Community Provider Corner

(From the January 2026 issue of MedStat)

HOPE Line Services Focused on 16 Central Ohio Counties

The HOPE (Helping Ohio Preschoolers Excel) line partners with early learning professionals working with children from birth to age 8 to strengthen practices through evidence-informed consultation. Effective January 1, 2026, the HOPE (Helping Ohio Preschoolers Excel) line has reorganized to continue delivering high-quality support to early learning professionals. As part of this update, free on-site consultation services will now be available in 16 counties across central Ohio: Clark, Coshocton, Crawford, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hardin, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Union and Wyandot.

While geographic focus has shifted, our commitment remains the same: helping early learning providers create positive, nurturing learning environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of Ohio’s children. Questions or referrals? Contact the HOPE line at (844) 678-ABCS (2227) or visit NationwideChildrens.org/ABCs.

Start the New Year by Elevating Your Pediatric Care Skills

As we step into a new year, there’s no better time to invest in your professional growth and improve outcomes for the children and families you serve, for free! Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a virtual program designed to empower providers with the latest knowledge and practical tools. Through expert-led presentations and real-world case discussions, you’ll build clinical confidence, strengthen care delivery and expand specialty access for families, all while learning alongside a network of peers and pediatric specialists.

Save your spot today:

Visit NationwideChildrens.org/ECHO-series to learn more. For your patient families, Family ECHO offers a supportive space to learn and connect.

New Opportunities for Boosting Early Literacy

As trusted partners in early childhood development, you know how powerful reading can be. It builds vocabulary, strengthens caregiver-child bonds and lays out the foundation for lifelong learning. Programs like Imagination Library make it easy for families to start this journey by delivering a free, age-appropriate book each month to children ages 0-5. Encouraging families to sign up is a simple way to support early literacy and kindergarten readiness.

You can also make an impact in your practice. Through Reach Out and Read, primary care providers integrate literacy into well-child visits by giving families books and modeling shared reading. If you’re working in another type of practice, you can help spark a love of reading by creating literacy-friendly spaces and placing books in your waiting area to give families more opportunities to read together.

ADHD Academy 2026 Classes

The ADHD Academy is a virtual education series designed for parents, caregivers, educators and others who support children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The series includes 10 topics offered during the school year, beginning January 8 and continuing through June 2. Participants can register at any time for individual classes or for multiple sessions. Certificates of completion are available upon request to meet foster care and adoption training requirements. For questions, email Sheri.Brock@NationwideChildrens.org.

Giggle & Groove

Giggle & Groove is a research-based music therapy class that supports growth and development through interactive music and play. Each class includes 45-minute sessions every Wednesday at the East Columbus and Westerville Close To HomeSM Centers. For session times, visit Nationwide Children's Hospital Continuing Education.

Training Opportunities on Trafficking Awareness

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Every year, thousands of youths are at risk of trafficking and exploitation. The Center for Family Safety and Healing at Nationwide Children’s has a team dedicated to protecting trafficked and exploited youth. They also provide resources and educational training for clinical professionals. To request a training for your team or department, email TraffickedandExploitedYouth@NationwideChildrens.org.