Tuesday Times
This ongoing correspondence focuses on essential business-related information, providing important updates for our partners. These updates encompass practice and policy adjustments, data dashboard enhancements, funding prospects, program details, training initiatives, and various other pertinent topics.
For Your Awareness
Save the Date for the Ohio Fatherhood Summit
The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood and The Ohio Practitioners’ Network for Fathers and Families are happy to announce the Ohio Fatherhood Summit 2024: Elevating Fathers’ Voices – Let’s Talk About It!
The target audience includes any organization that works with fathers and families in the best interest of their children, as well as fathers.
Scheduled for September 24-25, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
Quest Conference Center
9200 Worthington Rd, Suite 400
Westerville, OH 43082
More Information to come.
Children Services Home Visiting Ohio Children's Trust Fund Maternal and Infant Vitality Programming |
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Early Intervention Publicly Funded Child Care Early Childhood Education Preschool Special Education Licensing Dolly Parton Imagination Library
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Ohio Commission on Fatherhood Ohio Family Children First Council Healthy Beginnings at Home Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Strong Families, Safe Communities
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Funding Opportunity Available for Act Early Ambassador Program |
States and Territories Eligible for Funding This funding opportunity will support a new, two-year cohort of up to 64 Act Early Ambassadors. Individuals from all states, territories, and tribal communities are eligible to apply. Two Act Early Ambassadors may be selected for states with a population greater than 10-million (according to 2020 US Census Data). These states include California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Timeline RFA Release: July 1, 2024 Q&A Call: July 16, 2024 at 11 am PT/12 pm MT/1 pm CT/2 pm ET (Registration link located within the RFA) Application Deadline: August 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET Notice of Awards: No later than September 16, 2024 Act Early Ambassador Term: October 1, 2024-September 30, 2026 2024 Annual Training: November 13 -14, 2024 in Atlanta, GA
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Updates and Guidance Letters
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SUTQ Overview Webinar Scheduled for Rated ProgramsThe revised Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rules went into effect on July 7, 2024 to implement the new three-tier rating system with Bronze, Silver, and Gold ratings. To assist early care and education providers on meeting the new standards, DCY has posted the new sample forms providers may choose to use as well as the new standards here.We will also be hosting a series of upcoming trainings and TEAMS meetings, which will be posted here. We are kicking off a SUTQ overview training on August 2, 2024 for all currently rated center, school-based and family child care programs. The training will provide an overview of the revised model, review the program standards and benchmarks, and share information regarding the onsite verification process. The training will be recorded and posted on the SUTQ webpage for those who are unable to join the live training. Be sure to bookmark the SUTQ webpage to keep up with the latest updates! |
ASQ Expansion is Now LiveAs of July 1, more Ohio families have the opportunity to utilize the free Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Online Service available at helpmegrow.org. This developmental screening service offering the ASQ-3 and the ASQ(SE:2), previously offered to families with children up to age 3, has expanded in the following ways: - Ohio families with children up to age 5 can use the ASQ.
- Families can receive a reminder when a new, age-appropriate screening is available for their child.
- The ASQ is now more inclusive with the addition of Spanish, French, and Arabic languages.
- Both the ASQ Developmental and Social-Emotional Screening Questionnaires are available. Here is the link: https://www.helpmegrow.org/ASQ
- Families landing on the ASQ page will also receive information about how to access the Community Resource Directory.
- To keep up-to-date about what is new with the ASQ, Sign up for the Help Me Grow ASQ Expansion Updates here.
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Updates and Guidance Letters |
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Celebrating “Fish-tastic” Fatherhood: A Day of Fun, Connection and EmpowermentOver the month of June, the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood celebrated and supported several organizations across the state of Ohio, that held father-focused events, highlighting June as Responsible Fatherhood Month. One of those groups, the Highland County Family and Children First Council, hosted “Fathers are Fish-tastic Role Models for Their Families.” The event featured a variety of activities designed to engage both fathers and children. Guest speakers highlighted the importance of having responsible father figures in a family unit, while children presented dad with “Good Father” certificates. Fathers also received a fishing license and a basket of fishing supplies. Throughout the day, families participated in fishing contests, educational workshops, and interactive games. These activities were not only fun but also fostered communication, cooperation, and mutual respect among all those involved. It truly was a day to remember! |
Events like "Fish-tastic" are crucial, for highlighting the significant role that fathers play in the lives of their children. Research consistently shows that active and engaged fathers positively impact a child's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Children with involved fathers are more likely to perform well in school, exhibit healthy self-esteem, and develop strong social skills. Moreover, the presence of a supportive father figure contributes to a stable family environment, reducing the likelihood of behavioral issues and emotional distress in children. By participating in shared activities, fathers can model positive behaviors, impart life skills, and create lasting memories that children can cherish forever. “Fathers are Fish-tastic” perfectly encapsulates the essence of OCF’s mission to "Improve outcomes for children and strengthen two-parent families by empowering fathers to be the best parents, partners, and providers possible. This mission emphasizes the need for fathers to be actively involved in their children's lives and highlights the broader impact of strong, engaged fatherhood on family dynamics and child development. By empowering fathers through community events, educational resources, and support networks, we can continue to foster a culture where fathers feel confident and capable in their roles. This form of empowerment not only benefits individual families, but also strengthens the entire community, ultimately creating a supportive environment where children can thrive. |
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