Articles under Business Services

Dean Woodring Named President and CEO of 4C for Children

July 1, 2025

4C for Children, the leading child care resource and referral agency serving Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Woodring as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.

An advocate for innovation and ensuring access for all, Woodring brings more than three decades of education and leadership roles across public schools, higher education, and national organizations. She succeeds retiring President/CEO Vanessa Freytag, who has led the agency for the past 10 years.

Avoiding the Summer Slide

June 26, 2025

Summer is finally upon us and children are enjoying the relaxed days and nights. But there’s always a worry about what has been coined “summer slide.” According to a recent study, children between the third and fifth grades lose 20% of their school-year gains in reading and 27% in math during summer break.

The good news is that there are fun, educational activities that can help prevent the slide. Here is a list of ideas that you and your family can incorporate into your lazy days of summer:

4C for Children, Goodwill Industries Partnership Announced

June 17, 2025

4C for Children and Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries (OVGI) are partnering to help local families meet housing, employment and child care needs. Vanessa Freytag, 4C for Children’s president/CEO, calls the partnership a “game changer for working families.”

Summer Water Safety Guidelines

May 28, 2025

On hot summer days it’s hard to resist playing in or near water. Although water play is fun and relaxing, remember to remain aware and vigilant about safety. This is exceptionally important since the leading cause of death for children under age 4 is drowning. In addition to the dangers around a pool, there are also dangers inside the home. Here are eight tips to help keep children safe.

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

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

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

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