By Christina Rodriguez
Toledo, OH: On March 17, 2025, more than 500 community members, educators, and leaders gathered at the Glass City Center for an education summit aimed at tackling one of Northwest Ohio’s most pressing challenges: early childhood education. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Toledo in collaboration with Chicks for Charity and HOPE Toledo, the event brought together national experts, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss the urgent need for investment in early learning programs.
The summit featured a keynote address from Marica Cox Mitchell, Vice President of Early Childhood Education for the Bainum Family Foundation. Mitchell spoke on the importance of high-quality early education and shared how her foundation has been working to support initiatives that ensure children enter kindergarten ready to learn. She also emphasized the role of funding in expanding access to programs like those at Toledo Day Nursery, which provide crucial early learning opportunities for local children.
A panel discussion followed the keynote, delving into topics such as health disparities, the impact of early learning on long-term academic success, and the challenges facing preschool-aged children in Toledo. Moderated by Kristian Brown of 13abc, the panel included a diverse group of experts and community advocates who explored both the benefits and potential barriers to expanding early childhood education programs.
Among the notable attendees were Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, who engaged in the discussion by posing a critical question on the future of early education funding. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, City Councilwoman Brittany Jones, and City Councilman Sam Malden were also present, demonstrating strong local government support for improving educational outcomes.
John C. Jones, President of HOPE Toledo, highlighted the critical need for action, noting that four out of five children in Toledo and seven out of ten in Lucas County enter kindergarten without the foundational skills necessary to succeed. “If we want a strong workforce and a thriving economy, we must start by ensuring our children are prepared from the very beginning,” Jones emphasized.
The event served as both an eye-opener and a call to action for the community. With local and national leaders recognizing the long-term economic and social benefits of investing in early childhood education, the conversation now shifts toward tangible solutions that will give every child in Toledo the opportunity to succeed.
For more information visit www.hope-toledo.org.