United States Catholic Conference

The SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) program is a home visitation model recognized nationally as a best practice model in supporting young children in getting ready for Kindergarten. ECRC works with children, families, community agencies and school districts as partners to ensure their success. Home visits include prescribed lessons aligned with Ohio's Early Learning Standards, administers assessments and screenings, and initiates referrals to needed community resources. SPARK and schools work collaboratively to ensure that children experience smooth transitions into school. In 2024 3,036 children participated in the SPARK program.

The ECRC serves families through outreach and parent education services in our six counties. In our Canton facility, families can check out books from our library, play in our indoor or outdoor play spaces, use our production lab to make learning tools or take a parenting education class. Our parent education staff also provide comprehensive case management, coaching and resources to high need fathers and mothers. This could include concrete supports, help in navigating life's challenges, support in gaining custody of their children or paying child support and learning how to co-parent.