|
Maternal & Infant Wellness |
|
|
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.
|
|
Partners for Change Initiative Advances Maternal and Infant Health in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s Partners for Change initiative supports community-driven efforts to improve maternal and infant health in five Ohio counties with the highest infant mortality rates. Using the Cradle Cincinnati model, the initiative brings together public health, health care, and community partners to develop data-informed solutions and strengthen local collaboration.
On May 20, Partners for Change organizations met with DCY in Dayton to celebrate progress, share successful strategies, and reinforce partnerships. By centering the voices and experiences of Black women, participating communities identified key needs related to housing, maternal healthcare, and safe sleep resources, helping guide future efforts to build sustainable systems that support healthier outcomes for Ohio families.
|
|
|
Early Childhood Development |
|
|
The Early Childhood Development programs provide technical assistance, education, and referrals for families and youth with evaluations regarding specific needs and disabilities.
|
|
Hearing Aids, Assistive Technology, and FAPE: Guidance for Educational Agencies
Schools play an important role in supporting children with hearing impairments and in some cases, may be responsible for providing hearing aids. This memo outlines when districts are required to provide assistive technology, how to handle insurance and Medicaid, and what Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires for keeping hearing devices functioning at school.
|
2026–2027 Assessment Requirements for Ohio Preschool and Preschool Special Education Programs
As programs prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, DCY wants to make sure Ohio Preschool Programs (OPP), formerly known as the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Grant, and Preschool Special Education (PSE) programs have the information they need to meet child assessment requirements. Review the memo for a summary of assessment options, required windows, and training resources available for each tool.
|
Early Intervention Program Updates – June 2026
This month's EI updates include the expansion of the qualified personnel list, newly posted County Annual Performance Reports, ongoing SFY26 compliance analysis activities, and a reminder to complete the EI Professional Development Needs Assessment Survey by June 12. Free webinars from the Devereux Center for Resilient Children are also available for CPDU credit. Read the Full Update.
|
|
|
|
Initiatives work to connect educators, families, and youth to education
services and supports.
|
|
Updates to Orientation and Pre-Licensing Training
DCY is updating orientation and pre-licensing training courses for early care and education providers to align with revised Ohio Administrative Code rules. If your program onboards new staff, it's important to be aware of upcoming changes to required trainings and key dates. Review the memo for a full list of affected courses and when new trainings will be available.
|
|
Step Up To Quality: Updated Approved Curriculum and Assessments Now Available
DCY has updated its list of SUTQ-approved curriculum and assessments. Learn what programs need to know about curriculum and assessment requirements, who can submit materials for review, and how to access the updated list on the DCY website.
|
2026 Early Care and Education Market Rate Survey Is Live!
The 2026 Early Care and Education Market Rate Survey is now live! Child care programs should have received an invitation email on June 8 from Strategic Research Group (SRG), an independent research firm contracted by DCY to conduct the survey.
Conducted every two years, the Market Rate Survey collects essential information that helps DCY understand the cost of child care across Ohio. Completing the survey helps ensure reimbursement rates reflect what private-pay families are charged and supports data-driven decisions that benefit both providers and families. Participation does not require enrollment in the Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program.
Programs invited to participate include child care centers, preschool programs, school-age child care programs, family child care programs, and approved day camps.
If your program did not receive the invitation email, contact the DCY Help Desk at childcarepolicy@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov or (844) 234-5437.
Office Hours DCY and SRG will host open office hours to answer questions and provide support:
- Tuesday, June 9 at 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m.
- Monday, June 15 at 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m.
DCY appreciates the valuable insights providers contribute through this process and the important role they play in strengthening Ohio's child care system.
Ohio Preschool Program: June Authorization and System Updates
June Authorization and System Updates June brings several important updates to the Ohio Preschool Program (OPP), formerly known as the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Grant, that grantees need to know about. From new authorizations and automatic extensions to a system update going live June 13, there are action steps grantees should take now to make sure children are set up with active authorizations for SFY 2027 — and to avoid any delays in reimbursement.
|
|
Family Support & Stabilization |
|
|
Focuses on enhancing the resources and supports available to parents and families.
|
|
Ohio Commission on Fatherhood: Celebrating Dads This June
June is Responsible Fatherhood Month in Ohio, recognizing the important role fathers and father figures play in the healthy development and well-being of children. Across the state, communities are encouraged to celebrate and support fathers who are making a positive difference in the lives of their children and families.
The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, within the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, works with local partners to promote responsible parenting, healthy relationships, and family stability. Through community-based programs and outreach efforts, fathers are connected with resources and support that help strengthen families and improve outcomes for children.
For Responsible Fatherhood Month, families across Ohio can celebrate fathers and father figures at the All Pro Dad Experience on June 15. Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and Ohio State Head Football Coach Ryan Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center for a unique family experience designed to strengthen the bond between fathers, father figures, and their children. This family-friendly event will feature interactive activities, fun, and meaningful opportunities to connect while highlighting the important role dads play in their children’s lives.
This month serves as a reminder that involved fathers and supportive families help build stronger communities across Ohio.
Learn more about the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood at fatherhood.ohio.gov.
|
Helping Families Access Triple P Online: Join Our Webinar on the PCSA Referral Process
PCSAs across Ohio can now refer eligible families to Triple P Online, an evidence‑based, self‑paced parenting course designed to strengthen parenting skills and support positive child behavior. The program includes eight modules and optional live coaching sessions, making it accessible for caregivers who need flexible, at‑home learning.
Who Can Be Referred?
- Parents with an open in-home case
- Kinship caregivers (when the agency does not hold custody)
- Adoptive families at risk of disruption
- Pregnant or parenting foster youth
How Referrals Work Agency staff complete a brief online form; DCY reviews it and sends the caregiver the course link and access code.
Upcoming Webinar Join us on June 23rd at NOON for a statewide webinar with Triple P America to review the program and referral process. Register here: Triple P Online Webinar
If you are unable to attend the webinar, but you want to learn more, please reach out to Ashley Keller.
DCY Connects with Families and Advocates at Groundwork Ohio’s Advocacy Day
On May 27, DCY joined nearly 300 advocates, including parents, caregivers, grandparents, and foster and adoptive families, at Groundwork Ohio's Advocacy Day at the Statehouse. Families met directly with state policymakers, shared their experiences, and participated in activities like story time and interactive presentations. State senators and representatives joined families for lunch to hear firsthand about their challenges and needs.
DCY Director Kara Wente served as a keynote speaker, highlighting key supports available to families including the Parent & Youth Ambassador (PYA) initiative, the expansion of 211 services, and the importance of statewide listening sessions. DCY's Division of Outreach and Engagement, represented by Melissa Palmer, John Biehl, and Alexandria Kappes, staffed an information table alongside three PYAs: Megan Davis (Action for Children), Lisa Westmoreland, and Selma Sherman (4C for Children). Together, they shared program information, distributed resources, and connected directly with families.
Events like this reaffirm DCY's commitment to ensuring Ohio's children and families are heard, supported, and empowered.
|
|
Children Services, Foster, Kinship, and Adoption |
|
|
Children Services, Foster, Kinship, and Adoption programs provide caregivers with support via resources for their individualized needs.
|
|
"Give it a Shot:" DCY Team Members Invite Others to Join Them in Becoming Foster Parents
DCY Legislative Director Bryan Stout and Legislative Liaison Theresea Varrasso know firsthand what it means to do what's right for kids. In addition to their work shaping children's policy at DCY, both Bryan and Theresa have opened their homes as licensed foster parents, providing children with the love, stability, and support they need while away from their primary families.
Hear directly from Bryan and Theresea about their experiences as foster parents and what inspired them to take this step.
Listen to Their Stories
Interested in becoming a foster parent? Visit https://fosterandadopt.dcy.ohio.gov/ to learn more. You can also read the press release to learn about Ohio's participation in the "A Home for Every Child" initiative, which works to recruit and support foster and adoptive families, reduce time children spend in foster care, and prioritize stability for youth across the state.
|
Supporting Families Affected by Substance Use: Statewide Training Opportunity
PCSA staff are encouraged to join a free webinar on June 16 from 1–3 p.m. that breaks down Ohio's approach to coordinated care for infants and families impacted by substance use.
The session covers Plans of Safe Care (PoSC) and the federal laws behind them, including CARA and CAPTA, and how Ohio is putting these requirements into practice. You'll also get a walkthrough of TEAM Ohio, the state's electronic referral portal for Mandated Reporters.
Upcoming Training: Background Check Changes for Group Homes
Reminder! You are invited to attend an important training session for Ohio Group Homes covering upcoming changes to background checks, including the transition to the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) system.
Date: June 15, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Format: Virtual two-hour training session. This session will be recorded for those that are not able to attend.
Who should attend: Group home administrators and individuals who support group home staff in completing background checks.
This session will walk you and your team through the new requirements that take effect on July 2, 2026. We encourage all providers to attend so you are fully prepared for the updated processes and expectations.
Please mark your calendar and share this invitation with any staff who may benefit.
Want to learn more? Check out the DCY OCAF Knowledge Articles available on the Information Station within the Customer Care Center for more information and resources.
|
|
Procedural Letters and Rule Review
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Ohio Celebrates 635 Foster Care Graduates in 2026
Ohio has something worth celebrating: 635 young people in foster care graduated from high school or earned their High School Equivalency Diplomas this year. That's 56 more graduates than last year and a reflection of what's possible when communities show up for kids.
"Each of these 635 graduates has shown remarkable courage and perseverance," said Governor Mike DeWine.
Behind each graduate is a network of teachers, foster families, caseworkers, and community members who believed in them. The Ohio Department of Children and Youth and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce remain committed to making sure every youth in foster care has the stability and support they need to thrive.
Interested in making a difference?
Young Adult Services (YAS) Guidance Update
If you missed the May Children Services Monthly Call, a brief overview of the Young Adult Services (YAS) materials is provided below. Recordings and presentation slides are available in CAPS LMS under Collaborate > Communities > Children Services Update Calls – Resources and Recordings.
What Are Young Adult Services? YAS are short-term, flexible supports that help young adults who have aged out of foster care address immediate needs and work toward self-sufficiency. Requirements are outlined in Ohio Administrative Code 5180:2-42-19.2.
Who Is Eligible? Young adults under age 21 who:
- Aged out of foster care at age 18 or older.
- Emancipated from a children services agency anywhere in the United States and now reside in Ohio.
- Were not in a locked facility (e.g., jail or detention center) at the time of emancipation.
Key Reminders
- Eligible young adults may request services from the PCSA in the Ohio county where they reside, and requests cannot be denied.
- YAS intakes must be documented in Ohio SACWIS, including services provided and updated contact information.
- Services should not be screened out solely due to jurisdiction; PCSAs should help connect young adults with the appropriate county.
- If a young adult is participating in Bridges, YAS services may still be provided when additional support is needed.
Questions? For technical assistance, contact: transitional-youth-programs@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov.
|
|
|
If you have questions about the content above, please reach out to info@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is committed to access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation in all programs and activities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To request an accommodation, contact the meeting organizer or DCY's ADA Coordinator, at DCY.HumanResources@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov or 614-728-2832 (TTY 711) at least 14 days before the event.
Received this from a colleague? Stay connected!
To be notified of future DCY clearance and BIA postings, sign up here: eNotification.
To receive customized alerts about official rule filing actions, visit RuleWatch Ohio.
|
|
|
|
|
