The Department of Children & Youth (DCY) is making licensing rule changes to reduce the administrative burden, modernize and clarify rules and add more flexibility for child care providers. These revisions take effect July 1, 2026. DCY has also created a field guide to help you better understand rules and how to implement them.
If you would like to hear more details of the planned changes, click here.
Read More about 2026 Licensing Rule Revision Training Sessions & Resources »
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) organizations like 4C for Children serve the business community by providing free, accurate, human support to help employees find reliable child care.
Across Ohio, the child care crisis shows up in every community. Fortunately, so does your local CCR&R.
Read More about Child Care Is a Workforce Issue and Ohio Employers Already Have a Local Partner »
If you’ve ever typed “find child care near me” in a search bar and felt overwhelmed by the results, you’re not alone. That’s where Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies like 4C for Children step in. We are truly a one-stop shop for everything related to early education and care for children ages 0-21.
Read More about Your One-Stop Shop: What is a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency? »
August and back to school comes with mixed feelings for school-age children and their families. The new school year is exciting but it can also cause some anxiety among both caregivers and children. 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.
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!
Read More about Show Early Childhood Educators Your Appreciation! »
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.
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:
The holiday season can be a mixed bag of joy and stress, especially for parents trying to balance traditions, family dynamics and kids’ expectations. In fact, 9 out of 10 U.S. adults say the holidays give them some stress.
Here are some practical tips to help make the season more enjoyable and less overwhelming:
Read More about I’m Dreaming of a Calm Christmas: How to Reduce Holiday Stress »
Caregivers often worry they are not raising children who are appreciative. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, now is the perfect time to focus on gratitude and the many ways to show it.
Children are not born feeling grateful so they begin to understand the concept they also need to begin learning how to practice and show it. As early as age 2 they may start expressing thanks when asked. By ages 3-5, children can understand the concept of gratitude more deeply and show appreciation independently.