Early childhood educators do far more than teach letters and numbers. They nurture emotional well-being, build confidence, support families, and create safe, culturally affirming spaces where children can thrive. Their impact extends beyond the classroom, helping shape stronger children, healthier families, and more resilient communities. At BCDI-Ohio, we celebrate the educators who plant seeds of hope, belonging, and lifelong success every day.

Fatherhood is more than a holiday. Fathers, father figures, co-parents, and caregivers play a vital role in helping children thrive, yet their voices are often missing from conversations about family well-being. Discover why supporting all caregivers matters and how you can help shape stronger families, communities, and policies by sharing your experiences through BCDI-Ohio's Fatherhood Survey.

Young children experience big feelings, and their mental and emotional health matters. This post offers practical guidance to help families recognize emotions, build coping skills, and know when to seek extra support.

Child care spaces must remain places of trust, safety, and dignity. Policies that introduce surveillance, even under the intent of accountability, risk compromising privacy, increasing burden on providers, and shifting early learning environments toward enforcement rather than care. We must protect children by strengthening systems through partnership, not monitoring.

Dr. Jasmine Moses, Policy Manager for the Black Child Development Institute Ohio, submitted testimony to the Ohio House Children and Human Services Committee expressing concerns about House Bill 647 and its potential impact on the stability of Ohio’s publicly funded child care system. Her testimony highlights the need for policies that uphold accountability, protect due process, support child care providers, and ensure families maintain access to safe, reliable care.

When conversations about maternal and infant health happen, dads are often left out. At BCDI Ohio, we are listening directly to fathers across the state to understand their experiences, challenges, and ideas for change. When dads are included, families thrive. Read the full blog and take our Dad and Caregiver Survey to help shape stronger support for families across Ohio.

Parents often want support for their families but are unsure where to begin. This post offers reassurance, practical guidance, and encouragement for navigating family resources with confidence. It reminds families that seeking help is a strength and that support is available.