Ready Kids. Empowered Families. Connected Communities.
Together, we are OberlinKids!
Discover free resources, family events, personalized support, and trusted community connections that help your child grow, learn, and thrive from birth through kindergarten.
Oberlin's Go-To for All Things Early Childhood
Ready Kids. Empowered Families. Connected Communities.
Complete your child’s On Track for Kindergarten Check-In at least once a year to be an active OberlinKids Family Partner and access exclusive family resources and special opportunities throughout the year.
It's that simple. In less than 20 minutes once a year, you can help your child stay On Track for Kindergarten while connecting with your community, trusted resources, and family-friendly events offered throughout the year.
As an OberlinKids Family Partner, You'll Get FREE
Annual On Track for Kindergarten Check-Ins
Celebrate your child's growth, track developmental milestones, and receive personalized recommendations to support learning and development from birth to kindergarten.Literacy & Learning Kits
Each kit is thoughtfully assembled with books, hands-on activities, and family resources to encourage learning through play.Family-Friendly Events & Playgroups
Join free playgroups, special events, family learning opportunities, and family fun events where families learn, play, and socialize with others from our community.Fun Learning Activities at Home
Receive age-appropriate activity ideas, crafts, and everyday ideas to build early literacy, math, social-emotional, and school-readiness skills with your child while you play.Personalized Support & Trusted Resources
Whether you're looking for childcare, preschool, developmental services, healthcare, parenting support, or community resources, we're here to help connect your family.Kindergarten Readiness Support
Access tips, tools, and activities that help your child build the confidence and skills needed for a successful start to school.Parent Workshops & Family Learning
Participate in family-friendly workshops, guest speakers, and special programs on child development, parenting, health, behavior, and more.Family Partner Perks
Receive invitations for priority registration to special events, giveaways, incentives, and exclusive opportunities offered throughout the year.Updates & Event Reminders
Stay connected with family activities, community events, local resources, and important opportunities—all in one place.A Caring Community
Become part of a network of families, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners working together to help every child thrive.
Why Families Love OberlinKids
✔ It's FREE
Everything OberlinKids offers is provided at no cost to eligible families thanks to generous grant funding.
✔ It only takes about 20 minutes each year
Complete your child's annual On Track for Kindergarten Check-In to celebrate learning, growth, and milestones along the way.
✔ It's personalized and confidential
Your family's information is always kept confidential and is used only to provide personalized resources, recommendations, and support tailored to your child's unique needs and development.
✔ It's local
Everything is designed specifically for families in the Oberlin City School District community.
✔ We're with you every step of the way
From your baby's first milestones to the first day of kindergarten, OberlinKids is here to support your family with whatever you need. Reach out anytime.
Our Signature Programs
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The Community Classroom Play Space
Welcome to the OberlinKids Community Classroom-a free, welcoming place where OberlinKids Families with young children can learn, play, and connect.
Drop in when you are looking for something to do with your little ones, use the Classroom to meet up with friends for a playdate, or join a scheduled playgroup.
Intentionally designed by an experienced early childhood teacher, our preschool classroom-inspired space is filled with high-quality, child-sized furniture, toys, and learning materials that encourage children to explore, create, and discover through play.
Children can enjoy our engaging learning areas, including:
Language & Literacy
Math
Science & Discovery
Dramatic Play
Building & Construction
STEM
Sensory Play
Art & Creativity
Infant & Toddler Play
Social-Emotional Learning
Every area is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen the foundational skills children need for success in school and beyond.
Whether your child is cuddled up with you reading a book, building a tower, creating a masterpiece, or pretending to be a chef or veterinarian, they'll be learning through play every step of the way with you by their side.
Come explore, make new friends, and discover why play is one of the most powerful ways children grow, learn, and thrive.
Stop by and see what's waiting to be discovered!
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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!
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.
Since its launch in 2014…
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3,000+ SERVED & COUNTING
Children and caregivers receiving benefits from free programming through OberlinKids
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2,000+ SCREENINGS
Children have been screened for communication, motor, cognitive, social, and emotional milestones
What People Are Saying
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“...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
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"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
