When 2020 began, everyone at 4C for Children was filled with excitement at what we planned to accomplish in the coming months. Our financial outlook was positive, we were laying the groundwork for a new three-year strategic plan with our board, department goals were established, staff were focused on implementing new strategies to help child care providers meet the summer deadline to become quality rated and new ways to help families find quality child care options were being explored and integrated into our work. Read More about 2020 Impact Report: Resilience in a Difficult Year »
Articles under Families
Your Child and School Transitions
“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” —Chinese Proverb
It is almost that time of year again, “Back-to-School” preparation, excitement and first day jitters! Preparing children for back to school, or transitioning from preschool to kindergarten, includes helping them prepare both mentally and physically for the school year ahead.
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State of Ohio Budget Update: Good news!
We are grateful to share with you that the future of Step Up To Quality is bright! The State of Ohio budget process has concluded, and some of the changes that had originally been proposed that would have dismantled SUTQ have been removed from the state’s budget. The requirement for those that serve children receiving state assistance to obtain a Step Up To Quality rating will remain in place. Read More about State of Ohio Budget Update: Good news! »
Act Now to Save SUTQ!
The future of Step Up To Quality—and the ripple effect it has had over the past 10 years on the growth and stabilization of our community’s educational and economic infrastructure—is at risk. Read More about Act Now to Save SUTQ! »
24,000 Children in Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley Need Your Voice
Today, the future of Step Up To Quality—and helping children get that best possible educational foundation—is at risk. The changes to Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) and other state support for child care in the current version of the State of Ohio Budget will reduce the number of programs able to participate in SUTQ.
The investment in quality child care has changed the game for more than 24,000 children in Southwest Ohio and Miami Valley whose families are receiving state assistance for child care. Read More about 24,000 Children in Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley Need Your Voice »
Advocacy Alert: Make Your Voice Heard
4C for Children is partnering with organizations across the state such as Groundwork Ohio, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Montgomery County Preschool Promise, and many others, to share the following message: Read More about Advocacy Alert: Make Your Voice Heard »
Your Family In The Great Outdoors!
“Playing together in nature is as much about us as it is about the child. Children get to celebrate and be themselves, while we are reminded of our inner child—the essence of who we are.” —Nicolette Sowder
June is National Great Outdoors Month. The benefits children reap through playing outdoors is endless!
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Child Care Start Up Funds Allocated
A Note from 4C for Children President/CEO Vanessa Freytag:
For the past several weeks, 4C for Children has worked with members of the Cincinnati City Council to advocate for additional support for and expansion of child care programs in the community. As a result, $1 million of the approximately $279 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal stimulus funds earmarked for Cincinnati have been allocated to a Child Care Startup Fund, which would provide critical resources and start-up funding for potential child care providers. Read More about Child Care Start Up Funds Allocated »
All About Water Safety!
Sunny days and warm weather draw us to pools, sprinklers, creeks, and lakes for fun and cooling off. Plus, these are all fun ways for children to play and we know that learning happens through play! Despite all the fun and learning opportunities, keep in mind that water play—whether in your backyard or at the community pool—can be also be dangerous. Read More about All About Water Safety! »
Child Abuse Prevention & Positive Parenting
“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” – Charles R. Swindoll
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. All through the year, with a highlight in April, it is vital that we come together to increase awareness about child and family well-being. Read More about Child Abuse Prevention & Positive Parenting »