Articles tagged with resource

The Magic of Music: How Singing Transforms a Child’s Brain

August 26, 2026

The secret to boosting your baby’s future math, reading and language skills is already sitting in your favorite music playlist. Whether you’re listening to the throwback hits of Britney Spears or turning on the rhymes and rhythms of Sesame Street, any kind of music helps your child’s brain develop—even if it’s a silly song about gummy bears.

Music acts like brain superfood for babies, shaping how your child learns, talks and connects with the world. You don’t need a perfect singing voice to make a difference—just a little rhythm during your daily routine. Read on for more benefits.

Child Care Is a Workforce Issue and Ohio Employers Already Have a Local Partner

March 30, 2026

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.

Family-Friendly Earth Day Activities

March 26, 2026

Earth Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a great chance for the entire family to learn to care for the planet and protect the world they live in. Teaching children how to care for the environment can be fun, hands-on and a great way to bond as a family.

Here is a list of simple and meaningful activities you can do together to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 and all year long.

Tooth Care Starts at Birth

January 29, 2026

A close-up of a baby with light skin smiling widely, eyes squinted shut, and showing two small front teeth, against a softly blurred background.

“It’s just a baby tooth. It will fall out and a new one will grow.” This is a very common thought when thinking about dental hygiene for infants.

Good oral hygiene is important for good overall health. Children develop good oral health hygiene when they receive the tools and develop good habits early on. Here is a timeline to promote good oral health from birth to adulthood.

Your 2026 Parent Reset

January 5, 2026

A woman and two young children lie on the floor inside a cozy indoor tent, reading a book together and smiling. String lights decorate the tent, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The new year offers a chance to reset and set meaningful goals for yourself as a parent/caregiver. You may often put yourself last but caring for your own well-being strengthens your ability to care for others. Parenting demands constant emotional and physical energy. When you’re exhausted or overwhelmed, it becomes harder to be patient, calm and engaged. Taking care of yourself replenishes your energy so you can show up as the parent you want to be.

Your One-Stop Shop: What is a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency?

September 17, 2025

Map of Ohio showing regions and logos for various child care resource and referral agencies, with text promoting resources and support for Ohio families and providers in early childhood education. 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.

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.

Practicing Gratitude with Children

October 29, 2024

A young child wearing a turkey headband holds up a Thanksgiving-themed craft decorated with colorful paper leaves. Autumn decorations and a "Thanks" banner are in the background. 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.