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Issue 52: January 6, 2025 |
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For Your Awareness
Early Literacy Website Update
Looking for information about literacy development? Check out the newly updated early literacy pages on the DCY website for families and for providers. Find milestones and helpful tips for children birth through five, plus family friendly one-pagers about language and literacy development and the Science of Reading. If you’re a professional working directly with families, there’s also a guide for you as you navigate conversations about language and literacy milestones using these one-pagers. Watch for more resources coming soon!
Wear Blue Tomorrow for Human Trafficking Awareness
This month, Ohio observes Human Trafficking Prevention Month with a focus on supporting survivors. Across the state, communities are working together to raise awareness, strengthen prevention efforts, and ensure that survivors receive the care, resources, and respect they deserve.
To show your support, we encourage you to wear blue tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7. Please consider taking a photo of your team that day and emailing it to DCY Communications so we can share it on January 11, Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
By supporting survivors, we not only honor their resilience but also build safer pathways for children, families, and communities.
Register Now for Human Trafficking Webinar
On January 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. EST, the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force in partnership with DCY and Gracehaven will be hosting a webinar for child-serving professionals. The webinar, Serving Child & Youth Survivors: Updates on Ohio’s Response to Human Trafficking in the Child Protection System, will cover:
- The announcement of a new pilot program in three regions of the state
- Ohio’s response to human trafficking in the child protection system
- Ohio’s response to missing and exploited youth
- Panel discussion focused on promising practices
➡️Register now!
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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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Knowing Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Vital for Pregnant and Postpartum Moms
January 23 is Maternal Health Awareness Day and DCY wants expectant moms and their partners to know that pregnancy complications can happen during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth. All pregnant and postpartum women and their families should learn the urgent maternal warning signs.
It is important for women who are pregnant or gave birth within the last year to talk to their healthcare provider about anything that does not feel right. Women know their bodies best. It may be physical, but it could also include sadness, anxiety, or fatigue that makes it challenging to complete daily activities for themselves, their baby, or others. If they experience something that seems unusual or concerning, they must not ignore it. Encourage them to contact their healthcare provider right away or go to the emergency room.
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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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Parkside Pals: Building Connections Through Play
Logan County Early Intervention (EI) continues to find creative ways to reach and support young families throughout the community. One of the program’s most successful new outreach activities is Parkside Pals, a monthly play group that brings families together for fun, learning, and connection.
Each month, the EI team selects a different park or location to ensure families across the entire county have the opportunity to participate—not just those in the largest communities. The goals of Parkside Pals are to share helpful developmental information, encourage parents to connect naturally with one another, and support enrolled families as they engage in community activities alongside their EI team.
At each gathering, the team comes prepared with a hands-on craft or activity—such as making nature frames or decorating kites to fly—and provides water and snacks for the children.
Although Parkside Pals is a relatively new initiative, it has already created many meaningful moments. One successful partnership included Logan County Family and Children First Council (FCFC) joining the event to distribute winter coats and shoes. Seventeen coats were provided to families in an outlying community. During that same visit, the EI team received a new referral from a parent concerned about their child’s development—an important connection that may not have occurred without this community outreach opportunity.
One of the most heartwarming moments took place when a group of children was running and flying kites together. A young boy, who was not enrolled in EI, asked a staff member, “Does that kid talk?” while pointing to one of the EI participants. The staff member replied, “He’s learning to talk, but he can run and play with you, and he understands what you’re saying.” The boys then continued to play together—laughing, chasing, and flying kites side by side.
Moments like these highlight the true purpose of Parkside Pals: helping children learn, grow, and feel included, while fostering understanding and acceptance among all children in the community.
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Initiatives work to connect educators, families, and youth to education
services and supports.
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New Resources Allow ECE Providers to Contact Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation Services
As of last week, Early Care and Education (ECE) providers can now contact Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation Services using new resources.
To find an IECMH provider:
✅ Understand when to seek consultation
✅ Learn how to connect with the IECMH provider serving your county
✅ Access the TA Guide here.
✅ You can also use this table to locate your county’s IECMH provider
For more information, click here. If you have questions about navigating these changes, email KID-DCY-ECMHinvoicing@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov for support.
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Five-Year Rule Reviews
Chapter 5180-32 School Child Care Program
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of nine school child care program rules, in accordance with Ohio law.
Chapter 5180‑32 provides the framework for how school child care programs in Ohio must operate to ensure children’s safety, well‑being, and development. It sets expectations for staffing and supervision, requiring that programs have qualified personnel and appropriate ratios to care for children responsibly. The rules emphasize maintaining safe and healthy environments both indoors and outdoors, while also mandating that programs offer age‑appropriate educational activities that support learning and growth. Nutrition and health are addressed through standards for meals and snacks, as well as for the management of communicable diseases. The chapter also requires programs to keep accurate records, follow clear discipline policies, and comply with administrative procedures that promote accountability. Finally, it establishes licensing and monitoring processes to make sure programs consistently meet these standards.
If you would like to review the existing rules and offer feedback and suggestions, please complete this form by January 19, 2026.
Chapter 5180-37 Child Day-Care Programs
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of eleven child day care program rules, in accordance with Ohio law.
These rules establish the framework for how licensed child day‑care programs must operate to protect and nurture children. They cover compliance and investigation procedures to ensure programs meet state requirements, as well as expectations for program design and staffing so that children receive appropriate care from qualified personnel. The chapter emphasizes the importance of safe facilities, equipment, and supplies, along with clear policies and procedures that guide daily operations. It also requires programs to maintain accurate child records, provide nutritious food services, and implement behavior management practices that are constructive and respectful. Health and hygiene are addressed through rules on communicable disease management and diapering standards, ensuring that environments remain clean and supportive of children’s well‑being.
If you would like to review the existing rules and offer feedback and suggestions, please complete this form by January 19, 2026.
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Releases AI in Education Model Policy
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin has announced the release of a model policy on artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The model policy is designed to guide traditional public school districts, community schools, and STEM schools in the responsible and effective use of AI in education. Under House Bill 96, all Ohio districts are required to adopt a formal AI policy by July 1, 2026. The newly released model policy provides a template that districts may adopt as written or customize to meet local needs.
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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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Triple P: Supporting Parents Across Ohio
Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) is an evidence-based program that gives parents and caregivers practical tools to build strong relationships, encourage positive behavior, and reduce everyday stress. Focused on prevention and skill-building, Triple P helps families create consistent routines, improve communication, and support children’s emotional development—from early childhood through the teen years. The program builds on what caregivers are already doing well, offering simple strategies that work in real life.
In Ohio, Triple P Online is available at no cost, allowing parents and caregivers to learn at their own pace with flexible, on-demand resources. Ohio parents and caregivers can access Triple P Online for free. Click here to learn more or sign up.
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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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Adoption-Competent Mental Health Care Changes Lives: Become One of the Providers Who Makes It Happen
New national research confirms what families have been saying for years: Mental health professionals trained in adoption-competent care make a dramatic difference in the outcomes and well-being of adopted children and families.
OhioKAN, in partnership with the Department of Children and Youth (DCY), is offering a new cohort of Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) to help increase the number of adoption-competent clinicians to better meet the needs of families. Families working with TAC-trained clinicians report:
- Stronger engagement in therapy
- Higher satisfaction and trust
- Significant improvements in children’s emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning
- Better family communication and stronger relationships
Yet, most families still struggle to find clinicians who understand the unique needs of adoption, foster, and kinship care. Ohio needs more professionals with this specialized training — and you can be one of them!
Foster Care Licensing Agency Compliance Chats Update
Compliance Chats for the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) certified foster care agencies have been successful in creating dialogue among agencies, keeping agencies updated with DCY rules and systems, and creating the opportunity to learn and understand best practices in providing quality experiences for children and youth. DCY recently streamlined the distribution list providing notifications to participants. Starting immediately, you will be able to subscribe to Compliance Chat e-mails through Ohio Department of Children and Youth and choosing COMPLIANCE CHAT for DCY Foster Care Licensing Certified Agencies. If you were previously registered for Compliance Chats, you have been automatically subscribed. We look forward to seeing you at our next compliance chat on January 27, 2026, at 10 a.m.
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Every Child Seen: How Schools Support Ohio’s Foster Youth
Each day, administrators, educators, and school staff members across Ohio demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the well-being and academic success of students in their communities. School district personnel efforts play a vital role in shaping safe, supportive learning environments where all children can thrive.
Educational stability is especially critical for students in foster care, and each district’s role in supporting the more than 14,000 foster youth statewide is deeply impactful. By ensuring these students feel safe, supported, and connected, schools help lay the foundation for long-term success both in and beyond the classroom.
Recently, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) hosted a webinar highlighting key updates on foster care policies and best practices. We are proud to share the recording with our partners in promoting how every child in foster care is seen and supported in their educational environment.
DEW and DCY will continue promoting the partnership and importance of everyone’s role, specifically supporting our school districts’ foster care liaisons and our public children service agencies. DEW is supporting school districts in updating their foster care liaison contact information and DCY will share the contact information with our appropriate partners.
DCY is grateful for DEW’s partnership in this important collaboration, ensuring all youth in foster care are seen and supported.
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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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One-Time Location Change for the January 15 OHIO YAB and OHILA Meeting
The January 15, 2026 OHIO YAB and OHILA meetings will be held at the Buckeye Ranch Crane Center, 4653 E Main Street, Columbus OH 43213. The time, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. is the same.
This location change is only for the January 2026 meetings. The rest of the 2026 meetings set for April 16, July 16, and October 15 will be back at Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA) 2469 Stelzer Rd. Columbus OH 43219.
For any questions about the OHIO YAB meeting, contact Lisa Dickson at lisa@fosteractionohio.org
For any questions about the OHILA meeting, contact Stephanie Jackson at Stephanie.Jackson@jfs.ohio.gov with OHILA in the subject line.
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