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A Message for Kentucky Providers: Resources to Navigate Child Care Program Closures

Governor Andy Beshear announced yesterday afternoon that by the end of the business day on Friday, Kentucky child care centers must temporarily close to help manage the spread of COVID-19. While children remain at low risk, they can carry the virus and impact other segments of the population.

This is a continuously evolving situation and it’s important to know where to turn for support and information for your personal needs, for the families and children you serve and for your business. Here are some resources: Read More about A Message for Kentucky Providers: Resources to Navigate Child Care Program Closures »

COVID-19: 4C for Children Training and Coaching

As the situation around the coronavirus causing COVID-19 evolves, 4C for Children is continuing to plan, prepare and respond as needed based on information provided by local, state and national health agencies.

Although we are closing our offices to the public to minimize the spread of the virus, we will still be able to remotely serve you. To protect those we serve and 4C staff we are putting the following measures in place: Read More about COVID-19: 4C for Children Training and Coaching »

COVID-19: OACCP Conference Call

Here are the notes from the Ohio Association of Child Care Providers (OACCP) March 13 conference call.  This is not a complete transcript but we were able to staff captured as much as possible. Please note especially the information about the increase in ratios.

Karen Lampe welcomed providers

LeeAnn, representative from Governor’s office, thanked providers for the service they provide. Right now, the advice is that we do not need to close our child care providers. They are listening to the advice of health professionals. Read More about COVID-19: OACCP Conference Call »

Nature Breeds Curiosity and Learning!

‘Nature breeds curiosity; it helps to grow explorers rather than robots. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger. It grounds us, calms us.’-Ben Palmer Fry

Spring is on its way and with it comes the opportunity to observe nature changing before our eyes. Get outside with children and be part of the transformation!

It doesn’t matter if the days are bright and sunny, rainy, snowy, warm or cold. Outdoor play is always worth the effort. As long as it is safe, outdoor play can be fun, purposeful, full of opportunities to explore and provide endless learning experiences for children. Read More about Nature Breeds Curiosity and Learning! »

What’s Your Child Care Backup Plan?

Even the best planned child care arrangements can be disrupted because of unexpected events. Such an event is taking place now with the public health situation around the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Identifying a backup child care plan that can be put into action is important in the event a school is temporarily closed or if parents, children or a child care provider is sick. Read More about What’s Your Child Care Backup Plan? »

Be Counted! Participate in the 2020 Census

Once every decade, every resident in the United States is counted through the 2020 U.S. Census. This count directly impacts neighborhoods and businesses because money for schools, roads and public resources is dependent on population. So it’s essential to get an accurate count of everyone, from children to adults.

It’s estimated 5% of kids under age 5 were not counted in the 2010 Census. That equals about 1 million young children who were not counted—the highest undercount of any age group. When children are missed in the Census, programs such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, the National School Lunch Program, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program miss out on funding.

You can help ensure that this doesn’t happen again.

Beginning mid-March, every household should receive a postcard in the mail with instructions about how to participate. Information can be submitted online, over the phone, or by mail.

Download this flyer and learn how participating in the 2020 Census is easy, safe, and important.

Kindergarten Readiness: It Starts at Birth

Father and son building with Legos

Although it’s hard to imagine thinking about the next school year when this academic year is barely half over, that’s exactly what families with children entering kindergarten next year are doing as the kindergarten registration process is kicking off in school districts throughout the region.

But getting children ready for kindergarten isn’t something that just begins at registration or even in preschool—it really begins at birth!

By the time a child is three years old, the areas that are foundational for later school success and learning are set. So when thinking about kindergarten readiness it’s important to look at the whole child because there’s much more involved than the child knowing letters, numbers and colors. While those things are important, so too are social-emotional, language, cognitive, literacy and physical development.

Read More about Kindergarten Readiness: It Starts at Birth »

New Year’s Resolution: Healthier Eating

child eating“Healthy eating is a way of life, so it’s important to establish routines that are simple, realistically, and ultimately livable.” – Horace

Families today have busy schedules. The “busyness” of our lives can sometimes sway us to make not so healthy food choices. It is easy to stop for fast food as families run from one event after another. But too much of one thing isn’t beneficial to any of us, especially when it comes to food.

Children need healthy foods and a diverse diet to best meet their growth and development needs. Eating healthy isn’t something children readily choose—oftentimes the things they like best are not the healthiest! So they need to be taught healthy eating habits. Read More about New Year’s Resolution: Healthier Eating »

Spreading Holiday Cheer as a Family

Family Making Holiday CardsRather than a series of obligations to go and do and buy, the weeks leading up to the holidays can be a time of connection for you and your family. It’s easy to get caught up in the commercialization of the season and lose sight of ways to connect as a family and ways to connect with those around us. When we focus on being present in the moment rather than focusing on the presents under the tree, we’re creating memories that will last our children a lifetime. Read More about Spreading Holiday Cheer as a Family »