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Issue 44: September 30, 2025 |
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For Your Awareness
Grant Opportunity for Pediatric Cancer Research: Deadline Extended
The deadline has been extended for DCY’s new grant opportunity seeking applications for pediatric cancer research grants. An amendment to the funding opportunity has also been posted. This funding seeks to advance much-needed research into the causes, diagnoses, prevention, and treatment of pediatric cancer in Ohio. Applicants must be an Ohio-based hospital, university, research organization, or other not-for-profit organization engaging in pediatric cancer research.
Applications may now be submitted through the Ohio Grants Portal by October 23, 2025. The updated funding opportunity can be viewed here: Ohio Grants : Funding Opportunity
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Maternal & Infant Wellness |
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Programs focus on improving birth outcomes and improving the health status of
pregnant women, infants, and children to ensure moms and babies
celebrate the child’s first birthday.
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Family Connects Ohio Helps More Babies Reach First Birthday
Family Connects Ohio is a universal nurse home visiting program offering a one-time visit to all families with newborns, regardless of income. Within three weeks of birth, a registered nurse assesses the baby and mother, identifies needs, and connects families to local resources. This timeline for visits between birth and the baby’s first well-visit at six weeks is critical in Ohio, where the majority of infant deaths occur in the first 27 days.
In other states, the Family Connects model has helped mothers and babies stay healthy. Some key results:
- A 50% reduction in emergency room visits and hospital overnight stays in the first year of life
- A 44% reduction in Child Protective Services investigations for suspected abuse and neglect through age two
- A $3.17 return on investment for every $1 spent on Family Connects programs as demonstrated by a decrease in total emergency care billing costs
- A 30% reduction in maternal-reported postpartum anxiety symptoms
- An increase in the completion of six-week maternal postpartum health checks
- 15% more families connected to local support
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Early Childhood Development |
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The Early Childhood Development programs provide technical assistance, education, and referrals for families and youth with evaluations regarding specific needs and disabilities.
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Early Intervention on the Move: From NICU to Thriving in the North Region
Born at just 26 weeks, this little champion spent the first four months of life in the NICU, working hard every day to grow stronger. His young, first-time parents were filled with hope and a little worry; wanting nothing more than to see their baby gain weight, try new foods, and move, play, and explore like other babies his age.
When they reached out to Early Intervention, they didn’t just get support, they gained a team working hand-in-hand with them every step of the way. Their Service Coordinator connected the family to essential community resources, while their EI Dietitian guided them through feeding strategies tailored to their baby’s growth. Together, the family and the EI team celebrated each small victory and built confidence along the way.
With these supports in place, this little champion made remarkable progress. By 10 months adjusted age, he was crawling all over the house, pulling himself to stand, and walking with a push toy. He was moving to soft foods and enjoying mealtime with his parents. Socially, he was smiling, copying sounds, and beginning to say “Da Da” consistently, with a few “Ma Mas” sprinkled in.
His mom shared that she noticed new skills emerging right after each session, proof that the team’s guidance was working. Today, this family feels empowered, confident, and fully supported as they continue nurturing his growth and building stability.
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Initiatives work to connect educators, families, and youth to education
services and supports.
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Governor DeWine Announces Launch of Child Care Cred Program to Support Families and Employers
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara Wente announced this month the launch of the Child Care Cred Program, a $10 million program making child care more affordable for working families while helping Ohio businesses strengthen their workforce.
The program was created through Ohio’s SFY26–SFY27 biennial budget and is designed to tackle one of the state’s biggest workforce challenges: access to affordable child care.
Connecting Storytelling with STEM Learning: Save the Date, Monday, November 3
The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, partnering with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), is excited to host a FREE, Ohio-approved professional development training: Story Stretchers and STEM Starters!
This engaging session is designed for early care and education professionals working with infants through early school-age children. The training offers creative strategies to connect storytelling with STEM learning. Participants will earn 3 hours of OA professional development credit while enjoying fun, hands-on activities.
Following the training, participants are invited to continue exploring COSI (333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215) until 1 p.m. Arrival begins at 8:30 a.m., with the training starting at 9.
Mark your calendars and look for registration information soon!
Additional regional sessions will be offered in the coming year. More information will be shared in Tuesday Times as dates and times are confirmed.
Request for Applications: Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant Birth-Kindergarten Entry
Applications now open for federal literacy grant
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is officially opening the Birth-K Entry request for applications to continue subawards of the $60 million Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will support Ohio early care and education centers and pre-kindergarten programs in providing effective literacy instruction to help students maximize their emergent reading and writing skills.
Eligible entities may submit applications to develop comprehensive literacy implementation sites. Selected sites will use grant funds to strengthen literacy instruction, with an ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. Grant activities may include professional learning for teachers and administrators, activities to strengthen differentiated supports and family engagement, and collaboration with higher education and community partners.
Subgrants through this request for applications will be awarded to support emergent literacy development for children from birth through kindergarten entry. Details, including the request for application, steps to apply, and intent to apply, are available on the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant webpage. Applications are due by 4:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Direct questions to ComprehensiveLiteracy@education.ohio.gov.
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Learn Serve-and-Return Techniques for Early Literacy
Parents and educators, get ready to boost your literacy toolkit! Join us on October 9 at 12:30 p.m.
In this webinar, we will learn serve-and-return techniques to build language and early literacy skills for young children. We will discover how following the child's lead and expanding upon their ideas lays the foundation for reading as they grow. Examples will be shared of how to utilize serve-and-return from simple interactions to story time.
Don't miss out on this valuable learning opportunity! ➡️ Register now!
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Donuts with Di: Part Two is Here
Early Intervention Professionals — let’s keep the conversation going! Join us for the second session in the Donuts with Di series: Effective Record Review in Early Intervention
📅 October 20, 2025
🕙 10 a.m. EST
⏱️ 90 minutes
In part two, we’ll continue exploring how to approach record reviews with clarity and confidence, while strengthening best practices in early intervention.
Ohio Approved & DODD Credit Pending ✅
👉 Grab your coffee, your donut, and come learn with Di! Click here to register.
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DCY Customer Care Center Coming Soon
Early Care & Education Services (EC&ES)
What’s Happening?
In late October, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) will launch the new Customer Care Center (CCC) to provide an additional way for you to request DCY Program technology system support. The DCY CCC will also feature an “Information Station” which serves as a one-stop-shop for job aids, messages, and other resources that you can leverage for support.
How Will This Affect Me?
While you can continue to contact TierOneSystemSupport@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov for general payment questions and systems related issues, the DCY CCC will become the primary tool for receiving support with DCY Program system-related questions, problems, and requests. The DCY CCC will provide streamlined support to users with quick resolutions through Service Desk agents. It will also provide access to a centralized hub known as the Information Station that will include job aids, communications, and other key resources to support users with system-related issues.
When should I use the DCY CCC?
Starting on October 23, you should leverage the DCY CCC when you experience DCY Program technology system-related problems or have questions. Some examples of topics that the DCY CCC can help you address include:
- Technical system issues, including system access.
- General systems information questions, including questions about enhanced or new functionality, and troubleshooting of system related issues for Early Care and Education (Child Care) and Family Support (Children Services) operations.
- General payment-related questions for EC&ES providers.
- Data corrections.
How Can I Learn More?
Be on the lookout for more information and resources about the DCY CCC launch in the coming weeks. For general payment questions and system related issues, please contact TierOneSystemSupport@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov.
New Mandated Reporter Training Required for ECE, EI, and Home Visiting Professionals
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) has created a new Child Abuse and Neglect training for mandated reporters that will replace the current required training for early care and education (ECE) professionals, Early Intervention Service Coordinators (EISCs), EISC supervisors, Developmental Specialists, Home Visitors, and Home Visiting Supervisors. This new training will be available November 1, 2025.
Important Transition Information
- Early care and education professionals who work in a child care center, day camp, family child care, or school-based school age child care, or as an in-home aide who have started “ODJFS Child Abuse One-hour Overview” in the Ohio Professional Registry must complete the current course prior to November 1. Beginning November 1, the current training will no longer be available, and professionals will need to complete the full new training to receive completion credit.
- EISCs, EISC Supervisors, and Developmental Specialists who have started “Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect” (EI-067) in the Department of Developmental Disabilities MyLearning system to meet the training requirement to obtain their initial credential must complete the current course prior to November 1 to receive credit. Beginning November 1, the current training will no longer be available and will be replaced with the new DCY course for professionals seeking their initial credential or certification.
- Home Visitors and Home Visiting Supervisors will be required to complete the new DCY course to meet the child abuse and neglect training required to obtain an initial Home Visiting Credential, beginning with any training completed after November 1. If a professional has started the Child Abuse and Neglect training through the Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals, it must be completed prior to November 1 to meet the credential training requirement.
Look for more information on how to access the new training coming soon!
Universal Support Videos for ETR and IEP Development
The Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Preschool Special Education Team offers a comprehensive collection of universal support videos to assist with the development of Evaluation Team Reports (ETRs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). These resources are designed to promote consistency, ensure compliance, and enhance the quality of special education documentation.
Ideal for educators, related service providers, and administrators, each section includes instructional videos, printable presentations, and transcripts to guide users through the ETR and IEP processes.
Explore these valuable tools to support your work in delivering high-quality special education services.
🔗 Preschool Universal Support Materials | Department of Children and Youth
These include:
- ETR Part 1: Referral and Planning
- ETR Part 2: Summaries of Assessment and Determining Eligibility
- IEP Part 1: Development of the IEP
- IEP Part 2: Measurable Goals and Specially Designed Instruction
- IEP Part 3: Transportation and Least Restrictive Environment
How to locate the Preschool Special Education Team on the DCY website.
For Providers: Click on All Provider Resource: we are found on the left side or on Page 4 of the resources
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Family Support & Stabilization |
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Focuses on enhancing the resources and supports available to parents and families.
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Invite Your Students to Showcase Their Talent in the RecoveryOhio Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest
Ohio high school art teachers are invited to engage their students in this year’s Red Ribbon Week poster contest, hosted by RecoveryOhio. This is a chance for young artists to use their creativity to support healthy, drug-free lifestyles while promoting a meaningful statewide campaign.
The 2025 theme is “Life Is A Puzzle. Solve It Drug Free™”—a message that highlights how each choice helps shape the bigger picture of a student’s future. We encourage students to reflect this theme through original poster designs that will be shared across Ohio to raise awareness during Red Ribbon Week, held October 23–31.
Selected entries will receive a certificate signed by Governor Mike DeWine, and their art will appear on the RecoveryOhio social media sites. The contest is open to all Ohio high school students. Submissions are due by Monday, October 20, 2025.
We hope you’ll encourage your students to participate and make their voices heard through art. Full contest details, including entry instructions and design guidelines, are available at recoveryohio.gov/redribbonweek.
If you have any questions, please contact RecoveryOhio@Governor.Ohio.gov.
Together, let’s empower students to express the importance of living drug-free —one poster at a time. #RecoveryOhio
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Fathers Walk Gives Dads Special Time with Their Kids
The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood invited dads and male mentors across Ohio to walk or drive their children to their early childhood programs and schools on September 18.
Families at the Thomas McEbright Community Learning Center in Akron came out in full force to participate.
Research shows that fathers' presence and involvement in their children's lives is linked to better educational outcomes, including higher educational attainment and fewer behavior problems at school.
Thanks to all the communities that participated in this year's Fathers' Walk!
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Children Services, Foster, Kinship, and Adoption |
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Children Services, Foster, Kinship, and Adoption programs provide caregivers with support via resources for their individualized needs.
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We Want Your Feedback on the CAPM Tools!
The Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is reviewing how the Comprehensive Assessment Planning Model (CAPM) tools are working in practice.
It is critical for DCY to have input from our partners and colleagues who utilize these tools every day and work directly with children and families. DCY created a short survey (3–5 minutes) for each CAPM tool. Please complete a survey for every tool you use.
Click the links below to share your feedback on one or all of the surveys.
Surveys will be open through the close of business on October 16, 2025. Ideally, staff responsible for investigation/assessment and ongoing casework and supervision should participate in these surveys; however, all are welcome to participate.
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Hear what Director Wente Would Say to Young Kara
DCY Director Kara Wente joined Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) Executive Director Angela Sausser on an episode of PCSAO's podcast 3,000 Good Things with Mike and Ashley. Directors Wente and Sausser discussed their methods of nurturing hope and celebrating wins, their approach to engaging individuals with lived experience, and the advice they would give their younger selves.
You can listen to the podcast here.
Learn the Why Behind the Medicaid Determination Process
Public Children Services Agencies are welcome to join the upcoming monthly Medicaid OB Interface Live Event on October 6 from 10-11 a.m. During this 60-minute session, you’ll receive an extensive overview on the changes that were made to the Medicaid determination process and the why behind it, review Ohio SACWIS functionality changes through training videos, and explore frequently asked questions and resolved challenges. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to submit questions ahead of time to the Medicaid TA email box to be reviewed during the live event.
Traverse Deep Dive Webinar Training
Traverse users at Public Children Services Agencies are welcome to register for the next quarterly Traverse Deep Dive Training Webinar on October 9 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. During this 60-minute session, we’ll learn the basics of Traverse, your content management system designed for human services agencies. On the web platform, we’ll add finished content (scans, uploads, and virtual prints) to the system and work with forms. On the mobile platform, we’ll collect information in the field.
At the end of the webinar, we’ll have a bring-your-own problem (BYOP) session where participants can ask questions about how Traverse can improve their business processes.
Benefit Conservation for Youth in Foster Care Update
As a result of the enactment of Amended Substitute House Bill 96 of the 136th General Assembly, the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) created a new Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rule, 5180:3-27-02 Title IV-E Agency Responsibilities for Federal and State Benefits, to preserve funds for youth in foster care. This rule is currently in the rule promulgation process and requires Title IV-E agencies to identify, conserve, and properly manage federal and state benefits for children entering custody or placement responsibility on or after October 1, 2025. A few important updates:
- The rule was refiled on September 12, 2025, which can be viewed here: 5180:3-27-02.
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From October 1 to November 20, 2025, agencies should not create SSI client benefit accounts in Ohio SACWIS, because doing so will block Foster Care Maintenance (FCM) payments.
- On November 20, 2025 (Ohio SACWIS 4.43 release), the system will be updated so FCM will be issued in full for children with SSI accounts.
- Agencies that claim FCM for children receiving SSI benefits must report the FCM to the Social Security Administration as the child’s income.
Ohio’s Kinship and Adoption Navigator Program Completes Effectiveness Trial with 12-Month Results
Following its selection for review by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse last year, DCY’s OhioKAN program recently completed its statewide effectiveness trial—including the newly finalized 12-month follow-up report. This rigorous evaluation, conducted in partnership with Kaye Implementation & Evaluation (KI&E), is the first randomized study of a kinship and adoption navigator program to include informal kin caregivers. The findings are highly encouraging:
- At three months, caregivers reported greater satisfaction with OhioKAN services, improved perception of accessible community resources, and increased resourcefulness.
- At six months, families showed reduced concrete needs, less caregiver-child conflict, and stronger caregiver-child closeness.
- At 12 months, newly released data confirms that positive outcomes were sustained a full year after services ended.
These results are currently under review by the Clearinghouse to determine whether OhioKAN meets the criteria for a "promising practice" rating. Achieving this rating would make OhioKAN eligible for federal reimbursement through Title IV-E and support continued program growth across the state.
Access the full 12-month follow-up report here.
You can learn more about OhioKAN and the important supports they offer kinship and adoptive families here.
Coming Soon: DCY IT Customer Care Center
Family Support Operations (FSO)
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) will launch the IT Business & Strategy Alignment Team's Customer Care Center (CCC) for DCY Program system support in the new DCY infrastructure soon. This exciting launch offers capabilities unique to DCY for delivering streamlined systems support, quicker resolutions, and enhanced self-service capabilities. It also completes one step in the transition from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services infrastructure to DCY's infrastructure by replacing the Children Services Systems' CCC.
In addition, the DCY CCC is brand new for Early Care and Education Services (EC&ES). This transition will consolidate the three separate program-facing IT Service/Help Desks—Children Services Customer Support team, Child Care Business Unit, and Child Care Operational Support team— into one DCY Program system support structure. This structure is comprised of a Tier 1 Systems Support team and a Tier 2 Functional Support team. The Tier 1 Systems Support team will handle initial user contacts for technical assistance, aiming to promptly resolve common issues or gather sufficient information to escalate more complex problems to the Tier 2 Functional Support team or the DCY IT Program Access and Security team.
How Will This Impact Me?
This transition to the DCY CCC will include a variety of updates that will improve the process for submitting a Customer Care Center Ticket - a record that tracks questions, issues, or requests - to Family Support Operations (FSO) and Early Care & Education Services (EC&ES), such as:
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New User Experience: The DCY CCC will feature a refreshed, user-friendly interface.
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Streamlined Support: Experience quicker resolutions using live chat with Service Desk agents, and a streamlined ticketing and routing system.
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Enhanced Self-Service: Access to a centralized hub, known as the Information Station, will give users quick access to job aids, communications, and other key resources. User-friendly tiles help identify the user’s reason for requesting assistance, such as login issues, payment issues, or enhancement requests.
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Improved Ticket Management: Submit Customer Care Center Tickets – records that keep track of questions, problems, or requests – to the DCY Tier 1 Systems Support Team, view ticket statuses, and access historical tickets.
How Can I Learn More?
In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for additional information and resources to support the launch of the DCY CCC. Please visit the current Customer Care Center for any questions or concerns regarding the new DCY Customer Care Center.
Title IV-E Single Cost Report Reminder
The Department of Children and Youth has received questions about whether agencies must submit a cost report this December, given recent discussions about rate cards. For this upcoming year, DCY is still requiring agencies to complete the cost report.
Each agency receiving a Title IV-E foster care reimbursement ceiling amount must submit the DCY 02911 “Title IV-E Single Cost Report” along with all required supplements and attachments as outlined in OAC 5180:2-47-26.1 and 26.2. The report is due by December 31 following the end of the cost reporting period. Agencies should refer to Procedure Letter 419 for guidance to complete the report. The new form and instructions will be posted on Forms Central by September 30, 2025.
Looking ahead, under House Bill 96, DCY has the authority to create statewide rate cards for congregate care settings. The plan is to launch rate cards in State Fiscal Year 2027 (SFY27). More information and updates will be communicated as we move closer to SFY27.
If you have any questions about the cost report process, please contact Ryan.Meanor@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov.
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Programs are designed to provide support for teens and young adults who either are in foster care or have aged out of foster care systems and need assistance.
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Launch of NYTD 17-Year-Old Cohort 6
Beginning October 1, 2025, Public Children Services Agencies (PCSAs), the Department of Youth Services (DYS), and Title IV-E Courts will begin collecting data for the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) 17-year-old survey, marking the start of Cohort 6. This data will be gathered from youth in foster care who turn 17 between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026.
The launch of a new cohort is a critical step in understanding the experiences, needs, and outcomes of youth transitioning out of foster care. The data collected will help inform policy, improve services, and strengthen support systems for young people both nationwide and across Ohio.
The Department of Children and Youth (DCY) extends its gratitude to PCSAs, DYS, Title IV-E Courts, their staff, and youth participants for their continued commitment to this vital effort. Your collaboration ensures that the voices of young people are heard and that their journeys are reflected in meaningful, actionable data.
To understand your agency’s responsibilities in completing the 17-year-old NYTD surveys, please click here to review the DCY Memo 25-070 NYTD Surveys for 17-Year-Olds.
Let’s make Cohort 6 a success!
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