Child Care Programs: You Can Earn $2,000 With a Just a Few Clicks!

May 15, 2025

enter now icon Update your child care program profile in our online portal and you will be eligible to receive one of 50 incentives worth $2,000 each—all for sharing a few details.

Each month hundreds of families turn to 4C for Children and our Child Care Online Search to find reliable, affordable child care.Your program profile needs to be as accurate as possible so those searching for care see the most up-to-date information such as vacancies, operating hours, location, environment photos, etc. This not only helps families find child care but can also help you increase enrollment.

Fun and Easy Playdough Recipe

May 8, 2025

Everyone remembers growing up and playing with playdough. Whether you were rolling it into a ball, making the latest chunky jewelry or making imprints with household items, playdough is a great activity that will make memories that last a lifetime.

It’s more than just fun. Playdough allows children to use their imagination, strengthens the muscles in their fingers and supports social skills, like sharing and taking turns.

Your Questions Answered: Professional Development Requirements

May 2, 2025

July brings summer heat, fireworks and cookouts. This year, it also brings changes to professional development (PD) requirements for Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)-rated programs. Keep reading for the changes and what you’ll be required to complete by June 30.

All SUTQ lead and assistant teachers are required to complete 10 hours of professional development training by June 30 every year regardless of their program’s rating. For a list of upcoming training opportunities, click here.

Show Early Childhood Educators Your Appreciation!

April 29, 2025

A smiling man and woman watch as a young girl colors with crayons at a small table in a cozy, sunlit living room.

Child care providers, teachers and all early childhood educators play an essential part in the community. Their job goes beyond basic care. It includes teaching, nurturing and creating a safe and stimulating environment for children in their first stages of life.

Child care providers are celebrated every day, but especially on Provider Appreciation Day, which falls on May 9 this year.

Here are some fun and easy ways you can join us in celebrating your child’s amazing educators!

Create Your Spring Bucket List

March 26, 2025

A young child wearing a plaid shirt, denim overalls, and pink rain boots is crouched down in a garden bed, using a small tool to dig in the soil near rows of seedlings inside a greenhouse.

Spring is finally here! The weather is beginning to warm up, flowers are blooming and the little ones are playing outside more. Not only are children ready to feel the warmth of the sun on their skin and the breeze in their hair, but parents are also eager to get outside.

This is a great time of year for your family to create a bucket list of all the fun-filled crafts, recipes and outdoor adventures you want to do. Here’s some ideas to help you come up with your family’s spring-time bucket list.

The Power of Play

March 24, 2025

We have more sunlight and temperatures are getting warmer. That means families have more time to get outside and play!

Play isn’t just fun. It helps encourage healthy development in children of any age. As an adult, it can be hard to come up with new and exciting ways to entertain and engage children. That’s why 4C for Children’s Learn Through Play calendars are a great resource to find developmentally appropriate activities that you and your child can do together.

Use these ideas to tap into the many benefits of play.

Register for the April Training Blitz

March 5, 2025

A teacher stands and smiles while talking with three students sitting at a table in a library, surrounded by books, notebooks, a laptop, and a tablet, all appearing engaged in discussion.

Join us in April as we celebrate The Week of the Young Child with a month-long training blitz! In addition to having the opportunity to attend some amazing Ohio Approved training sessions that focus on collaboration, art, music, family and nature, each participant will also receive:

$10 off regular training cost of each session (Costs listed below reflect the $10 savings)
A small gift and be eligible for a door prize worth $25 at each training

Embracing People of All Abilities

February 28, 2025

A smiling woman lifts a laughing young boy in a kitchen decorated with colorful banners and balloons, suggesting a celebration or party. As a parent you can help your child understand and embrace those with disabilities. Your child has likely been in a classroom, grocery store, park or library with a person who has special needs. Talking openly and honestly about these experiences is critical in helping children understand the uniqueness of others and encourage positive interactions.

Children are naturally curious and highly observant. Embrace their curiosity by taking these simple steps.

Building Strong Social/Emotional Skills

January 31, 2025

Raising children involves more than ensuring their physical well-being, it’s also about supporting their emotional and social development. It is never too early to start teaching children about the building blocks of healthy relationships that include empathy, respect and communication.

Here are a few ways you can teach and model how to create and maintain meaningful relationships.