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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.

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Annetta Rutland Retires After 45 Years

Annetta RutlandAnnetta Rutland started her career at 4C for Children in 1979. At that time—seven years after the agency was launched—there was a “staff of less than 10 people and our offices were in the United Way building downtown,” Annetta remembers. “Since then the number of staff has grown to nearly 100 people who serve two regions of the state!”

After spending 45 years “bleeding blue and green” at 4C for Children, Annetta has announced her retirement effective Aug. 30.

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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.

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Presenting Sponsor and Honorees Announced for 2024 Champions Gala

4C for Children is rolling out the red carpet for four local Champions for Children to honor for their support and commitment to earlychildhood learning and development at the 2024 Champions Gala. The gala, presented by PNC Bank, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.

Let’s meet the Champions who will be honored as we dine, dance and make a difference.

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Ohio’s Revised Child Care Quality Standards Asks Providers to “Go for the Gold” for the State’s Smallest Champions

Vanessa Freytag, President/CEO

This column first appeared in the “Cincinnati Enquirer” Sunday Edition on July 14, 2024

Preparing a child for success in school and life is a lot like getting an athlete ready for the Summer Olympics. You seek out the best trainers and coaches, and you invest your time and resources in efforts that will maximize performance. You acknowledge that the commitment is great and the road is long, but achieving your goals of success will yield strong rewards for years to come.

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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

Chubby baby boy examining book with colorful pictures sitting near mother on white rug near toys woman educating little son at home developing new skills

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.

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