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Mayor's office outlines expansion of unified early-learning system and infant health investments
Summary
Rochelle Wardell told council Akron launched phase 1 of a unified early-learning system, saw enrollment increases despite high staff turnover, and will scale literacy training and a childcare business accelerator in 2026 while launching a hospital-linked violence-intervention program and an infant health fund.
Rochelle Wardell, the mayor's education and health strategist, told the city council finance committee that Akron launched phase 1 of a unified early-learning system in 2025 and will move to implementation and scale in 2026.
"This effort expands access to high quality early learning opportunities for children from birth to kindergarten entry," Wardell said, describing the program as a coordinated network intended to support families and working parents across Akron. She said national technical assistance from Start Early supports…
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