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Issue 45: October 14, 2025 |
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For Your Awareness
DCY Bi-Monthly Partner Updates Now Available
Thank you to everyone who joined the DCY Bi-Monthly Partner Call on September 16! We appreciate your continued partnership and engagement. The latest DCY Updates are below for your reference.
Five-Year Rule Review Information: Your Input is Important
DCY is excited to announce a new opportunity for stakeholders to share feedback as a part of the five-year rule review process. The sections below will now include announcements regarding upcoming five-year rule reviews, specific to each program area. As part of this process, DCY is inviting input from a broad range of stakeholders. Your feedback plays a vital role in helping ensure these rules continue to promote high-quality services for children and families, while remaining clear, effective, and practical for those tasked with implementation. All responses will be carefully reviewed and considered during the rule evaluation and any potential updates. We appreciate your time and thoughtful contributions.
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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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Advocating for Infant Vitality
Infant and maternal health partners and advocates from across the state came together for the third annual Infant Vitality Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse on September 30.
The group participated in a day filled with opportunities to meet with state policymakers and advocate for change with the goal of helping more babies in Ohio reach their first birthday. Founding partners of the event included First Year Cleveland, Cradle Cincinnati, the Ohio Collaborative to Prevent Infant Mortality, and CelebrateOne Columbus. Keynote speaker at the event’s reception was Governor Mike DeWine with First Lady Fran DeWine. Governor DeWine thanked the group for their tireless and important work. Governor DeWine and DCY Director Kara Wente both received awards for their efforts to support pregnant and parenting families.
While presenting the award to Director Wente, Dr. Meredith Smith, Executive Director of Cradle Cincinnati said, “Kara is a light in the darkness.”
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October is SIDS Awareness Month: Promoting Safe Sleep for Ohio’s Infants
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) remains one of the leading causes of death among infants under one year of age. October marks SIDS Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share life-saving information, and support families in creating safe sleep environments for their babies.
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth recognizes the importance of safe sleep in reducing the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Through its partnership with the national Cribs for Kids® program and 30 grantees serving caregivers across 71 Ohio counties, DCY provides eligible families with free Cribette® kits, which include a safe sleep-approved portable crib, fitted sheet, and educational materials.
The goal is simple but powerful: ensure every baby sleeps Alone, on their Back, and in a safety-approved Crib, every sleep, every time.
Caregivers also receive education from local partners on how to reduce sleep-related risks and properly use the Cribette®. These efforts are part of Ohio’s broader commitment to infant wellness.
To learn more, visit the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s Infant Safe Sleep page.
Let’s work together to keep Ohio’s babies safe because every sleep matters.
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Ohio's Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Committee Seeking Applications
The annual Ohio Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review (PAMR) Committee member open call application is here again. Please share with your networks!
PAMR is responsible for maintaining the voluntary membership of the PAMR Committee which oversees the review of all pregnancy-associated deaths that occur in Ohio each year. Using their expertise, background, and lived experiences, PAMR Committee members decide on questions relevant to maternal mortality including pregnancy-relatedness, causes of death, contributing factors, and preventability of the death. Every year, the PAMR staff at the Department of Children and Youth assess the current state of the PAMR Committee membership for gaps in representation and generate a new member profile.
This year's member profile and application can be found on the PAMR webpage. The application to join the PAMR Committee is open October 1 - 31, and more information about committee membership can be found on the PAMR Committee webpage. PAMR will contact all applicants with an invitation or regrets in early 2026.
Please reach out to Hallie.Kerr@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov with any questions.
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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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EI on the Move: Tiny Trailblazer in the South Region
How one Tiny Trailblazer turned challenges into triumphs.
At eight months old, this tiny trailblazer couldn’t sit on her own and struggled with tummy time. Her family worried she felt floppy when held and needed extra support in her highchair. With very low muscle tone and flexible joints, everyday play and movement were a real challenge.
Early Intervention stepped in to guide her family with practical strategies and encouragement. Their physical therapist (PT) taught them how to position her for success, support sitting, and build core strength. As she gained confidence, she learned to crawl, and later the PT helped the family secure orthotics so she could stand and prepare for walking with proper alignment. The PT also helped the family navigate medical appointments and collaborate with her doctors, making sure she received the right care.
Thanks to this teamwork and her family’s dedication, she has made incredible progress. Now at 33 months, she walks, runs, and jumps independently, climbs stairs with confidence, and plays alongside peers during park visits and family outings. Her family continues to work on Early Intervention strategies and advocate for her with medical providers, celebrating every milestone along the way.
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Home Visiting Staff Invited to Customer Care Center Live Webinar
Home Visiting staff who typically report OCHIDS system issues to DCY are welcome to register for the “DCY Customer Care Center: Webinar with Q&A for the Help Me Grow Home Visiting Program” training to be held on Thursday, October 23, from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. During this 90-minute session, we will introduce the new Customer Care Center including what types of tickets should be submitted, how to submit a ticket, viewing and searching the Information Station, and more.
At the end of the webinar, we will leave time to answer questions about the new Customer Care Center. Questions and answers will be compiled into a comprehensive document and posted with the recording of the webinar in the Information Station to view at your convenience.
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Initiatives work to connect educators, families, and youth to education
services and supports.
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Story Stretchers and STEAM Starters Training at COSI November 3
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth is partnering with COSI to present FREE trainings for early care and education professionals.
Story Stretchers and STEAM Starters will show early childhood professionals fun and creative ways to connect literacy development and storytelling with STEAM learning while they earn three hours of Ohio Approved (OA) Professional Development credit in Curriculum and Assessment.
The first training is scheduled for November 3 at COSI -- The Center of Science and Industry, in Columbus. COSI will be closed to the public during the training event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Arrival time is 8:30 a.m. and participants are invited to explore COSI until 1 p.m. To register and for more information, click here.
This professional development event is designed just for educators. Children are not invited to attend.
Trainings are also planned on November 14 at the Holzer Leadership & Innovation Building in Gallia County (ST 10158145), and November 17 at America's Packard Museum in Dayton (ST 10158146), with additional dates being added in the spring. Watch Tuesday Times for more information.
Strengthening Partnerships for Ohio’s Children with Head Start
October is Head Start Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the programs and partnerships that help Ohio’s youngest learners and their families thrive. At the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), we know that when communities work together, children and families succeed. Head Start and Early Head Start programs are shining examples of how strong partnerships can make a lasting difference.
Head Start is more than an early learning program, it is a comprehensive support system for children from birth to age five who are living in poverty, in foster care, or experiencing homelessness. Local organizations across all 88 counties receive federal funding to operate Head Start services, ensuring every child has access to opportunities that build a strong foundation for success.
Partnerships are at the heart of Head Start:
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With families: Head Start empowers parents to be their child’s first and most important teacher, while connecting them with resources for employment, education, and stability.
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With schools: Programs help children transition smoothly into kindergarten, ready to learn and thrive.
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With community organizations: From health clinics to workforce training centers, Head Start partners with local providers to ensure children receive health, nutrition, and developmental services while parents gain tools for long-term success.
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With businesses: By supporting parents in the workforce and preparing the next generation of early childhood educators, Head Start strengthens Ohio’s economy.
In the 2024–2025 program year, Head Start and Early Head Start will serve more than 27,000 children across 700 centers statewide. More than 25 percent of staff are current or former Head Start parents, demonstrating the program’s power to uplift families and build lasting community connections.
During Head Start Awareness Month, we celebrate these partnerships and the impact they have on Ohio’s children, families, and communities. Learn more about how Head Start can support families.
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Dispute Resolution Options for Preschool Special Education
Situations may arise when parents or family members believe a school has not followed state or federal special education law. In these cases, the Department of Children and Youth’s Preschool Education Team and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) encourage families and schools to work together to find solutions. Below you’ll find more information about the dispute resolution options available to support this process.
Early Resolution offers families an informal way to address concerns, with support from an Education Program Specialist who can explain special education laws, outline available dispute resolution options, review procedural safeguards, connect families with resources, and guide them through possible next steps.
Mediation is a voluntary process in which both parties must agree to participate. A neutral mediator helps the parties work together to address matters related to special education and reach a mutually agreeable solution.
Facilitation involves a trained, neutral facilitator who guides meetings such as individualized education program (IEP) or evaluation team report (ETR) meetings, assisting the team’s productivity and helping them stay focused on the student.
Complaints may be filed by any individual or organization if they believe an educational agency or the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) has violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Ohio’s Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities. The OEC investigates these concerns and, according to federal regulations, has 60 days to complete an investigation and ensure issues are addressed. Complaints may be submitted using the Special Education Complaint Form.
Due Process Hearings may be requested through DEW by parents, school districts, or other agencies to resolve disagreements about a student’s identification, evaluation, placement, or provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). A due process hearing is conducted by an impartial hearing officer, and requests may be submitted using the Request for a Due Process Hearing Form.
Click here for more information and resources regarding Dispute Resolution.
Customer Care Center Live Webinar for ECE Professionals
Early Care and Education professionals are welcome to register for the “DCY Customer Care Center: Webinar with Q&A for Early Care and Education Services Programs” training to be held on Friday, October 24, from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. During this 90-minute session, we will introduce the new Customer Care Center including what types of tickets should be submitted, how to submit a ticket, viewing and searching the Information Station, and more.
At the end of the webinar, we will leave time to answer questions about the new Customer Care Center. Questions and answers will be compiled into a comprehensive document and posted with the recording of the webinar in the Information Station to view at your convenience.
Public Feedback Opportunity: Child Care Licensing Rule Review
Five-Year Rule Review: 5180:2-12-12
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of one licensing of child care centers rule, in accordance with Ohio law. If you would like to review and offer feedback, please complete this form by October 27, 2025.
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Measles Information for Early Child Care Environments
We’re sharing important information from the Ohio Department of Health’s Vaccine Preventable Disease program regarding measles in early child care environments. This resource is intended to help families stay informed and support safe, healthy practices across our communities.
Child Advocates Gather for Lorain County Kids Summit
Director Kara Wente served as keynote speaker at the 2025 Lorain County Kids Summit on October 6. This event was a follow-up session from the 2024 DCY Kids Summit hosted last fall in Columbus. Kudos and thanks go to the Lorain County Children and Families First Council for bringing together more than 300 advocates, community leaders, and service providers from a variety of backgrounds to focus on the well-being of children and families in their area.
After the presentation, Director Wente, Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen, and Chief Communications Officer Jodi Norton Trimble toured Elyria Early Childhood Village. The DCY team was hosted by Jackie Plantner, principal, Dr. Courtney Griffiths and Denise Blatt, Elyria City Schools associate superintendents, and Ohio Representative Gayle Manning, and enjoyed meeting children and teachers there. The team was able to see first-hand how the school’s learning environment focuses on meeting each child’s intellectual, emotional, and social needs at each stage of his/her development as they prepare for kindergarten success.
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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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Measles Information to Share with Families
Our colleagues at the Ohio Department of Health Vaccine Preventable Disease program have requested that we share this information with you about measles. There are two fact sheets for parents. One is for pre-K settings, while the other is for the K-12 setting. We have copied the language on the forms below, as well as the images of the pages. Please feel free to share the information that is appropriate for your setting.
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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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Customer Care Center Live Webinar
PCSAs, Title IV-E Courts, and Private Agencies are welcome to register for the “DCY Customer Care Center: Webinar with Q&A for PCSAs, Title IV-E Courts, and Private Agencies” training to be held on Tuesday, October 21, from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. During this 90-minute session, we will introduce the new Customer Care Center including what types of tickets should be submitted, how to submit a ticket, viewing and searching the Information Station, and more.
At the end of the webinar, we will leave time to answer questions about the new Customer Care Center. Questions and answers will be compiled into a comprehensive document and posted with the recording of the webinar in the Information Station to view at your convenience.
"You Are All Heroes!" Director Wente Praises Children Services Professionals for Their Commitment
On October 3, Director Kara Wente and Assistant Director Jeff Van Deusen joined the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and many other partners at the PCSAO 45th Annual Conference, celebrating the dedication of Ohio’s children services professionals.
Director Wente emphasized that caseworkers, supervisors, and agency support staff are the backbone of children services. She highlighted their vital role, stating: “One of the reasons we host this conference is to celebrate all of you for work that carries joy, challenges, and even risk. You are all heroes! Every year we recognize outstanding agency staff for their professionalism, commitment, and willingness to go the extra mile for children and families. I am honored to present this year’s professional staff awards.”
Director Wente also shared highlights of progress in Ohio:
- Fewer children in foster care than at any time since 2019; more than 2,000 children reunited with families faster.
- Expansion of the Treatment Foster Home pilot to 42 counties.
- Ohio START now supports over 5,000 Ohioans, including nearly 3,000 children, helping families stay safely together.
- Regional Child Wellness Campuses will help ensure children do not spend nights in inappropriate settings.
These achievements reflect the tireless work, insights, and compassion of children services professionals across Ohio.
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Transmittal Letters Posted
The following rules were effective October 3, 2025, and have been posted to the Official Letters & Guidance | Department of Children and Youth.
- OAC 5180:7-3-15 “Administration and Eligibility for the Ohio adoption grant program.” Outlines the requirements to administer the Ohio adoption grant program and establishes eligibility criteria for grant applicants (TL 71).
- OAC 5180:3-13-18.2 “Kinship Support Program.” Provides guidance to agencies on eligible kinship caregivers to receive Kinship Support Program payments (TL 61).
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Forms Available for Five-Year Rule Review
Five-Year Rule Review: 5180:2-5-32; 5180:2-7-10; 5180:2-7-12; 5180:2-7-15
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of four foster care certification and foster parent rules, in accordance with Ohio law. If you would like to review and offer feedback, please complete this form by October 27, 2025.
Five-Year Rule Review: 5180:2-38-08
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of one case planning and reviews rule, in accordance with Ohio law. If you would like to review and offer feedback, please complete this form by October 27, 2025.
Five-Year Review: 5180:2-37-01; 5180:2-37-02; 5180:2-37-03; 5180:2-37-04
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of the four assessments rules, in accordance with Ohio law. If you would like to review and offer feedback, please complete this form by October 27, 2025.
Registration Open for Child Abuse and Neglect Training for Mandated Reporters
On September 30, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) announced that a new Child Abuse and Neglect training has been created for mandated reporters in the Tuesday Times Newsletter (Issue 44). This new training will replace the current training and will be available in the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) beginning November 1, 2025.
The DCY Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Mandated Reporting Requirements training will help professionals learn how to recognize, respond to, and help prevent child abuse and neglect, while also gaining a clear understanding of the legal obligations and responsibilities of mandated reporters.
Successful completion of this course meets DCY training requirements for child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention for the following:
- Early Care and Education (EC&E) Programs: Child Care Centers, Day Camps, Family Child Care, In-Home Aides, and School-Based School-Age Child Care (SACC).
- The training is valid for two years.
- School-Based Preschools may also complete this training to meet requirements under OAC 5180:37-04.
- Early Intervention Service Coordinators (EISCs), EISC Supervisors, and Developmental Specialists – to meet initial credential requirements.
- Home Visitors and Home Visiting Supervisors – to meet initial credential requirements.
Important Dates
- EC&E professionals who have started or have a pending “ODJFS Child Abuse One-Hour Overview” in the OPR should complete the course by November 1, or they will need to restart with the new DCY training.
- EISCs, EISC Supervisors, and Developmental Specialists who have started or have a pending “Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect” in the DODD MyLearning system should complete the course by November 1 to receive credit, or they will need to restart with the new DCY training.
- Home Visitors and Home Visiting Supervisors who have started or have a pending Child Abuse and Neglect course through the Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals should complete the course by November 1 to meet credential requirements, or they will need to restart with the new DCY training.
- Beginning November 1, the current training courses listed above will be replaced with the new DCY Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Mandated Reporting Requirements
To register, log into the Ohio Professional Development Registry. Under Find Training, enter the ST Number: 10157929 or the title in the search bar: DCY Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Mandated Reporting Requirements.
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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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PCSAs Can Learn More About Youth-Centered Permanency Roundtables at October Sessions
Kinnect now offers statewide facilitators to help Public Children Services Agencies (PCSAs) launch or expand Youth-Centered Permanency Roundtables (YCPRTs). YCPRTs place young people, ages 12 and up, who have been in custody for 12 months or more, at the center of their own permanency journey. With the support of a trained facilitator, youth lead the conversation, identify key adults to include, and build lasting connections toward both relational and legal permanency. Information sessions will be held on October 27, from 2-3 p.m., and October 31, from 9-10 a.m. to explore the values used in YCPRTs and what to expect in roundtable meetings. Learn more and register to attend the information sessions here.
Current and Former Youth in Care are Invited to Thanksgiving Together
Thanksgiving Together is an event inviting current foster youth (ages 14 and up) and former foster youth (ages 18 and up) from Ohio to gather for a meaningful Thanksgiving celebration.
Celebration Dates:
- Northeast - November 15
- Southwest - November 22
- Central - November 23
Attendance is free, but an RSVP is required.
Click on the image to download the invitation and share with current and former foster youth in your area!
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