October 2026

Positive changes coming to Community Housing Assistance Program

After 31 years, Community Resources Director Carol Heil is retiring from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, sparking organizational changes within the Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP).

CHAP is a nonprofit agency that contracts with the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities to maintain local properties for individuals with disabilities served by the agency. There are currently 87 CHAP homes in Warren County, most of which were designed for people with disabilities who can live on their own with limited support.

Since CHAP’s inception, the nonprofit has been overseen by a board of directors and employees of the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Human Resources Director William Caplinger said the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities has anticipated CHAP becoming an independent organization for several years. When Heil announced her retirement three years ago, it presented the opportunity to complete the transition.

The largest noticeable changes for CHAP will be a change in leadership and new communication channels. This transition should have no major impacts to residents.

Changes to Leadership

CHAP has announced its new CEO, Susie Lowe. The Ohio native said her mission in the new role will be to provide housing, honor the strong foundation built by Heil and her team, and ensure CHAP remains a proud member of the Warren County community.

When Heil started working with CHAP in 2000, the nonprofit managed 10 houses. The organization now manages 87. Lowe’s experience in accounting, business development, property management, housing, and real estate will help her to lead the organization as it enters its next chapter as an independent nonprofit.

Outside of her career, Lowe is proud to be involved in the community as the president of the South Slavic Club of Dayton and the secretary of the nonprofit Dayton International Festival Inc., which coordinates the “A World A'Fair” Dayton International Festival.

Lowe is also a cellist and volunteers for several area ethnic and cultural clubs. She performs with the Miami Valley Symphony and the Yellow Springs Chamber Orchestra, while she teaches music with the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Youth Strings and folk dancing with the South Slavic Club of Dayton.



Other CHAP Employees

Besides Heil, three current Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities employees support CHAP operations. As the organizations separate, those employees will remain with the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities and transition to duties supporting the agency exclusively.



The jobs of the employees formerly supporting CHAP will be taken over by a new CHAP Housing & Finance Coordinator. The Housing & Finance Coordinator will support CHAP’s day-to-day operations by managing financial records, rental payments, property and tenant coordination, administrative tasks, and communications.

Operations Director Dave Siebert said the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities maintenance division will continue providing maintenance in CHAP homes as contractors. CHAP residents can continue emailing MaintenanceRequest@WarrenCountyDD.org with maintenance requests, until a new website is developed.

Changes to Communication

Currently, information about CHAP is distributed through Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities employees, with little information available online.

Lowe said she aims to create a CHAP website. This website will include information about the organization, success stories, maintenance request directions, CHAP contact information, and more. The ultimate goal of the website will be to provide information about CHAP and to keep available rooms within the homes filled. 

“We want to become more present in Warren County so that the greater community knows what it is that we do, who we serve, and how we accomplish our mission,” Lowe said.

Once the website is completed, it can be accessed at ChapOH.org.

Lowe said CHAP is working on branding, starting with a new logo. The organization has also created a LinkedIn profile to connect with other local professionals and will work on building a broader online presence.

CHAP’s transition to an independent organization will help clarify roles and responsibilities while ensuring both the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities and CHAP are well positioned to continue serving the community.

Goodbye Carol Heil

Community Resources Director Carol Heil is retiring from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities after 31 years, bringing an end to a career of supporting people with disabilities to live independently. That commitment began long before she joined the agency.

After earning a degree in psychology, Heil worked in a special education classroom and in the mental health field. Those experiences sparked Heil’s passion for working with people with disabilities and showed her the importance of affordable housing.

“I was around when they were closing the large institutions, which sounds like a great thing, but there wasn't housing for them, so they were closing them, and those people were going and living under bridges,” Heil said. “Having a roof over your head and a front door are probably the most valuable things we all have in our lives.”

She started at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities in 1995 as a case manager, now called a service coordinator, and began working with CHAP five years later. Over her almost three decades with CHAP, Heil said one of the most rewarding aspects of her work has been helping individuals transition into the home and watching them make the space their own.

“One of the wonderful things you get to see is the pride people take in their homes,” Heil said. “When you go visit, they want to show you their room. They want to show you everything that's going on.”

Many CHAP residents are transitioning from their parents’ homes to independent living for the first time. Heil said she has enjoyed earning the trust of the parents of the individuals CHAP serves. For many families, letting their loved ones live independently can be a significant step, but Heil said it has been rewarding to show families that CHAP can be trusted to provide support and take care of things around the home when needed.

Outside of CHAP, Heil said one of her biggest accomplishments in her career has been expanding access to Medicaid waivers from “the ground floor.” When she began working at the agency, the county had only a handful of waivers available. Heil was involved in expanding the number of waivers to help fund essential services for individuals served by the agency, including in-home support, employment assistance, and transportation.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Heil said she will look back on her career fondly for the friendships she has made with coworkers and the relationships she has built with the people she has helped secure housing. In retirement, Heil plans to move to Tennessee and continue finding ways to help people.

Over 100 WCBDD Individuals Receive Free Admission and Debut Performance at Annual Kings Island Day

On August 16th, over 100 individuals served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) enjoyed free admission to Kings Island, thanks to the generosity of donors and the local community. This third annual event featured a historic milestone: the Voices of Warren County Choir performed in front of the park’s iconic Eiffel Tower for the very first time.

The morning kicked off with excitement as attendees gathered for a group photo before heading off to ride their favorite attractions. Soon after, a supportive crowd packed the bandstand area as the choir took the stage. Led by Choir Director and Advocacy Coordinator, Ellen Hudson, the choir energized the park by performing crowd favorites including “Do Re Mi,” “Surfin’ USA,” “I Want It That Way,” “Let it Be,” and ending with “Celebration.”

“How exciting it is to perform here at Kings Island,” shared Hudson. “ It's something that I've tried many times to get them here, so this is a great opportunity for us.”

Maintenance Specialist Robert Abbott, who helped organize the event, echoed that joy: “It was very uplifting, actually. I was able to get the choir to perform for the first time in three years, so I'm looking forward to next year doing it all over again.”



While event coordination takes work, Abbott emphasized that the outcome makes every moment worth it. “Well, the effort was a lot - we worked painfully to get it all come together - but I've decided that the individuals at Warren County Board of DD need to be able to enjoy a day at Kings Island.” 

This unforgettable day was made possible through the dedicated fundraising efforts of Robert Abbott and the surrounding community. 



Thank You to Our Event Donors:

• Rivers Crossing Church
• Robert Abbott and the Jeep Show
• Homeland Security Systems
• Reliable RX
• Community Housing Assistance Program 
• Local community donors

Get Involved and Look Ahead:



• Book the Choir: To book the Voices of Warren County Choir for your next event, contact Ellen Hudson at ellen.hudson@warrencountydd.org. 
• 2027 Jeep Show Fundraiser: Mark your calendars! The annual Jeep Show is set to take place May 2, 2027, at 801 Drake Road in Lebanon. The theme will be “Jeep vs. Bronco.” For details, contact Robert Abbott at robert.abbott@warrencountydd.org
• Kings Island Day 2027: Dates for next year’s event have yet to be determined. Stay tuned for more information!

WCBDD Expands Annual Safety Night to Teach Adults and Children How to Navigate Tough Topics

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) recently hosted its 4th annual Safety Night for adults with developmental disabilities. The goal of Safety Night is to provide more information on the hard topics to open conversation. Aimed at breaking down taboos and fostering open conversations around these challenging topics, this year's event marked a major achievement: WCBDD hosted a second session dedicated to elementary-aged children.

Attendees of both age-appropriate sessions engaged with experts from local organizations, including Talbert House, Warren County Health Department, Devvastated, Safe on Main, and Warren County Safe Communities. 

Highlights from the presentations included:

• Alcohol and Peer Pressure (Talbert House): The speaker provided clear guidance on alcohol safety, highlighting the physical and mental effects of different types of alcohol and equipping school-aged children with practical skills to navigate peer pressure.

• Substance Awareness and Edibles (Warren County Health Department): This session tackled the risks of smoking, vaping, and cannabis use and how easily infused candies can look like ordinary chocolate bars and gummies. Always read labels carefully before ingesting anything.

• Medication Safety and Narcan (Devvastated): The presenter emphasized proper prescription handling - reminding participants to never share or accept non-prescribed medications in any form or from anyone, even your friends. One highlight of this portion of the presentation was the Deterra Bags. These are designed to safely dispose of and destroy your unwanted medications to prevent abuse and misuse. This includes pills, patches, liquids, creams, and films. Both the speaker and some attendees shared personal stories of losing loved ones to illicit pills. A visual representation revealed how difficult it truly is to determine a real pill versus a counterfeit pill, leading to a necessary demonstration on how to properly administer Narcan.

• Healthy Relationships, Artificial Intelligence, and Consent (Safe on Main): Roy Lutz brought high energy to a discussion on humanity’s need for connection and how to create healthy boundaries in both romantic and platonic relationships. This led into the topic of consent and how dangerous AI has become in today’s world, especially in online relationships.

• Road Safety (Warren County Safe Communities): Before participants had the chance to explore the informational booths and participate in the evening’s giveaways, participants learned about bicycle safety and defensive driving. They ended the evening by pledging to make this summer the “100 Safest Days of Summer”.

In addition to each presentation, Community Employment Coordinator and Safety Night facilitator Cheri Cummings hosted an informational booth helping attendees fill out Safety Cards. Part of the Blue Envelope Program, these cards provide first responders with vital emergency medical information about an individual’s disability to ensure safe and supportive interactions.

By combining these real-life stories with age-appropriate education, both sessions provided participants with the tools and resources needed to navigate these challenges and tackle difficult situations head on.

Warren County Athlete Brings Home Silver from Special Olympics USA Games

The Special Olympics USA Games brought together exceptional athletes from across the country for a week of competition and celebration. Among those shining in the national spotlight was Warren County native, Kelly Crabtree, proudly representing Team Ohio.

The excitement kicked off on June 20 with an energetic opening ceremony. Athletes from all 50 states paraded into the arena to overwhelming cheers from the crowd. The celebration featured a star-studded lineup, including performances by singer-songwriter Demi Lovato and award-winning jazz musician, Jon Batiste. Competitions began the following day and concluded on June 26 with the closing ceremony. 

Throughout the week, Crabtree competed in two swimming events: the 50-meter breaststroke and the 100-meter freestyle. After qualifying for the finals in both events during highly competitive preliminary heats, she secured a 4th-place finish in the 100-meter freestyle and a 2nd-place finish in the 50-meter breaststroke, earning a silver medal for Team Ohio.

“It was the first time for me to represent Ohio for the games, which meant that I had proven myself to be the best,” Crabtree said, reflecting on her achievement. “I knew when I went there that I had given it my best to earn that silver medal!”

Rhonda Schutte, the Community Integration Coordinator for the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, traveled to Minneapolis to cheer on Crabtree and Team Ohio Coach Molly Tilly, a Springboro swim coach who was also selected to represent the state. Schutte praised Crabtree’s performance and confidence against elite national competition.

 “She was in the top heat, so you swim with the best,” Schutte noted.

Beyond the competition, the games provided an opportunity for athletes to build lasting connections.

 “My favorite part about the games was meeting other people from different states.” Crabtree shared.

To compete at the national level, athletes must first earn a gold medal at the state level and receive nominations from their local coaches and coordinators. Special Olympics Ohio then makes their final selections based on state quotas. 

Looking ahead, the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games will be hosted closer to home in Cleveland, Ohio. 

To support local athletes, Special Olympics Ohio accepts donations year-round. Contributions can be made by visiting  Donate | Special Olympics. Those interested in learning more about Warren County Special Olympics opportunities can contact Rhonda Schutte at Rhonda.Schutte@warrencountydd.org.

Warren County Athletes Win 15 Medals at the 2026 Special Olympics Summer Games

During the last weekend of May 2026, 19 Special Olympics athletes from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities brought home 15 medals while competing in bocce, bowling, and track and field events at the 2026 Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Bocce is the newest sport offered by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities. In Warren County’s first attempt at competing at the state level, two athletes, David Werner and Matthew Hampel, received gold medals while competing in bocce doubles.

Warren County Community Integration Coordinator Rhonda Schutte emphasized that competing in the Summer Games is much more than one weekend of commitment. It requires months of weekly practices and competing in regional competitions.

• Cason Clay earned a gold medal in mini javelin and a silver medal in the 100-meter dash.
• Oliver Frisch, 15, of Morrow, earned a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash, placed 4th for the softball throw, and placed 7th as a member of the 4x100 relay team.
• Matthew Hampel, 32, of Mason, earned a gold medal while competing in bocce doubles with David Werner.
• Juliya Hopfensperger, 20, of Lebanon, earned a bronze medal in bowling.
• Carson Hutzel, 29, of Mason, placed 5th in the 100-meter dash, 6th in the softball throw, and placed 7th as a member of the 4x100 relay team.
• Jakob Jordan, 24, of Morrow, placed 5th in the 100-meter dash, 7th in shot put, and 7th as a member of the 4x100 relay team.
• Manjot Kaur, 16, of Mason, earned a silver medal competing in bocce doubles with Arlynn Rapin.
• Julie Konrad, 58, of Lebanon, earned a bronze medal in the softball throw and placed 4th in the 100-meter walk.
• Selina Mays, 21, of Lebanon, earned a gold medal in bowling.
• Maddox McCart, 18, of Lebanon, earned a silver medal in bocce doubles with his brother, Xander McCart.
• Xander McCart, 15, of Lebanon, earned a silver medal in bocce doubles with his brother, Maddox McCart.
• Mark Messner, 38, of Lebanon, earned a gold medal in shot put and a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash.
• Arlynn Rapin, 16, of Mason, earned a silver medal competing in bocce doubles with Manjot Kaur.
• Brendan Rose placed 4th for bocce doubles with Elias Ventura.
• Tim Schwartz, 63, of Lebanon, earned a gold medal in bowling.
• Elias Ventura, 28, of Loveland, placed 4th for bocce doubles with Brendan Rose.
• David Werner, 41, of Mason, earned a gold medal for bocce doubles with Matthew Hampel.

In total, 19 Warren County athletes brought home 6 gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 4 bronze medals. Thank you to all 2,500 athletes, 675 coaches, and 175 volunteers who made the 2026 Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games possible.

Fundraising for Warren County Special Olympics

Leading up to the Ohio Summer Games, law enforcement agencies and Special Olympics athletes carried the torch across the state for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. The “Flame of Hope” torch represents inclusion and unity as the community comes together to support individuals with disabilities. 

Organized by Sergeant Kennon Coleman of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the local run kicked off at the Franklin Police Department and wrapped up at the Austin Landing Kroger. Along the way, Special Olympics athlete Zach Bailey and his family provided water and cooling towels to the runners.

Coleman’s Law Enforcement Torch Run team raised around $1,000 to support the Warren County Special Olympics athletes. Thank you to everyone who supported and participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run!

About Warren County Special Olympics

Warren County Special Olympics offers children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities an athletic challenge at their skill level. All athletes in Warren County participate in the program free of charge.

Warren County Special Olympics offers a wide range of sports, including:

• Athletics/ Track and Field
• Basketball
• Bocce Ball
• Cheerleading
• Floor hockey
• Softball
• Swimming

Each year, Warren County Special Olympics athletes travel to Columbus to compete in the Special Olympics Summer Games and Winter Games, as well as numerous qualifying events.

The agency also offers recreational athletic activities, including bowling, tennis, soccer, and cornhole.

For more information about Special Olympics, please contact Community Integration Coordinator Rhonda Schutte at rhonda.schutte@warrencountydd.org or (513) 806-3809.

3Wheel Therapy helps people experience accessible biking

An army of 3Wheel Therapy volunteers helped individuals with disabilities to try out accessible tricycles at the Countryside YMCA in Lebanon on Monday, August 10, 2026. 

This year, board members Pat and Ruth Bendel founded 3Wheel Therapy’s third-ever chapter in Lebanon, Ohio. The cornerstone of 3Wheel Therapy is its adaptive tandem tricycles, which are three-wheeled, electric-assisted bikes that allow a passenger to recline comfortably on the front of the bicycle while a ‘pilot’ pedals, steers, and provides support.

“Though it was hot with a threat of thunderstorms, the participants all had an exceptional outing. The team supported 6 riders for 17 miles,” Pat said. “Very humbling to watch how attentive the team was to the riders.”

After participants or their guardians signed a waiver, each rider started by getting fitted with a helmet and strapped into the tricycle’s seat with a typical lap belt around the waist, in addition to a shoulder and chest restraint. Volunteers adjusted the seat as necessary depending on each individual's size or physical requirements.

The tricycle has two wheels on the front and one wheel on the back, allowing for a stable ride for both participants and pilots. Some riders made it clear that their arms were unrestricted by raising their arms in the air, emulating a roller coaster ride. 

During each ride, several cyclists rode alongside the adaptive tricycle to provide extra support and assistance. For riders who needed additional support, another cyclist would ride directly next to the individual.

Sam Osborne, 13, of Springboro, has tried riding a bike before, but lacks the balance to ride a traditional bicycle. This event created an opportunity for him to try a different type of adaptive tricycle. He said he was especially excited about wearing the helmet at the event.

Sam sat on the seat at the front while volunteer Kevin Turain piloted the tricycle. During the 20-minute trip, Turain said, Sam raised his arms in the air and pointed in the direction they should go. 

“It’s fun to be out with people and see their faces smiling and enjoying the ride,’ Turain said.

Turain tried the accessible tricycle seat during training. He said it was fun to be in the front of the tricycle with the wind on his face and nothing to block his view. He said he felt secure and comfortable in the seat throughout his ride.

Since the equipment arrived in June, volunteer Vicki Fortman said 3Wheel Therapy has worked with nursing home residents and local families to allow individuals with physical disabilities to safely experience cycling and enjoy outdoor recreation.

Since the equipment arrived in June, volunteer Vicki Fortman said 3Wheel Therapy has worked with nursing home residents and local families to allow individuals with physical disabilities to safely experience cycling and enjoy outdoor recreation.

Fundraising

3Wheel Therapy Board Member Pat Bendel said the local chapter of 3Wheel Therapy is actively collecting donations to fund the purchase of the tricycles, which are imported from the Netherlands and require specialized maintenance. 

Please consider donating:

• Via Venmo at @threewheel_therapy.
• Via PayPal at 3Wheel Therapy Inc.
• By mailing a check to 3Wheel Therapy, PO Box 587, in Carolina Beach, NC 28428.
• Via its Amazon Wishlist at 3Wheel Therapy, where the organization is requesting bicycle helmets, storage, and sanitation supplies.

Volunteering

3Wheel Therapy is seeking volunteers to "pilot" (pedal) the tricycle, provide support as a co-pilot alongside the pilot and our rider, and support 3Wheel Therapy on and off the trails. 

The organization is seeking volunteers who believe everyone deserves to ride, are passionate about providing inclusive experiences, and love the outdoors. Most rides are scheduled for weekday mornings and occasional Saturdays.

3Wheel Therapy volunteers must:

• be at least 21 years old and weigh no more than 225 pounds to serve as a pilot. Co-pilots must be at least 16 years old, with no weight restrictions.
• be able to safely ride a bicycle independently.
• wear a helmet for all rides and training.
• complete a 2-hour volunteer training.

For more information about 3Wheel Therapy, please email daytonoh@3wheeltherapy.org or visit www.3wheeltherapy.org.

Springboro actress builds confidence through years of practice and performance

What began as a childhood fascination with the stage at 10-years-old has grown into a lifelong passion for theatre for Rachel, 33 of Springboro.

From a young age, Rachel has loved the arts: dancing, singing, acting, crocheting, cooking, baking, and reading. But it was theater that gave her a place to bring many of those gifts together.

“My favorite part is memorizing lines, monologues, and performing,” Rachel said. “I get a little nervous sometimes, I call that butterflies in my stomach, and that’s normal for me.”

Sitting in the audience of a theatre production as a child, she remembers thinking how fun it would be to be on stage herself. With encouragement from her parents, she began attending school dance workshops and auditioning for local productions.

Rachel was cast in the first production she auditioned for in her sophomore year at Springboro High School. Rachel’s mom and cheerleader, Amy, still recalls the moment with emotion.

“We knew it was a big deal,” Amy said. “People audition for years before they get anything. When they accepted her, I was over the moon. One of the directors said he’d seen her dance in the in‑school workshops and said, ‘Let’s give her a chance.’”

Since then, Rachel has been involved in over 30 plays, concerts, and productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods, Oliver!, Fiddler on the Roof, Romeo and Juliet, Hairspray, and The Sound of Music. Each production varies, but she performs through acting, singing, dancing, or a combination of all three. Most recently, she performed in the ensemble of Footloose, a role that required extensive dancing.

Rachel’s dad, Tim, mom, Amy, and many extended family members attend each new production to cheer her on and celebrate the results of months of hard work. Her dad often brings Rachel flowers and congratulates her after the performance. 

However, what audiences see on stage is only part of Rachel’s story. At home, she is known for her discipline, preparation, and willingness to accept feedback.

Amy, who described her daughter as driven, creative, and positive, said she often finds Rachel reciting monologues at home for hours at a time. Amy, who has a background in dance, helps Rachel break down choreography and refine timing. Sometimes, Amy records her daughter dancing so they can review it together and make improvements.

“It’s mostly both,” Rachel said when asked if she’s always been good at taking criticism or had to learn over time. With years of conversations and practice, she’s grown more comfortable adjusting and trying again.

Although criticism of her performance can be frustrating, she is happiest when she takes constructive feedback, makes adjustments, and improves her performance.

Beyond the roles themselves, Rachel treasures the relationships she’s formed with fellow cast members and directors. Amy said “she’s friends with everybody,” and some of her closest friends today are people she met through theater.

“The community theater is a very accepting environment of who you are, your individuality, and what you bring to the table,” Amy said. Rachel and Amy emphasized the theatre is for everyone of any ability.

Today, Rachel is practicing for an upcoming audition and continuing to gain confidence, skills, and new friendships. Whether she gets the role or not, she will be seen at future productions in Warren County.

Upcoming Events

Event Photos

Goal-Crushing News!



We are celebrating the incredible achievements of the families and children we work with! At the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, we are all about supporting children and their families and helping them crush their goals—big or small. We’ve seen so many children and families reach important milestones this year, from mastering a new skill to achieving a personal goal. Whether it is improved communication, walking independently, or making new friends, every step forward is worth celebrating! We are excited to shout out Goal Crushing News for the families of Bennett and Jace.

Bennett:

Developmental Specialist, Kristine Bailar shared this about Bennett: "When Bennett started in Early Intervention six months ago, he could not get in or out of sitting on his own and did not like tummy time. Today, he is crawling and trying to pull to stand on his own! He also wants to walk with support every chance he gets. There is no slowing him down now!  His parents shared that he is a much happier child now that he can move on his own. Bennett giggles and laughs when he is crawling!  It’s such a joy to watch him progress."  

Jace:

Speech-Language Pathologist, Kelsey Adducchio shared the following from Jace’s mom: “We first found out about Help Me Grow through a referral from our pediatrician for speech delay. Jace essentially had zero words but could understand everything we said to him, something was lacking and we couldn’t quite figure how to help him with his speech. 

Once we started sessions with Liz and eventually adding in Kelsey, Jace slowly but surely started to blossom! We felt such overwhelming joy just being able to hear him say, "Mama" and “Dada” for the first time regularly. He went from using single words to now forming small phrases to be able to express his wants and needs. From where we started, it’s such an amazing thing to sit and have a conversation with my son. With their help and expertise, Jace is learning more and more every day! And let’s face it, Jace always enjoys getting to play and spend time with Liz and Kelsey, it’s an added bonus! We can’t thank everyone enough for their help in getting Jace to where he is today!”

Spotlight Article:

Building Big Feelings Together: The Power of Co-Regulation in Early Childhood



Heather Ingram-Ice, Developmental Specialist

Training and Coaching Coordinator

Evidence-Based Practice Coach

 “Children learn to calm themselves by first being calmed by someone else.”

Toddlers experience big emotions, but they don’t yet have the brain development to calm themselves independently. When your child becomes frustrated, excited, scared, or overwhelmed, they need a calm, caring adult to help guide them through those feelings.

This process is called co-regulation.

Co-regulation is how caregivers support children in managing their emotions by staying connected, calm, and responsive. Over time, these repeated experiences help children develop self-regulation—the ability to manage emotions and behaviors independently.

First we co-regulate… then children learn to self-regulate.

Why Co-Regulation Matters:

When children feel safe, understood, and supported, they are more likely to:

• Build trusting relationships
• Develop confidence in new situations
• Learn to identify and express emotions
• Recover from frustration more quickly
• Communicate their wants and needs instead of using challenging behaviors.

Remember: Behavior is communication! Young children often communicate through their behavior before they have the words to express how they’re feeling.

Everyday Strategies for Co-Regulation:

The good news is that co-regulation doesn’t require special toys or extra time. It happens during the everyday moments you already share together.

1. Connect Before You Correct

Before trying to solve the problem, help your child feel understood. Try saying:

• “You’re really frustrated.”
• “You wanted one more turn.”
• “That was disappointing.”

When children feel understood, they’re more likely to calm down and listen.

2. Let Your Child Borrow Your Calm

Children learn emotional regulation by watching the adults around them. During difficult moments:

• Slow your voice.
• Take a deep breath.
• Get down to your child’s eye level.
• Keep your facial expression calm.

Your calm nervous system helps regulate theirs.

3. Put Feelings Into Words

Help your child learn the language of emotions. Examples:

• “You’re excited!”
• “That surprised you.”
• “You look disappointed.”
• “You’re mad because the tower fell.”

Giving emotions a name helps children begin understanding and expressing what they feel.

4. Stay Close

Sometimes children don’t need lots of words—they simply need to know someone is with them. You might:

• Sit beside them
• Hold their hand
• Offer a hug (if welcomed)
• Simply stay nearby

Your presence sends a powerful message: “You’re safe. We’ll get through this together.”

5. Practice When Everyone Is Calm

The best time to teach calming skills is before big emotions happen. Practice together by:

• Taking “dragon breaths”
• Reading books about feelings
• Pretending stuffed animals have different emotions
• Playing turn-taking games
• Modeling deep breathing throughout the day

These playful moments help children build emotional skills they’ll use later.

Conclusion:

Children are not giving us a hard time—they’re having a hard time. Every calm response, comforting hug, deep breath, and feeling word helps build your child’s developing brain. These everyday interactions strengthen social-emotional development, communication, relationships, and lifelong emotional well-being. As caregivers, we don’t have to be perfect. We simply need to be present, responsive, and connected.

Family Resource:

Communicating with Your Child by Co-Regulating

The above Family, Infant and Preschool Program (FIPP) handout provides additional tips for recognizing your own signs of frustration, responding calmly, and supporting your child’s developing self-regulation skills through everyday interactions.

Toilet Training

We are 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

This virtual workshop is open to parents/caregivers of children enrolled in Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities services and is brought to you through a contract with Envision.

📅 Date & Time:

🗓 October 22nd, 2026

⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

💻 Via Live Microsoft Teams Video Presentation

Registration is required by: October 15th, 2026

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.

• What is EI?
• What Can I Expect?

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 (OCECD)

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.

• United Way 211

The United Way 211 Helpline is a gateway to a wide range of essential community services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our trained 211 team listens, asks questions, assesses callers’ needs and refers people to resources within United Way’s comprehensive database of local providers.

If you are an individual in need of help and can’t find what you need after searching UWGC211.org, please DIAL 211 or fill out the contact request form to have a resource navigator get in touch with you directly.

About United Ways of Butler, Warren and Clinton Counties (UWBWCC) 211 Collaborative:

The UWBWCC 211 Collaborative is a group of local United Ways working together to fund and support 211 services in Butler, Warren, and Clinton Counties.

Literacy, Libraries, and Outdoor Fun

• Ohio Imagination Library

Sign up for free monthly book deliveries for children from birth to age five.

• Warren County Public Libraries

Explore resources, programs, and events available at your local public library.

• Warren County Park District

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 provide services for your family!

Warmly,

 The Early Childhood Team

 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

For any questions or additional information regarding Early Childhood Services, please contact:

Kelly Brooks

Early Childhood Manager

Kelly.brooks@warrencountydd.org

513-518-1845

Mandy Marcum

Early Childhood Manager

Mandy.Marcum@warrencountydd.org

513-224-1343