children thrive. Families are the experts on their own children and are their first and most important teachers. Together we create a supportive network where everyone has something to contribute, something to learn, and someone to lean on. Whether you're looking for answers, trusted resources, meaningful friendships, opportunities to learn through play, or simply a welcoming place to belong, OberlinKids connects you with the people and support you need.

Together, we provide 100% FREE play-based programs, family and community events, kindergarten readiness check-ins, literacy resources, and connections to local organizations that are invested in your child's health, development, and future success.

Together, we're raising the next generation of Oberlin-where families, educators, and community professionals work side by side toward one shared goal: ensuring every child enters school healthy and ready to learn.

OberlinKids is for every family with a child from birth through kindergarten (0–66 months). Whether you're expecting your first child, raising a toddler, preparing for kindergarten, or caring for a young child as a parent, grandparent, guardian, foster parent, or other caregiver, you're welcome here.

There are no income requirements, diagnoses, developmental concerns, or special eligibility criteria to participate. Every child can benefit from opportunities to learn through play, build relationships, and grow through positive early childhood experiences.

To participate in OberlinKids, your family must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Live within the Oberlin City School District

• Have a child enrolled in an OberlinKids partner early learning program

• Plan to open enroll your child in Oberlin City Schools

If your child is between birth and kindergarten (0–66 months) and your family meets one of the eligibility requirements above, we'd love to welcome you to the OberlinKids community!

Every child is welcome. Every family belongs. Every journey starts somewhere and we're here to support yours.

Families choose OberlinKids because they find more than programs—they find a community.

Through free play-based learning opportunities, family events, and trusted resources, children build the skills they need to thrive in school and in life. Parents and caregivers discover they don't have to navigate early childhood alone. They build friendships with other families, gain confidence in supporting their child's learning through everyday moments, and connect with caring local organizations that are invested in their child's health, development, and future success. Together, we're building stronger families, stronger connections, and a stronger community—one child at a time.

OberlinKids is not just connecting families to services; we're helping them build a community and a sense of belonging.

OberlinKids helps families feel welcomed, supported, and connected while giving young children joyful opportunities to learn, grow, and get ready for kindergarten.

NOTHING! OberlinKids is completely free for everyone regardless of income or services received. Thanks to the United Way of Greater Lorain County and lots of other very generous foundations and grants we are able to offer everything we do for no cost at all! No catch, no free trials, no hidden costs or additional requirements. All we ask from our Family Partners is that you complete your child’s On Track for Kindergarten Check-In at least once per year. In less than 30 minutes a year you not only track your child’s growth and development but you can have the peace of mind that you are doing everything you can to best support your child’s healthy development during the most important years of their lives.

OberlinKids Family Partners enjoy FREE Members Only benefits like:

• Individualized resources and one-on-one support when needed

• Literacy and learning kits full of new, high-quality books and activities designed to increase a love of reading, enhance literacy skills, provide fun learning activities, and more!

• Access to family-friendly events, playgroups, story times, and other networking opportunities

• Access to the Community Classroom Play Space

• Family learning events, hands-on workshops, and other fun educational activities for the whole family

• Newsletters alerting you to special events, priority registration, and special incentives.

• Access to tons of resources, events, and opportunities provided by our organizational partners throughout Oberlin and Lorain County.