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            Articles tagged with development

            Mastering Milestones: When to Reach Out for Resources

            October 30, 2025

            As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child’s development and if they are reaching important milestones. No one can predict when a child will master milestones because every child develops at their own pace. Even siblings can achieve milestones at a much different timeframe. It can be confusing as a parent to know when your child is on target or when to reach out for help. Here are a few things to consider if you’re concerned. Read More about Mastering Milestones: When to Reach Out for Resources »

            Introducing the Magical World of Books

            September 25, 2025

            It may seem like reading to a newborn doesn’t make sense. But science shows reading to a child from birth makes a big difference. By reading five books a day, a child will hear 1.4 million more words by kindergarten than a child who was not read to. Even just reading one book a day to a child will introduce 290,000 words by age 5.

            Not only does reading introduce new words, but it also introduces new concepts such as exploring Antarctica and the animals that live there or how families in different cultures live.

            Read More about Introducing the Magical World of Books »

            Keeping Babies Safe

            August 27, 2025

            September is Baby Safety Month. As a parent, your top priority is keeping your baby safe. Babies and young children grow and develop quickly and with each new stage of development safety standards can change.

            Here are some key safety precautions for parents and caregivers.

            Read More about Keeping Babies Safe »

            Dean Woodring Named President and CEO of 4C for Children

            July 1, 2025

            4C for Children, the leading child care resource and referral agency serving Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Woodring as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.

            An advocate for innovation and ensuring access for all, Woodring brings more than three decades of education and leadership roles across public schools, higher education, and national organizations. She succeeds retiring President/CEO Vanessa Freytag, who has led the agency for the past 10 years.

            Read More about Dean Woodring Named President and CEO of 4C for Children »

            Your Questions Answered: Professional Development Requirements

            May 2, 2025

            Woman in classroom settingJuly brings summer heat, fireworks and cookouts. This year, it also brings changes to professional development (PD) requirements for Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)-rated programs. Keep reading for the changes and what you’ll be required to complete by June 30.

            All SUTQ lead and assistant teachers are required to complete 10 hours of professional development training by June 30 every year regardless of their program’s rating. For a list of upcoming training opportunities, click here.

            Read More about Your Questions Answered: Professional Development Requirements »

            Show Early Childhood Educators Your Appreciation!

            April 29, 2025

            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! »

            The Power of Play

            March 24, 2025

            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. 

            Read More about The Power of Play »

            Building Strong Social/Emotional Skills

            January 31, 2025

            Raising children involves more than ensuring their physical well-being, it’s also about supporting their emotional and social development. It is never too early to start teaching children about the building blocks of healthy relationships that include empathy, respect and communication.

            Here are a few ways you can teach and model how to create and maintain meaningful relationships.

            Read More about Building Strong Social/Emotional Skills »

            Play the Day Away!

            September 26, 2024

            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.

            Read More about Play the Day Away! »

            Starting Conversations With Infants

            June 25, 2024

            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.

            Read More about Starting Conversations With Infants »

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