A Word from our Superintendent
Welcome to the July edition of the Dreams Newsletter! This spring was full of encouraging growth and new beginnings. We’re excited to share some of the highlights with you!
One of the greatest joys of the work we do at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is watching the people we support grow through each stage of life. This May, we have been able to watch many people served by WCBDD graduate from high school, college, Project SEARCH, and more. We’ve known many of these individuals since they were toddlers in early intervention, and now we cheer them on as they step into new opportunities. Whether it’s continuing education, employment, independent living, or community involvement, we remain dedicated to walking alongside them and their families every step of the way. It’s a true honor to be part of their journey. Below, read more about some of our graduating seniors!
This summer will be full of fun activities, including Things That Go!, our Summer Movie Night, our Kings Island day, and Safety Night. Find out more about these events and more below!
As always, if you need anything from us, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Service Coordinator, Early Childhood Primary Service Provider, Transition Coordinator, or call (513) 228-6400. In cases of emergencies, please call 1-800-800-6847. You can also check out our website at www.warrencountydd.org or our Facebook page. Thank you for your support of the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities!
| | | | Congrats to all WCBDD graduates! | | The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is excited to congratulate some of our 2025 graduates who will be moving on to higher education or employment. | | Jacob Carter is graduating from Project SEARCH at the Warren County Career Center. He looks forward to starting a full- or part-time job. | | Noah Edington is graduating from Springboro High School and will be attending the University of Cincinnati. He is looking forward to making new friends in college. | | Collin Hacker is finishing his time in the Transition Living Classroom. He is looking forward to attending new day programs, making new friends, and learning new skills. | | Ryan Johnson is graduating from Springboro High School. He is looking forward to starting Project SEARCH and continuing to work at Kings Island. | | Zachary Lillard is graduating from Franklin High School and is excited to start learning in a Transition Living Classroom. | | |
(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) is proud to welcome Attorney Brodi Conover, 36, as its newest board member.
Conover is taking Barry Riley’s position on the board after Riley was elected Warren County Sheriff. Although Riley will be deeply missed, he will remain an avid supporter of WCBDD.
As a partner at the Bricker Graydon law firm, Conover is looking forward to providing his legal and community expertise to the board. He was first connected with the mission of WCBDD in 2022 during a Leadership Warren County tour of the Warren C. Young Center, where he also began working with WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel.
He has been a member of the United Way Board for eight years, serving the prior three years as board president. He said WCBDD and United Way share a similar goal of helping people succeed in Warren County.
Conover also serves on the Ohio Humanities Council, having been appointed by Governor Mike DeWine, is a member of the Commission on the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center, appointed by Justice Patrick DeWine, and is on the board of the Warren County Imagination Library.
He served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio where he represented the state and the state’s elected officials in complex litigation. While at the Attorney General’s Office, he was a member of the Public Records Unit, where he helped to draft the annual Ohio Sunshine Laws Manual, advised state agencies on Ohio’s Public Records Act and Open Meetings Act, and trained Ohio’s elected officials, lawyers, and the public.
He holds a law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and a Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University.
He is a Warren County-native who graduated from Lebanon High School and attends Liberty Heights Church. He shares three children with his wife, Andrea, who is a teacher at Barry Elementary. Conover said he is eager to give back to the community where he was raised.
“I grew up here, my family’s from here. And this is just an important place to me,” Conover said. “I just want to try and make it as great a community as I can.”
Manuel said Conover will be a perfect fit to guide the board on best practices in ethics, funding, and public board operations.
“Brodi is an excellent addition to our board. His professional expertise, community involvement and lifelong experience of living in Warren County will provide our organization and our board with great perspective and knowledge,” Manuel said. “I look forward to working with Brodi for many years!”
| | WCBDD hosts Jeep Show fundraiser to raise money for free Kings Island event | | |
(Lebanon, OH) – Attendees of The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) first annual Jeep Show voted on their favorite jeeps, explored local vendors, and braved the rain, all while raising money for people served by WCBDD to attend Kings Island for free.
On May 3, 2025, WCBDD Maintenance Specialist Robert Abbott hosted the Jeep Show to raise funds for the annual WCBDD Kings Island Day. This event allows individuals with disabilities to attend Kings Island for free on August 10, 2025.
Despite the rain, the Jeep Lifestyle Group had 35 Jeeps to showcase in the parking lot for people to vote on their favorite Jeeps. Attendees strolled the lot with their umbrellas and raincoats while admiring the theme of each individual Jeep. Some favorites included Bengals, Beetlejuice, and a Jeep in honor of fallen servicemen.
| | |
Local businesses donated raffle baskets and gift cards and showed off their products and services inside the WCYC gym. Vendor booths included TD Custom Prints, Love Your Stripes Treasures, Slingin Dough, and Shells Treasure Chest LLC. Steak it Easy food truck provided food options to participants.
The Jeep Show raised about $2,000.
“The car show was a new approach to raise the money for the tickets for the individuals… I put the day at Kings Island together last year because I felt that some of the individuals' we serve, that don’t have a pass to Kings Island, would enjoy a fun day out,” Abbott said. “For me it is the smiles on the individuals faces and the excitement of emotions that they had the day of the event at Kings Island.”
Last year, over 40 individuals receiving WCBDD services visited Kings Island for free. Abbott also offered discounted tickets to family members, providers, the Jeep Lifestyle Group, and WCBDD staff members.
| |
Interested in donating to the event to the Kings Island event?
Donations can be made via Venmo to Human Resources & Community Relations Director Bill Caplinger at @BCaplinger16.
To sponsor an individual’s trip to Kings Island, please contact:
Robert Abbott at robert.abbott@warrencountydd.org
Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org
Claire Bishop at claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org
Bill Caplinger at william.caplinger@warrencountydd.org
| |  |
Interested in attending the event?
If you are an individual served by WCBDD and do not have a season pass to Kings Island, please complete this survey to request a free Kings Island ticket.
Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are responsible for providing their own transportation and supervision at the park. Tickets are only valid on Saturday, August 10, 2025.
Family members, providers or WCBDD staff members who want to attend can purchase tickets for $44 with parking included. For more information or to buy tickets, contact:
Children under the age of 3 do not need a park ticket for entry.
| | |
Safety Night to return this month
(Lebanon, OH) – The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) will host its third annual Safety Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29. The event is hosted for individuals aged 18 years and older who receive services from WCBDD to learn about topics regarding personal safety and well-being, including:
- Internet safety, including online gambling, in-app purchases, and stranger danger.
- Relationship safety and consent.
- Medication use and misuse.
- High-risk alcohol use.
- Dangers of smoking, vaping, and marijuana use.
- Interacting with law enforcement.
WCBDD will host Safety Night with the help of local organizations, including:
- Safe on Main, a local organization that provides comprehensive services to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors, including crisis shelter, court advocacy, therapy, and support groups.
- The Talbert House, a Cincinnati-based organization that provides a range of services aimed at improving mental health and preventing substance abuse.
- Warren County Health Department, which aims to protect the environment and health of all county residents, in part through health education initiatives.
- Warren County Safe Communities, an organization dedicated to reducing traffic-related injuries and death.
- Devvastated, which brings awareness to Fentanyl poisoning.
- The Springboro Police Department, which will feature an officer who will present best practices for interacting with law enforcement.
| |
Safety Night is facilitated by Community Employment Coordinator Cheri Cummings.
"As we encourage people to achieve what is important to them and to live their life as independently as possible, it is important to emphasize safety,” Cummings said. “Safety Night is a wonderful opportunity for our individuals to connect with community resources and to learn more about things they may encounter in life as an adult."
The event will include free dinner and giveaway prizes. After the presentations, participants can visit safety stations to explore each topic in more detail.
| |
Gwen McIntire celebrates her retirement from WCBDD
(Lebanon, OH) – Gwen McIntire has retired from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) after working as a community employment specialist and job coach for 28 years.
McIntire has become an iconic figure in the Community Connections division, inspiring both job coaches and individuals served by WCBDD to strive for excellence. She said individuals she worked with did not always appreciate her in the moment, but later in life they would often thank her for the independence they gained from her firm coaching.
In 2013, McIntire welcomed her daughter, Jill Rasnic, to the Community Connections division. Rasnic said she treasures the time she spent with her mom at WCBDD, stating that most people do not get to spend the same amount of time with their parents.
“I feel she is kind of a legend in this agency, and it was an honor to be trained by her in this field, and I truly feel like I was trained by the best,” Rasnic said. “I could not have asked for a better person to mold and shape me as a human being and in my career, and I hope to always make her proud.”
Rasnic laughed that working with her mom wasn’t free from challenges, stating “She is pretty sassy, you know!”
McIntire is affectionately known around the office for her tough love mentality. Jenna Sanders, a WCBDD job coach who worked with McIntire for 11 years, said “Gwen often frightened me with her demands of scheduling, yet over the years I grew to love her and truly cherish the knowledge she passed on to me, along with her friendship.”
| |
Job Coach Peggy Davy said after working with McIntire for 13 years, she’s like her second mother.
“When I first started as a coach it was just me and Gwen. We spent every single day together and I learned so much from her,” Davy said. “Most of the time with Gwen was wonderful. Everything I know is because of her. We became very, very close, quickly, because of the time we spent together. She is a great friend, teacher, and mentor.”
On April 24, 2025, WCBDD put together a party to celebrate McIntire’s contributions to WCBDD. Around the office, McIntire is known as “The Queen” which was the basis of the theme for her party. Upon walking in, tables were full of various snacks, cupcakes, and napkins which stated, “The Queen is Retiring.”
Co-workers, friends, and family gathered to share memories and laughs. McIntire was overwhelmed from the love and support in the room and was left with more gifts than she could carry.
Superintendent Megan Manuel gifted her a plaque to honor her time at WCBDD.
“Gwen McIntire has been an important fixture at WCBDD for almost three decades. She has coached many students, and she has been influential in their successes and accomplishments. She has been a leader among her peers, and we have all been fortunate to learn from her,” Manuel said. “She will be greatly missed at WCBDD.”
WCBDD also celebrated McIntire’s service at the annual WCBDD In-Service event on October 23, 2024. Manuel awarded McIntire with the Dave Farmer Award for her unwavering commitment to helping students with developmental disabilities thrive at their jobs. Manuel said she has likely earned WCBDD more future levy votes than anyone else through her advocacy efforts and has encouraged many businesses to hire people with developmental disabilities.
McIntire said she is very thankful for all the county has done for her over the years and is most upset about having to say goodbye. In her retirement, McIntire plans to focus on her health and spend time with family. McIntire left us with a parting thought: “Warren County does it best.”
| |
Pete Mason retires from WCBDD after 24 years
(Lebanon, OH) - Operations Director Pete Mason has retired from The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) after over 24 years of employment, leaving a lasting legacy as a quiet force for meaningful change at the agency.
Mason is a success story in Warren County, starting on the maintenance team and working his way up to become the Operations Director. Over the last two decades, Mason has helped the agency improve its building maintenance, IT, and beyond.
“Being able to help people, and to be able to support them in what they want to do- because it's so diverse, so many different opportunities to be creative, to be relevant- all of that is really gratifying at the end of the day,” Mason said. “And then to actually get a paycheck for all that?”
When he first started at WCBDD, Mason would describe the agency as “smaller and more crowded.” As both an observer of progress and an active force behind it, Mason has grown with the agency as it has served more people and secured more buildings. At the start of Mason’s maintenance career, the agency supported operations in around 12 buildings. Today, through programs like CHAP, that number has grown to over 90 properties.
Maintenance Supervisor Keith Gabbard Sr., who has known Mason for 50 years, credits Mason for the excellent condition of WCBDD office buildings due to his perfectionism and leadership skills.
Community Resources Director Carol Heil has worked closely with Mason through The Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP), a nonprofit agency that contracts with WCBDD to maintain local properties for individuals with disabilities served by WCBDD. There are 88 CHAP homes in Warren County, including single-family homes, apartment complexes, duplexes, and condominiums. Mason and his team performed maintenance on each CHAP home.
Heil said she appreciates Mason’s broad maintenance knowledge and how generously he shares it, laughing that after a conversation with Mason, “you have now learned something that you'll know forever that you never thought you needed to know.”
| | |
The rest of the maintenance team echoes Heil’s sentiment, each with stories of Mason’s vast knowledge and generous mentorship. Maintenance Specialist Mike Virelli has known Mason for over 25 years and laughed that Mason must “dumb down” what he’s teaching to a third-grade level.
Maintenance Specialist Brad Bower agrees, stating that Mason has been the expert at all things having to do with HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and more. Bower said Mason is “not afraid to teach anybody.” Beyond his professional expertise, Bower said Mason is also a great person to work with and is supportive of his team when someone is going through a hard time.
Maintenance Specialist Robert Abbott, who has known Mason for 24 years, compares working with Mason to working with a mechanical engineer. Abbott said Mason works well under pressure and is a great director, always praising his team for a job well done.
Virelli said Mason made it easy to come into work and considers him as a second father.
Anyone who has worked at WCBDD knows the unique bond shared by the maintenance team. At the annual agency in-service event, you’ll find them on the balcony laughing together, sharing inside jokes, and bringing their own refreshments.
Mason said one of his proudest accomplishments was hiring the entire maintenance team and supporting their continued growth and success. Gabbard said he will be deeply missed by the maintenance division.
Heil said Mason’s most impressive contribution to WCBDD was his preventative maintenance plan that emphasized the importance of replacing things before they fail. For example, Heil said he would keep a detailed account of each CHAP home's upkeep plan and would ensure each roof or furnace would be replaced well before it would break.
Beyond his technical expertise, Mason has also built strong personal connections with colleagues across WCBDD.
WCBDD Superintendent Megan Manuel said Mason was one of her first meaningful connections after moving to Warren County. That bond has endured for more than 20 years, with the two working closely together and sharing adjacent offices. Manuel described Mason as her trusted advisor and the first person she turns to for guidance or to bounce ideas off.
Manuel said Mason is a visionary who is talented at envisioning plans. She said he has remodeled and improved every building multiple times over the last 24 years. She said one of his most valuable projects was transforming the WCBDD IT system to make it more accessible, inclusive, and secure.
“I think his legacy will be felt in ways people won’t even know,” Manuel said. “There are things that are because of Pete that we take for granted, but it’s there because of his great ability to prioritize both the financial aspects of things and the people we serve.”
| | |
Mason is the third WCBDD employee to retire this year after dedicating over two decades to the agency, marking the agency’s third retirement party of 2025. Emotions filled the room during Mason’s retirement celebration on May 29, 2025 as friends and co-workers came together to share personal stories about Pete’s kindness, dedication, and unwavering support.
While many of Mason’s co-workers use the same words to describe his sense of humor, kindness, intelligence, and maintenance expertise, everyone has their own story that shows just how much he has touched their lives.
Heil explained how she called on Mason to capture a 3-foot snake that snuck into her office, then forced him to search the room for snake babies before he could get back to work.
Human Resources and Community Relations Director Bill Caplinger said Mason once received an emergency call from a family served by WCBDD to take care of a cat, since it was residing in a CHAP home and Mason had the keys.
One story that came up again and again was his willingness to help fellow employees fix things in their own homes, generously sharing his maintenance knowledge far and wide. These stories and more show Mason’s willingness to go above and beyond obligation.
Although many have joked that Mason is not ready for retirement, he said he is looking forward to spending time with family and friends. Through every building he remodeled, every system he improved, and every colleague he supported, Pete Mason has helped build not just an agency, but a community. He will be dearly missed by everyone at WCBDD, but his legacy of thoughtful leadership will continue to shape the agency for years to come.
| | | |
|
The annual accessible egg hunt at the Springboro Miracle Field took place on April 12, 2025. The warm day welcomed a great crowd to collect over 2,000 eggs.
This year, WCBDD introduced balloons on eggs to make the egg hunt more accessible for wheelchair users. We will continue to find new ways to make our events more accessible for everyone. Thank you to the ELI Effect for sharing your expertise on accessible egg hunts!
| | |
|
Luke5Adventures hosted Trek Around the Clock on April 25, 2025, to raise money for the organization. Despite the rain, Luke5 was able to complete 35 hikes with all 24 hours covered, had 60 volunteers, and raised $8,000!
Service Coordinator Susan Meyer personally hiked 20 miles. Thank you to the Voices Speaking Out for attending!
| | | |
| |
Ohio counties carried the Olympic torch across the state the week leading up to the Special Olympics Summer Games. On June 12, it was Warren County’s turn. This torch eventually made its way into the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics Summer Games in Columbus.
Participants arrived at the Franklin Division of Police station to begin the race. Sergeant Coleman introduced Special Olympics athlete Zach Bailey who helped light and carry the torch to start the race. Participants included walkers, runners, bikers, motorcyclists, and more. They made the long trek up to Austin Landing, where Bailey and other WCBDD members cheered them on.
| | |
WCBDD sponsored and hosted a Family Fun Zone booth for the second year in a row at the Country Music Festival. At the booth, kids and individuals served by WCBDD were able to make tambourines made of paper plates, rice, ribbons, and bells, which was a huge hit! Our second craft was painting individual letter canvases that spell out “Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities.” This will be displayed at the Banta Center.
The weekend was full of good food, music, and other fun activities. There were, however, some unwanted guests - the dreaded cicadas, but this did not take away from the fun that was had at the Country Music Festival. We are already looking forward to next year!
| |
| |
| |
For four years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montgomery has come together and made posters and goody bags for the Warren County Special Olympics athletes. When speaking with a mom who brought her children to help, she said “This is their favorite summer activity. My son thought it was so cool that kids can go to the Olympics, so we made sure to do it again this year.”
The kids had a great time choosing which athlete to support on their poster and getting creative. Across the WCYC gym, kids spread out and put their finishing touches on their artwork. It was a special day, not only for those putting it together, but also the athletes receiving the support.
| | |
Camp Lebanon is a week-long camp for different youth groups in the community. Each year, Camp Lebanon invites individuals served by WCBDD for lunch and other fun activities at the campground. This year, 70 WCBDD individuals were able to attend! The camp activities ranged from coloring, basketball, walks, fishing, and, of course, a big dance party after lunch.
This opportunity really touches our individuals and allows them to make new friends and memories that last a lifetime. Everywhere you look, you see the biggest smiles.
Two decades ago, LC Tudor wanted to bring his youth members together to interact with individuals with disabilities. He was very proud that several campers decided to enter the DD field as a result of this one day. Many campers have expressed over the years that this is their favorite day of camp. Tudor has since passed, but Camp Lebanon strives to keep his vision alive.
| |
| We had 5 teams representing Warren County at the Regional Bocce Tournament. We walked away with two gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals. Bocce is now an official sport of Warren County Special Olympics! | | After learning about a need in the community, WCBDD staff members and the Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group collected donations for the Lebanon Food Pantry. | | The Next Chapter Book Club is comprised of adults who gather at the Lebanon Public Library every Wednesday to read together. The group recently finished Winter, the fourth and final book in Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series! | | |
Animal & Me
Friday, July 18 at 3:30 p.m.
Warren County Fairgrounds
665 N. Broadway St.
Lebanon, Ohio
| This program gives 4-H participants a chance to pair with children or adults with special needs to teach them about 4-H and how to show an animal. | | |
Summer Movie Night
Saturday, July 26
5 to 8 p.m.
Warren C. Young Center
801 Drake Rd., Lebanon
| |
Join us for a free movie night at the WCYC auditorium! We will serve pizza, popcorn, and other snacks. Attendees will have the choice between the following 3 comedies: Grown Ups (PG-13), Ferris Bueller's Day Off (PG-13), or The Sandlot (PG).
This event is for people ages 14 and up.
| | |
Safety Night
Tuesday, July 29
6 to 8 p.m.
Warren C. Young Center
801 Drake Rd., Lebanon
| The 3rd annual Safety Night will be hosted in collaboration with Devastated, Talbert House, Safe on Main, Warren County Health Department, Warren County Safe Communities, and Springboro Police Department. Adults 18 years and older are welcome to join us for a fun evening learning strategies to keep yourself safe. You will learn about making safe choices at home, online, and as you navigate your community. | | |
WWE SummerSlam Watch Party
Saturday, August 2
6:30 p.m.
Warren C. Young Center
801 Drake Rd., Lebanon
| |
Join us for our WWE SummerSlam Watch Party!
Watch the WWE SummerSlam with friends!
Wear your favorite WWE gear or rep your favorite superstar, then join our costume contest!
Play games with us during ad breaks!
No RSVP required!
| | |
Kings Island DD Day
Sunday, August 10
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive
Mason, Ohio
| On August 10, we are excited to offer a free day at Kings Island for individuals enrolled in WCBDD services. Participants enrolled in services who RSVP by July 26 will be eligible for free admission to the park. | | |
Things That Go! and Assistive Technology Fair
Saturday, August 16
10 a.m. to noon
Warren C. Young Center
801 Drake Rd., Lebanon
| Things That Go! showcases vehicles from local businesses for attendees to honk, climb, and learn. Visitors can also discover assistive technology and explore our SMART technology studio at the Assistive Technology Fair. | | | |
Interested in more WCBDD events? | |
Check out our WCBDD event guide!
This guide includes everything you need to know about our annual events, including:
- The Polar Plunge
- Open House
- Egg Hunt
- Special Olympics Summer Games
- Things That Go!
- Family Fun Day
- Trunk-or-Treat
- And more!
Read the full guide here.
| | |
The Early Childhood Team at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) is dedicated to supporting families and their children under the age of six who are enrolled in our services. We provide a wide range of supports including:
✅ Early Intervention (EI) services
✅ Family socialization events
✅ Parent and caregiver education
✅ Community education and outreach
👶 About Our Early Childhood Programs
Our Early Childhood Programs fall under the Community Resources Division. The cornerstone of these programs is Early Intervention, which represents the largest portion of the services we offer.
In partnership with the Warren County Educational Service Center (WCESC), we ensure each child referred for EI services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) receives a comprehensive and impartial evaluation. Together, our team works closely with families to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) tailored to each child’s unique strengths and needs.
💡 What EI Services Include
WCBDD serves approximately 400 children and families each month through Early Intervention. Our EI team includes experts in:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Special Instruction provided by Developmental Specialists
We offer services through a Primary Service Provider (PSP) or Secondary Service Provider (SSP) model, depending on family needs. Most importantly, services are delivered within your family’s everyday routines and natural environments, helping you apply strategies in real-life moments.
Using a coaching approach, our providers work with families and caregivers to build their confidence and capacity to support their child’s growth every day.
We’ve had an exciting and productive few months here at WCBDD, and we’re thrilled to share some of the standout moments from our Early Childhood programs! Check out what we’ve been up to:
| | |
| |
Goal-Crushing News!
Joann began her journey with Warren County Early Intervention in February 2023, just shy of her first birthday. Since joining the program, she has made incredible progress in developing both her motor skills and communication. With the support of her parents, Primary Service Provider- Occupational Therapist and Secondary Service Provider -Physical Therapists, Joann learned to sit independently, crawl, and take her first steps using a Kaye walker. She also made impressive strides in learning sign language, using it to communicate her desires, like telling her parents what toys she wants to play with, and expressing her love for animals by naming pictures in books. Recently, Joann graduated from Early Intervention and started preschool at the age of three. Her family shared how she has been all smiles, enjoying time with her new friends and proudly walking herself to and from school with her walker!
Submitted by: Joann’s Primary Service Provider –Occupational Therapist, Stacie.
Way to go, Joann and family!
| | |
📰 NEW! Welcome to Early Intervention Newsletter
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Welcome to Early Intervention Newsletter!
Designed especially for newly enrolled families, this newsletter is a helpful resource full of information about our services and what to expect. Whether you’re just starting with us or want a better understanding of what we offer, it’s a great place to start.
| | |
📰 NEW! 3-5 Questionnaire
Help Us Grow and Improve!
We’re committed to continually improving the services we offer to all families. Currently, we are seeking more information regarding needs for families of children ages 3 to 5. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us.
Please take a moment to complete this short questionnaire and let us know what you were looking for — or are currently looking for — when your child was between the ages of 3 and 5.
| | Friday Friends at the Park is back! | |
Last summer, we launched a brand-new opportunity for families to connect—and we’re thrilled to announce that Friday Friends at the Park is returning this year!
Join your Early Childhood Team Members and other families for sunshine, playtime, and meaningful connection. This event is a great way for children and caregivers to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends!
Who’s Invited?
Families of children birth to age 6 who are enrolled in WCBDD services. Siblings are welcome too!
📅 Upcoming Friday Friends Dates & Locations
July 11th, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Harmon Park, Lebanon
August 1st, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Kacie Jane Park, Springboro
No registration required but letting us know you’re coming is helpful for planning. We can’t wait to spend these Friday mornings with you and your little ones. See you at the park!
| | |
We’re excited to offer a valuable 90-minute virtual workshop on Toileting Training, presented by Envision. This workshop will provide families with an in-depth look at all the key components needed for successful toileting.
What Will Be Covered?
This workshop will focus on six main areas that are essential for promoting toileting skills:
-
Conceptual Understanding: What does the child need to know?
-
Readiness: How to assess if your child is ready to start toileting training.
-
Consistency: Why routine and repetition are crucial.
-
Motivation: How to encourage your child’s participation.
-
Red Flag Concerns: Identifying issues that may require additional support.
-
Adaptations: Tailoring the process to fit your child’s individual needs.
📅 Date & Time:
Thursday, July 17th, 2025
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Via Live Microsoft Teams Video Presentation
This virtual workshop is open to parents/caregivers of children enrolled in WCBDD services and is brought to you through a contract with Envision. 🔔 Save the Date!
Be on the lookout for more details and the registration link in your emails and on our social media platform.
| | Early Childhood Open Play is Back for 2025! | |
We’re excited to welcome families back for Early Childhood Open Playtime—a fun and relaxed opportunity for your child to play, explore, and socialize in a supportive environment.
Who can attend?
Families of children birth to age 6 who are enrolled in WCBDD services are invited to join the fun. Siblings aged 6 and under are also welcome!
What to expect:
🌟 Open playtime on our outdoor playground (indoor classroom may be used depending on weather)
🌟 Led by WCBDD Developmental Specialists, Therapists, and our Advocacy Coordinator
🌟 A great chance to connect with other families and professionals in a casual setting
No registration required, but helpful for planning if you can let us know.
Summer Session:
Tuesdays, July 15 – August 19
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
| | | |
We’re thrilled to offer Playgroups for children ages birth to 3 and their parents/caregivers! These fun and engaging 60-minute sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for families to connect while participating in semi-structured activities.
What’s Included in the Playgroup?
✅ Outside play for physical development
✅ Storytime to inspire imagination
✅ Singing and crafts for creativity
✅ Social connection with other families
These sessions are led by WCBDD Developmental Specialists, Therapists, and our Advocacy Coordinator, who guide the group and provide support to both children and parents.
📅 Upcoming Playgroup Sessions for 2025
Summer Session:
Tuesdays, July 15 – August 19, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Fall Session:
Tuesdays, September 16 – November 4, 2025
⏰ Option 1: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
⏰ Option 2: 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Stay tuned for sign-up details! Keep an eye on your email and our social media channels for the next opportunity to register your child and join us for these playgroup sessions.
| | |
Resource Corner
Here are a few helpful websites and organizations we encourage you to explore! These resources offer valuable support, information, and opportunities for families with young children—especially those with unique developmental needs.
Early Intervention & Child Development
Ohio Early Intervention - Information about Ohio’s Early Intervention system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays.
Zero to Three - Trusted resources on early childhood development, focusing on the critical first three years of life.
State & Local Support Services
Ohio Department of Children and Youth - Access programs and services that support children and families throughout Ohio.
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce/Special Education - Information on special education programs and services across Ohio schools.
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities - Advocacy and support for families of children with disabilities from birth through adulthood.
OCALI - Resources and training to promote access and equity for individuals with disabilities.
Pause for Parents, Play for Kids - A nonprofit supporting family of children with special needs by providing rest, connection, and fun activities.
Literacy, Libraries, and Outdoor Fun
Ohio Imagination Library - Sign up for free monthly book deliveries for children from birth to age five.
Warren County Ohio, Libraries - Explore resources, programs, and events available at your local public library.
Warren County Ohio, Parks - Discover parks, trails, and family-friendly outdoor activities across the county.
| |
|
Questions or Need More Info?
We’re here to support you. If you have any questions or would like more information about Early Childhood Services at WCBDD, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to continuing to serve your family throughout 2025 and beyond!
Warmly,
The Early Childhood Team
Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities
For any questions or additional information regarding Early Childhood Services, please contact:
| | WCBDD hosted its annual MLB Bingo night on April 21, 2025. Everyone ended the night with a prize. | The Voices of Warren County Choir performed the National Anthem and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" for Miracle Field's Opening Day on April 26, 2025. | | Mini Skillz participants practiced following directions and put their gross motor skills to the test on April 5, 2025. | Adults served by WCBDD participated in an egg hunt at the annual Eggstravaganza event on April 14, 2025. | | | | |
