CINCINNATI — 4C for Children is pleased to announce the promotion of Terri Alekzander to Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective Oct. 1. In this role, Alekzander will oversee the agency’s technology strategy and information systems, driving innovation and efficiency across all operations.
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Play the Day Away!
Building a castle of blocks, dreaming up a dramatic plot for dolls or running a pretend restaurant with plastic food. These are all great ways to play—and learn!
Play is essential for early childhood development, which spans ages zero to eight. It serves as a powerful channel for young children to explore, learn and make sense of the world around them.
4C for Children’s Heather Webb Celebrated as Coach of the Year
Congratulations to our very own Heather Webb who is being honored by Cincinnati Preschool Promise as 2024 Coach of the Year. 4C for Children partners with the local non-profit to ensure access to high-quality preschools and better kindergarten preparedness for children.
Heather has worked as a 4C quality programs specialist since 2021 but she has been in the early childhood field for more than two decades. Her professional and personal mantra is inspired by Fred Rogers:
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The Solution for Parental Stress
The daily stressors that come along with raising children can feel overwhelming and can leave many adults who fill a parenting role in the lives of children feeling isolated. The surgeon general recently called parental stress in the United States “a significant public health issue.” One way to combat the tremendous pressure and uncertainty of being a parent is to form a network of support–people you can share experiences with, ask for help and give and get practical tips for overcoming parental challenges.
4C for Children Earns Best Places to Work Award
4C for Children is pleased to be recognized as a 2024 Best Places to Work, awarded by the Cincinnati Business Courier. This honor is particularly significant as it reflects the organization’s rich workplace culture and commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for employees.
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Six Tips to Prepare Children for School
The flip of the calendar to August comes with mixed feelings for school-age children and their families. The new school year can be both exciting and cause some anxiety—among caregivers and children. With only a few more weeks to go before the school bell rings for the new year, here are some ways that families can help smooth the transition and ease the anxiety, especially for children who are attending school for the first time.
Nominate an Outstanding Leader and/or Educator
Do you know an early childhood educator or local early childhood leader who is making a difference in the lives of young children and families? If so, nominate them for one of two honors 4C for Children awards at the annual Leadership and Early Childhood Conference on Oct. 10-11, 2025, at the Sharonville Convention Center. The deadline for submitting nominations is Aug. 29.
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Starting Conversations With Infants
During early childhood, the growth and development of children’s brains occur at remarkable speeds.
By their first birthday, children typically acquire all the necessary sounds essential for developing language skills and vocabulary. Although it might seem unfamiliar to converse with a baby, remember that your child absorbs every sound, word, and facial expression. At this stage, the content matters less than the act of talking itself. Here are a few tips to get the conversation started.
Explaining the Changes to Step Up To Quality
Starting July 7, the new Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) standards will go into effect. All currently rated programs will have until July 1, 2025, to begin implementing the new SUTQ standards.
Quality rating banners will feature Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. This rating system change is being made throughout Ohio.
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4C for Children Recognized as 2024 ‘Best Places to Work’ Finalist
4C for Children has been named a finalist in the 2024 Cincinnati Business Courier Best Places to Work award program. The recognition program recognizes companies that rank the highest in employee satisfaction via an independent third party.
The annual list is based on the results of surveying conducted by Quantum Workplace, which independently surveys employees at organizations that voluntarily participate in the program.
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