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Message ANNUALREPORT2023-24A YEAR OF PROGRESS,A FUTURE OF PROMISE.

Our family engagement programs have grown to include new resources and one-on-onesupport for anyone interested in becoming a foster, kinship or adoptive family, Parent Cafésessions and Triple P discussion groups , and access to quality child care options. We haveadded, with support from DCY two new Parent and Youth Ambassadors that are supportingfamilies in an all new way.Empowering Child Care ProvidersOur child care providers are the backbone of our community, and we remain steadfast in ourefforts to support their professional growth and operational success. This year, werecruited, trained and added child care centers and homes to meet the growing need foradditional child care slots. We also partnered with the Lorain County Department of Job andFamily Services to provided resources to Lorain County entrepreneurs to help them opennew facilities and adopt new technologies, ensuring that every child care setting is safe,enriching, and aligned with the highest standards of quality. Through these efforts, we haveseen a drop of one provider in earning and maintaining ratings in Ohio’s Step Up to Qualitysystem and some have even moved to increase their ratings. This is excellent news forfamilies seeking high quality child care to ensure they can work every day.Strengthening Community PartnershipsCollaboration and strong relationships are at the heart of our mission. The CCRC has beenworking with community stakeholders in Erie County to intentionally address the child carecrisis and it’s impact on employers. A letter from the director...Dear Families, Child Care Providers, and CommunityStakeholders, As we reflect on this past year, I am filled with pride andgratitude for the progress and innovation we have achievedtogether in serving the communities of Erie, Huron, Lorain,Sandusky, and Seneca counties. Our commitment tosupporting families, empowering child care providers, andfostering partnerships with community stakeholders hasdriven remarkable changes and growth across our region.Supporting FamiliesThis year, we expanded our outreach and resources to ensurethat every family has access to the tools they need to thrive.

We have partnered to create a community action plan and have seen the plan and thosestrategies begin to impact families in need of care. Additionally, we are working with the ErieCounty philanthropic community to create an Erie County Scholarship Program to address thehigh cost of child care and are collaborating with the Greater Sandusky Partnership to forge apath forward for employers. We have also worked closely with State Departments to addressworkforce challenges by advocating for policies and innovative supports to provide affordableand accessible child care.Innovation and GrowthInnovation has been a cornerstone of our success this year. We leveraged data-driven insightsto identify gaps in services and develop targeted solutions. One of those solutions addressingthe workforce issue directly with a substitute service exclusive to child care centers. We haveautomated the service and planted it in regional child care resource and referral agenciesaround the state of Ohio. This innovation not only has had an impact on Erie, Huron, Lorain,Sandusky and Seneca counties, but on the state of Ohio. As we look ahead, The Board of Directors, staff and partners remain dedicated to our mission ofbuilding strong, supportive communities where children can thrive, families can succeed, andproviders can flourish. Thank you for your unwavering support and partnership on this worthyjourney. Together, we are making a difference that will resonate for generations to come.With gratitude and hope,Jennifer DodgeCCRC Board of DirectorsLisa GodboltChairHolle BrambrickVice ChairNatalio Rodriquez TreasurerSusan ForthofferMemberAndrea WeisMemberKelly McConnell-MannMemberFrances KremerMemberBecca DavisMember

Total nutrious meals served to children : 743,951 Breakfast: 219,233 Lunch: 250,624 AM Snack: 6,244 PM snack: 261,358CACFP FOR CHILD CARE CENTERSThis year brought tremendous growth for the CACFP child care centerprogram. We successfully onboarded 13 new centers, increasingreimbursement rates and expanding our reach to more children across theCCRC’s region and nearby counties. Our administrative funds doubled fromthe previous year, a significant achievement made possible by the dedicationand teamwork of the CCRC’s CACFP for centers team, who excelled inonboarding, training, and providing monthly claims support.CCRC’s CACFP Program served : Cuyahoga,Defiance, Lorain, Huron, Sandusky, Seneca,Summit, Ottawa. Wood, Lucas CountiesTotal Reimbursement to Centers:$968,479.88Average number of children servednutritious meals per month: 1,400 Dinner: 6,492Total CACFP Child Care Centers served: 45 These achievements highlight our steadfast commitment to providingnutritious meals to children throughout the regions we serve. This year’s growthand success have laid a strong foundation for continued progress in the yearsto come.If you have interest in the Child and Adult Care Food Program reimbursementsfor your program contact Deena Chiller at 440-242-0413 ext. *234.

Foster Care NavigationMaking the decision to become a kinship, foster or adoptive parent is one of themost important decisions you will ever make. We know that children thrive whenthey are in safe, supportive and loving homes. It is important that you plan andresearch your options to make an informed decision about what is best for you andyour family. We are a one stop resource located in Northeast Ohio. Our services areFREE as we help you navigate each step of the process. Here are some highlights from the year:The CCRC Foste HUB staff participated in 92 community events, engaging withover 4,244 potential resource homes through various activities such as churchgatherings, information sessions, community outreach events, Parent Cafés,child abuse prevention walks, canvassing efforts, community fairs, and speakingengagements.76 families received support and resources from the CCRC Foster HUB to starttheir journey toward becoming resource homes, a process that typically takes 4-6 months. Additionally, 231 health and safety items were provided to familiesnavigating the foster, kinship, and adoption processes.The CCRC Foster HUB partnered with private & public agencies to activelysupport 25+ families to become Licensed Homes!

The CCRC Foster Hub provided a range of supports, including:Home visitsAssistance with registration and completion of required pre-service trainingReview of documentationGuidance on form navigation and technologyAnswers to questions and provision of support and information on foster,adoption, or kinship carProviding FREE health/safety items for required Fire Inspections/Safety AuditOrganizational Assistance (Binders)Coordination to community resources and supportsThe CCRC Foster HUB follows up with licensed resource homes to underscore theimportance of connecting with other resource families. This connection is crucial forretention and delivering essential services to children. Some of the services we haveprovided and plan to enhance in the future include Parent Cafes, Vitality Cafes,Triple P Discussion Groups, Dad Cafes, and Recertification supports. If you are interested in becoming a resource home/family please do not hesitate tocontact Jessica Sherrard at 440-242-0413 ext. *229.“Its so nice that you areonly a phone call away!” ” I’m glad you took the timeto come visit me andexplain the process!” “Thank you for theorganization of the binder,this helps me stayorganized!” “If I didn’t have yoursupport, I would havehandled the situation muchdifferently”What are families saying aboutour HUB services?

Step Up To QualityIn 2023, Governor Mike Dewine announced the creation of a new state agency inOhio—the Department of Children and Youth (DCY)—to unify and strengthen thestate’s support for Ohio families and their children. As part of this reorganization,the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS), which oversees licensingand monitoring for child care centers and family child care providers, was integratedinto the new DCY. Amid this transition, significant changes to Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) wereintroduced, aimed at reducing administrative paperwork and allowing programs tofocus more on enhancing quality within their programs.While these changes were intended to benefit providers in the long run, they initiallycaused some concern among SUTQ participants, even though the new requirementswon’t be assessed until next year. In response, the Child Care Resource Center devoted much of the past year toeasing these concerns and guiding providers through the existing SUTQrequirements. This support proved effective, as reflected by an increase in thenumber of programs achieving ratings above 1 star and the rated programsremained rated and committed to providing quality services. The upward movementin ratings demonstrates the positive impact of our guidance and the dedication toquality services by dedicated child care providers.1 Star Programs2 Star Programs3 Star Programs4 Star Programs5 Star Programs1 Star Programs2 Star Programs3 Star Programs4 Star Programs5 Star ProgramsSUTQ 2022-23 SUTQ 2023-24134 1237355371232941Total Rated: 218 Total Rated: 217

Professional DevelopmentTrainings Provided95Child Care ProfessionalsTrained551CDA Academy Graduates22In 2023-2024, the CCRC was able to support 17 CDA students in earning their CDAcredential. With the help of the TEACH scholarship, students were able to get theirCDA application fee ($425) covered. After a CDA Academy wraps up, we bring thestudents back together within a month of graduation to hold a workshop day wherethey ensure their portfolio is ready, and we assist them in applying for their CDAcredential if they are ready to take this step. This has shown to increase the numberof students who follow through with earning their credential.CDA Academy**Our CDA Academy includes portfolio support, and the CCRC continues tosupport our students after they graduate from our classes to push them toearn their credential.The CCRC added 12 new trainings to their extensive catalog this year.

Starting & Expanding Child CareBusinesses20Child Carebusinessearnednew/expandedlicenses 1308New childcare slotsHours ofbusinesscoaching newor existingchild careprograms21 New licensingapplications inprocess 876New child careslots455

Family and Community Services The Child Care Resource Center serves as a resource hub for families, child care professionalsand communities. The CCRC helps families find quality child care.Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions families make and it can be difficultto find reliable information about your child care options. THe CCRC can help parents take theguesswork out of choosing care by providing:Referrals to local child care providersInformation on state licensing requirements.Information on where to get help paying for child care.Information on services for children with special needs.We assist families by phone, in person and in other ways that are tailored to each family. Ifyou are seeking child care services you can reach out for help to 440-242-0413 ext. *248.

THE ROLE OF THE PARENT & YOUTH AMBASSADOR:The Parent & Youth Ambassador is a staff member of the Child Care Resource Center to provide resources and support for families with children and youth between the ages of birth-21-years-old. Ambassadors provide support for families that are aligned to the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). Parent Ambassadors have a unique opportunity to deliver resources and support across the entire ecosystem of systems serving children spanning from Child Care to Foster, Kinship, and Adoption, Young Adult Supports, Maternal andInfant Wellness and more.Parent Ambassadors provide a single, in-person resource that will allow families tohave their questions answered and access the support needed quickly. They havelived experience in social systems which helps them relate with caregivers seekingassistance.HOW CAN PARENTS ACCESS THESE SERVICES?Parents can call the Child Care Resource Center Directly, go to our website andsubmit a request for the Parent Ambassadors to contact them or stop by the officeof the CCRC at:5350 Oberlin Ave. Lorain, Ohio 5350 (Tuesday or Wednesdays from 10 – 4 pm). The Parent Ambassador will respond to inquiries (phone, in-person, email) She willprovide assistance for community referrals, and benefit navigation.IN WHAT OTHER WAYS WILL THE AMBASSADOR BE SUPPORTING PARENTS?Parent Cafés: Hosting at least 2 parent cafes series per quarter to give families anopportunity to connect with one anotherListening Sessions: Co-facilitate at least 2 listening sessions a year to heardirectly from families Advocacy: Identify & share service gaps to the Ohio Department of Children andYouth so they can focus on systems to support families. SUCCESS STORIES FROM OUR CURRENT AMBASSADOR: “I’ve really enjoyed getting to shadow parent cafes and learn more about all theresources that I can connect families with. I am excited to help parents andcaregivers navigate all the benefits available to them so that they can better providefor their families.” -Sarah Puskas, CCRC Parent AmbassadorParent Ambassador

Child Care Recruitment andPre-Licensing Partnership The Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) supports child care providers guiding themthrough the pre-licensing process and enhancing the quality of care a new child careprovider offers. Our work is grounded in five key goals:Create/Update a lasting early care and education system that serves all childrenin LorainCounty and gives them equal access to quality careIncrease the number of sustainable, high-quality Type B slots. Specifically, torecruit, train and target areas of need (special needs, underserved populations orgeographic areas, infant/toddlers, out-of-school-time, non-traditional hours,non-English speaking, and so on)Improve neighborhood-based early care and education programs tocommensurate with the demandProvide professional development and technical assistance and other supportservices to improve the quality of care in Type B homes.Capitalize upon the economies of scale and efficiencies available through a well-organized system.OutcomesThis comprehensive approach improves candidates’ likelihood of passing inspections,ensures compliance with licensing standards, and elevates the quality of careprovided. We work to take the mystery out of the process and prepare businessowners to be successful moving forward.The CCRC provider services team was able to recruit, support and empower 20 newchild care programs in opening their businesses. This included 10 child care centers,9 Type B Family Child Care Homes, and 1 Type A Family Child Care Home. Theseprograms increased the capacity for chidlren to be served by 1,308 new child careslots.

www.ccrcinc.com 440-242-0413 INTERESTED INOPENING ACHILD CAREBUSINESS?THE CHILD CARE RESOURCECENTER STAFF CAN HELP! Step-by-step support to become licensedSample policies, procedures and formsDiscounts on materials and equipmentSupport with required trainings

Thank you!Regional Resource And Referral Agency for:Erie, Huron, Lorain , Sandusky & Seneca counties440.242.0413Main Office Satellite Office5350 Oberlin Ave.Lorain, Ohio 44053237 Wayne StreetSandusky, Ohio 44870