Child Care Issues are Impacting Businesses

April 11, 2023

A woman works on a laptop while talking on the phone at a kitchen table, looking concerned. Two children sit nearby, one drawing and the other looking at her. Papers and a calculator are on the table.

Black working mother communicating over cell phone while reading an e-mail on laptop at home.

The U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey reported in August 2022 that nearly 870,000 women have left jobs to care for one or more child under 5.

In a recent blog post featured on the Workforce Innovation Center, 4C for Children president/CEO Vanessa Freytag shares current child care trends like this and how these trends are impacting local businesses.

Parenting Hot Topic: Embrace Earth Day in Ohio

March 31, 2023

Young child with blonde hair, wearing a red shirt and beige overalls, sits smiling inside a cardboard box on green grass outdoors.

Children dig it! Earth Day, tabbed this year on April 22, is an opportunity to celebrate our planet and learn about ways to protect it. You and your family can celebrate Earth Day by diving into nature, learning about the Earth’s importance and discovering ways to conserve it.

Here are some simple tips to help protect our natural world:

Supporting Families, Recruiting Child Care Providers

March 20, 2023

Finding an open child care seat is a struggle for local families. And finding qualified staff for child care programs in order to expand capacity is a struggle for local child care providers. When combined, these struggles have created a child care crisis in this region. 4C for Children in taking action by launching the unique Child Care Careers Program.

Recently, Local 12 News highlighted 4C for Children’s new program to rebuild the workforce in the community. In doing so, families and parents like first-time mother Roxana Holland will find it easier to find child care for children.

Parenting Hot Topic: Lean into Literacy and Local Libraries

February 28, 2023

Public libraries provide families with a welcoming environment to learn, connect with other families and find community resources. Libraries also help families prepare for school success, even before the child enters kindergarten. The bonus is public libraries are free resources.

Inside a library you’ll find books, media and activities that help children begin their literacy journey and promote a lifetime of learning. Read More about Parenting Hot Topic: Lean into Literacy and Local Libraries »

Parenting Hot Topic: Talk About Teeth

January 30, 2023

February is for flossing—not the dance move but the dental hygiene activity! This month is National Children’s Dental Health month.

Poor dental health can lead to pain and infection that may cause problems when eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss school more and receive lower grades compared to other children.

The good news is cavities are preventable! Daily dental hygiene routines at home and regular visits to a dentist can help. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), parents can support young children by developing good dental habits. Read More about Parenting Hot Topic: Talk About Teeth »

Parenting Hot Topic: Reading Can Be a Resolution

January 3, 2023

Can you believe 2023 is already here? Have you thought about a New Year’s resolution that you can stick to? Consider this: helping your child excel at reading. This is a goal that you and your child can tackle together.

Studies have shown that when children are read to regularly it helps improve vocabulary and communication skills and develop a lifelong love of reading. Plus, the more time you and your child spend together strengthening their love of reading, your relationship will also grow stronger.

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Parenting Hot Topic: Managing Parental Stress

December 5, 2022

Stress is an expected part of life as a parent. Parenting comes with a high level of stress and it’s not always possible to be calm and stress-free around your children. As parental stress builds up, it can start to affect how you interact with your child and how they feel. Learning to relieve parental stress can give you the patience, energy and perspective to be the parent you want to be.

Q&A With the Conference Keynote Speakers

November 29, 2022

More than 450 child care providers attended the 4C for Children Leadership and Early Education Conference in October and were inspired and motivated by keynote speakers Maryum Ali and Dan St. Romain. The speakers shared stories and tips about social-emotional well-being and positive ways to assess children’s developmental needs.

Find out more about our next conference by signing up for our provider bi-monthly emails.