Articles under 4C for Children

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.

Check your local library’s website and social media pages to find a wide range of programming.

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.

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 stress builds up, it can start to affect how you interact with your child and how they feel. Learning to manage 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.

Parenting Hot Topic: Self-Care and Prioritizing Your Needs

October 3, 2022

Self-care has become a coined term within the last few years. However, do we understand what it means? Self care word on wood blocks

Parents are busy with expectations, to-do lists and work. It becomes difficult to prioritize self-care. Neglecting your own wellbeing can affect your physical and mental health – and also, negatively impact you parenting style. Taking care of ourselves is key if we want to have a more abundant life.

Below are some tips to focus in on your own self-care.

4C for Children to Recognize 50 Honorees

August 10, 2022

Local advocates to be celebrated at 4C for Children 50th Anniversary Champions Gala, Presented by PNC Bank

CINCINNATI, Aug. 10, 2022 – 4C for Children will honor its retired CEO, Sallie Westheimer, during the organization’s Champions Gala. The event, which is presented by PNC Bank, takes place Oct. 8 at Music Hall.

The gala will celebrate 4C for Children’s 50th anniversary serving Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley as a premier resource for high-quality early education and care for the youngest children in our community.

Stabilization Grants: The Latest Updates

August 8, 2022

Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) supports the recovery and stabilization of child care providers across the nation. In Ohio, this money is now available to child care programs in the form of Stabilization Grants. Since these funds are being distributed through grants that means the money does not need to be paid back if it is used according to the guidelines.

All ODJFS licensed programs meeting the Phase 3 qualifications are eligible to receive these funds. A child care program doesn’t need to be SUTQ-rated or provide care for families using publicly funded child care to apply for these Stabilization Grants. Payment timelines are still estimated to be 4-6 weeks from the application approval date.

Tap Into Resources to Open or Expand a Child Care Business

August 5, 2022

There has never been a better time to consider starting or expanding a family child care or center-based business! 4C for Children is recruiting new licensed child care programs and helping current programs expand in the counties and communities we serve in Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley.