Somewhere to take the children
Libraries, parks, pools and free meals in Columbus, and what people here offer.
Everything in the first list is free or nearly free, and none of it asks about immigration status. A library card costs nothing, and summer meals do not ask a child to give a name.
No places match all of those yet.
Places in Columbus
- Action for Children
Free help finding child care. The child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, covering Franklin and six neighbouring counties.
1105 Schrock Rd, Ste 125, Columbus, OH 43229
614-224-0222
Checked September 17, 2026
- Publicly Funded Child Care — Ohio Benefits
Help paying for child care while you work or study. Eligibility starts at or below 145% of the federal poverty level and continues up to 300%.
1-844-640-6446
Checked September 17, 2026
- Child Development Council of Franklin County
Head Start, free to eligible families — early education for children before they start school.
999 Crupper Avenue, Columbus, OH 43229
614-271-4056
Checked September 17, 2026
- Ohio Department of Education and Workforce — enrolling newcomer students
Ohio's own instruction to its schools: they should not ask about citizenship or immigration status, or require state-issued identification, to enrol a child. Enrolment should happen immediately even if records are incomplete or the deadline has passed.
Districts do ask for a lease and utility bills as proof of address, which is allowed. Being asked for those is not the same as being asked about status.
Checked September 17, 2026
- Columbus Global Academy
The Columbus City Schools newcomer school, for students arriving from other countries. Staff speak Amharic.
4077 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43224
614-365-8811
Checked September 17, 2026
- Whitehall City Schools — Enrollment Center
Where to enrol a child in Whitehall schools. By appointment only.
4738 Kae Avenue, Whitehall, OH 43213
614-417-5129
Checked September 17, 2026