Inflate the pools, get the water toys, and take the sensory tables outdoors! Water play is a great idea for a hot summer day. Playing in water not only fosters sensory development but can also help children develop lifelong math skills.
Here are some ideas for water play to incorporate on the next hot summer day.
Summer vacation for children means being more carefree. Days are often less structured, and they enjoy having a break from the daily grind of school and homework. At the same time, families are still busy and there are schedules to keep.
A 4C for Children survey shows child care programs continue to struggle with staffing issues that result in needing to close classroom. Recently, WLWT highlighted this issue in an interview with Vanessa Freytag, 4C for Children president and CEO.
“Unfortunately, we hear stories of many families who are expecting a child, and they do have to put their name on a waiting list, typically nearly the minute that they find out that they are pregnant,” Vanessa Freytag said in the June 12 segment.
Read More about WLWT Highlights Child Care Teacher Shortage »
School is out and summer is here. The next few months are an important time for families to find ways for children to continue learning throughout the summer. For many parents, you fear the words, “I’m bored.”
Building Brain Activities 
Children learn and practice important executive function skills through games and playful activities. For babies and toddlers, play can start to build brain architecture and the foundation to lifelong learning and healthy development. Use the tools in the 4C for Children quality practices library to support the following skills:
Read More about Resources for Child Care Providers to Promote Lifelong Learning »
4C for Children delivers nearly 750 gifts on National Provider Appreciation DayIn-home child care providers often care for children whose parents work non-traditional hours like third shift and weekends. This type of care allows adults to go to work and provide for their families.
“This is a day to honor child care professionals who run in-home businesses to provide care for infants, toddlers, and children in our community,” 4C for Children President and CEO, Vanessa Freytag said. “It’s important that 4C for Children and others recognize their hard work and dedication.”
Take a look inside the special delivery in this video.
Read More about Celebrating Child Care Providers in Southwest Ohio and Miami Valley »
Child care staffing continues to impact programs, familiesA recent 4C for Children survey showed due to the lack of teachers, there’s more than 4,000 children unable to be placed in child care programs in the Cincinnati and Miami Valley regions.
“The big problem is that we have a huge teacher shortage,” Vanessa said. “The survey results showed us that in this (Cincinnati) region alone, we’re missing more than 300 teachers. And of those teachers, each would serve six to 15 children, depending on what ages there are.”
Read More about A ‘State of Crisis’ for Parents in Ohio »
High-quality care for a developing child makes all the difference. It supports and nurtures the growth of early learning and emotional development and strengthens the relationships children make with other children and adults.
4C for Children lead specialist Tracy Schnirring recently coached a child care program that went the extra mile and increased their Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rating to ensure that children in their care are receiving enhanced learning opportunities.
Tracy shares the impressive journey Creative Beginning Learning Center and their staff have completed.
Read More about The Power of Quality Care at Fairfield Child Care Center »
When you are at work, school or other events, child care providers are there for your children, providing quality care and critical early education. Without their hard work and dedication, our lives would look very different.
Celebrate and thank the early childhood educator in your life every day, but especially on the day set aside especially for them: National Provider Appreciation Day on May 12.
Here are a few quick and easy ways you can show your gratitude: