In a major effort to make child care more affordable for working families and strengthen Ohio’s workforce, Governor Mike DeWine has announced the official launch of the Child Care Cred Program, a $10 million initiative created through Ohio’s biennial budget for fiscal years 2026–2027.

The program addresses one of Ohio’s pressing challenges: the high cost of child care. By sharing the financial responsibility among families, employers and the state, the Child Care Cred Program aims to keep parents in the workforce without compromising on quality child care.

“The new Child Care Cred Program is designed to help Ohio’s families get access to childcare,” said Governor DeWine. “When parents have quality childcare, Ohio’s employers have productive employees who are not worried about their kids during work. It’s a win for working families and businesses.”

How the program works

The program splits monthly child care costs among:

• Employees (Families) – 40%
• Employers – 40%
• The State of Ohio – 20%

Ohio-based employers may opt into the program and work with their employees and child care providers to submit a joint application to the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY).

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify:

• Families must reside in Ohio.
• Employers must be Ohio-based.
• Household income must fall between 200% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) based on family size.

Income Guidelines by Family Size

Family Size	Monthly Income Must Be Above (200% FPL)	And Below (400% FPL)
2	$3,525.00	$7,050.00
3	$4,442.00	$8,884.00
4	$5,359.00	$10,717.00
5	$6,275.00	$12,550.00
6	$7,192.00	$12,550.00
7	$8,109.00	$16,217.00
8	$9,025.00	$18,050.00

How to apply

A joint application must be submitted by:

• The employee (family)
• The employer
• The child care provider

Completed applications must be sent to:
[email protected]

Once approved, the family remains eligible as long as all parties continue to meet the program’s requirements.

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2026, with funding available through June 30, 2026.

State leaders back the program

The initiative has received strong bipartisan support from state legislators.

“Child care isn’t just a family issue, it’s a workforce issue,” said DCY Director Kara Wente. “This program makes care more affordable for parents while giving employers a practical way to support their teams.”

Representative Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) emphasized that the program eases the burden of rising child care costs, while Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) called it “a significant step in solving Ohio’s childcare crisis.”

Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) added, “By creating a cost-sharing model… businesses can focus on their needs while maintaining a stable workforce.”

More support for Ohio families

The Child Care Cred Program is just one part of Governor DeWine’s broader efforts to improve child care access across Ohio. The state’s budget also expands eligibility for child care vouchers, increases early learning grants, and provides additional support for in-home providers.

Learn more

For full details, including how to apply and additional resources for employers and families, visit:
childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-partners/partner-resources/public-private-partnership

What do you do when cancer treatments rob you of your hair and your appearance is questioned by your child who’s too young to grasp what’s going on? If you’re Ashley Tehensky, you write a children’s book.

Tehensky wrote and oversaw the illustrations for “Mommy the Brave Lion,” a 24-page book for children up to age 12. She’s the brave lion who developed cancer shortly after giving birth five years ago.

“I was inspired by my journey with my son and his navigating why I looked different,” said Tehensky, who lives with her husband, Mike, and son Michael James III in Perrysburg. The hope is that this will be inspiring in a loving and gentle way to explain why someone may look and feel different in the face of illness. It’s relatable to everybody and anybody.”

Her journey began on Sept. 4, 2020, when Michael James—who they’ve nicknamed Trip—was born. A few days after they got home—the Tehenskys were living in a Chicago suburb at the time—Tehensky noticed that the lymph nodes in her neck and jaw became enlarged.

After three weeks the swelling worsened, prompting the new mother to go to an Urgent Care site. Tests showed it wasn’t COVID-19 or any other contagious disease, but based on her white blood count, she was told to go to an emergency room.

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“I thought it was a mild infection,” Tehensky recalled, so she took just a couple personal items thinking she’d be away from home for only a few hours. “It turned out I was in the hospital for a month and a half.”

The CT scan in the ER revealed enlarged lymph nodes. “The largest was the size of a grapefruit through my chest cavity and throat, back of my head, and neck,” she said. “I was admitted immediately and received intensive chemotherapy treatment.” The diagnosis: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

During her hospital stay she received a daily combination of pills and, intravenously, chemotherapy. She was released in early November, but returned to the hospital four to five days a week for more cancer treatment.

Adding to her concerns was how Tripp would respond to her, having not been home constantly and having lost her hair through chemo. “I told my pediatrician that I was nervous that he wouldn’t know who I was.” The pediatrician said while what she was going through was absolutely terrible, it was the best time for that to happen because Tripp was too young to understand what was happening, and the family and friends were there for support.

Her last chemo treatment was March, 2023. She returns every six months for checkups; so far all is well. “I feel really great. I work full-time. I’m involved with my child’s life. I’m involved with family. It’s wonderful. My doctors did a fantastic job. They saved my life.”

In February, the Tehenskys relocated to Perrysburg so that Mike, in the finance profession, can be close to his family in his native Ottawa Hills. Since April, Ashley has been the development director for the American Heart Association in Northwest Ohio.

Looking at photos from the past five years, some with Tehensky’s hair gone or in various states, some with her wearing a wig, which she said she did for special occasions like holidays, she said Tripp “wondered why mommy looks different.” In figuring out how to explain it, she came upon the idea of writing an illustrated book. “It just clicked,” she said of the notion. “I thought it would be so helpful as a resource” for others in similar situations.

In six months she wrote the text, edited it, worked with an illustrator, and is self-publishing it. It’s ready for pre-order online, and will be available on Nov. 11.

“The book illustrations demonstrate the various stages of illness, mainly hair loss. The illustrations mirror that message by showing Mommy as a lion who may lose her mane and appears tired, but is always surrounded by warmth, color and playful details that reflect love and connection,” Tehensky said.

“The contrast between her changing appearance and the bright, comforting scenes helps children see that strength isn’t about how you look—it’s about the heart and the bravery inside. Together, the words and artwork create a story that encourages understanding, empathy, and hope while gently normalizing the effects of illness.”

Tehensky explained the meaning of the title. “I’m a Leo, and I’ve always loved lions. I think they have a quiet stillness.” Lions are recognized for their mane, representing hair. That her hair fell out and now returned shows that she’s as strong and powerful as before.

“I’m really excited that this journey can help others in a positive way,” Tehensky said.

For details and to order, visit:  store.bookbaby.com/book/mommy-the-brave-lion

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Woodland Lane Cemetery

The Woodland Lane Cemetery returns with a family-friendly Halloween display, festive kids’ activities, seasonal treats and plenty of classic fall fun.

Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania

Thursday, Oct. 2

Fall Fur All Family Night

Enjoy giant pumpkin displays, seasonal treats, and family-friendly fall festivities during this special autumn evening event at the Zoo, included with admission. 

The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way

Friday, Oct. 3 – Friday, Oct. 31

Spooky House

Step into the Cooke-Kuhlman House every Friday in October for the family-friendly Spooky House, featuring uniquely decorated rooms with classic monsters, festive fun and no jump scares.

Sylvania Historical Village, 5717 N. Main St., Sylvania

Saturday, Oct. 4 – Sunday, Oct. 5

MacQueen Orchards Apple Butter Festival 2025

Enjoy a day of fall fun with apple and pumpkin picking, live entertainment, pony rides, carousels, barrel train rides and a petting zoo. 

MacQueen Orchards, 7605 Garden Rd., Holland

Tuesday, Oct. 7 

Stroller Safari

Take your little ones on a stroller-friendly Zoo adventure with an educator-led class for ages 0–3, exploring animal facts through a four-session series. Tuesday and Thursday sessions are available. Registration is required. 

The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way

Wednesday, Oct. 8

Fall Colors Hunt

Embark on a family-friendly adventure designed for young learners to discover and collect the season’s prettiest leaves. Register online. 

Secor Metropark, 10001 W. Central Ave., Berkey

Friday, Oct. 10

Pumpkin Magic Workshop & Waves

Celebrate fall with Cinderella through a magical pumpkin craft, autumn songs and storytime following a fun swim. Ticketed.

Goldfish Swim School, 4959 N. Holland Sylvania Rd, Sylvania

Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11

Haunted Trail At Maumee Bay State Park

Brave a half-mile haunted trail filled with witches, ghouls and zombies, then enjoy family-friendly fun with magic shows, games, trunk-or-treat, community activities and special spooky guests all weekend long. Ticketed.

Maumee Bay State Park, 1400 State Park Rd., Oregon

Saturday, Oct. 11

YesterWays: Eerie Edition

Try your hand at a forgotten craft during the free, hands-on YesterWays “Eerie Edition,” creating 3-D flowers from decorative horse hair inspired by historic collection pieces. Select dates through Oct. 26.

Monroe County Museum System, 126 S. Monroe St., Monroe, MI

Family Haunted Bike Ride

Pedal through the scenic fall trails of Secor Metropark on a 2.8-mile family-friendly bike ride with candy stops, kids’ activities, a hot dog lunch, costume contest and more. Registration is required. 

Secor Metropark, 10001 W. Central Ave., Berkey

Walbridge Park Pumpkin Fest

Pumpkin decorating, horse & buggy rides, hot dogs and more.

Walbridge Park, 2761 Broadway St.

Free Fall Family Festival

Join in the fun with free face painting, candy, games, dancing, pumpkin piñatas and a festive costume parade.

Maumee United Methodist Church, 405 Sackett St., Maumee

Toledo Ballet Guild Trunk Or Treat

The Toledo Ballet Guild’s annual Trunk or Treat invites all to dress up and enjoy a festive evening of candy, community, and Halloween fun.

Toledo Ballet, 4747 Heatherdowns Blvd.

Our Haunted Lock

Discover the story of Bucklin’s Lock and the mysterious death of lock tender William Bellinger in this spooky outdoor program at Lock 43 North. Registration is required.

Providence Preserve

13200 S. River Rd., Grand Rapids

Sunday, Oct. 12

48th Annual Grand Rapids Applebutter Festival

Enjoy a blend of historical reenactments, artisan crafts, live music, tasty food and the festival favorite, delicious apple butter.

Downtown Grand Rapids, Front St., Grand Rapids

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Lucas DD Trunk or Treat!

The Lucas County Board of DD invites families to a fun-filled Trunk or Treat event with costumes, candy and community Halloween festivities.

Thursday, Oct. 16 and Friday, Oct. 17

Little Boo

Little Boo at the Toledo Zoo offers a family-friendly Halloween experience with festive activities, treats and seasonal fun for young children.

The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way

Thursday, Oct. 16

Fall Colors Nature Walk

Join a guided 3-mile hike to explore the science of leaf color change and discover the season’s most vibrant fall foliage. Registration is required.

Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton

Friday, Oct. 17

Ghosts of Providence

Encounter spirits from the ghost town of Providence on this guided lantern tour. Ticketed.

Providence Metropark, 13200 S. River Rd.

Friday, Oct 17 – Tuesday, Oct. 21

Eerie Manor Tours

Explore over 30 hauntingly decorated spaces at this free, family-friendly event, with the first floor suitable for all ages and mild scares on the second floor and basement.

Wildwood Preserve, 5100 W. Central Ave.

Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19

Pumpkin Path

Trick-or-treat around the Zoo and enjoy other free fun activities.

The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way

39th Annual Sylvania Fall Festival

The 39th Annual Sylvania Fall Festival features crafts, food, live entertainment, family activities and seasonal fun for the whole community.

Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania

Saturday, Oct. 18

Luck Landscaping’s 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat

Join the pirate-themed Halloween fun with treasure hunts, candy, cider, donuts and Kona Ice treats. 

Luck Landscaping, 1907 N Reynolds Rd.

Pumpkin Palooza

Enjoy a spooky and festive day with Trick-or-Treat Lane, haunted trails, pumpkin giveaways, carriage rides, seasonal treats, games and family-friendly activities.

Ottawa Park Ampitheatre, 2205 Kenwood Blvd.

5th Annual Mayhem Halloween Bash

Celebrate the season at the 5th Annual Mayhem Halloween Bash with trunk-or-treating, Halloween mini golf, face painting, food trucks, music and more.

Northwood Community Center, 3700 Main St., Northwood

Saturday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 25

Legends & Lanterns of the Wolcott

Experience a 90-minute immersive candlelight tour at the Wolcott Heritage Center, where lantern-lit grounds, historic buildings and shadowy figures bring chilling tales to life. Ticketed.

Wolcott Heritage Center, 1035 River Rd., Maumee

Sunday, Oct. 19

Sunshine Communities: Spooky Boardwalk

Celebrate Halloween Sunshine-style with a family-friendly, accessible boardwalk stroll featuring barnyard animals, trick-or-treating and more.

Sunshine Communities, 7223 Maumee Western Rd., Maumee

2025 Fall Fest

Enjoy a free, fun-filled family afternoon with a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, inflatables, games and delicious food.

Grace Church Perrysburg, 601 E. Boundary St., Perrysburg

Fall Colors Hike

Experience the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of Northwest Ohio’s autumn woods on a guided hike through prairies and forests. Register online. 

Wildwood Preserve Metropar k, 5100 W. Central Ave.

Community Candy Crawl

Load up the car with your kids in costume and enjoy a community-wide drive-through trick-or-treat event.

Christ UMC, 5757 Starr Ave., Oregon

Tuesday, Oct. 21

Springfield Township Trunk or Treat

A frightfully fun trunk-or-treat evening filled with candy, costumes, decorated trunks and plenty of Halloween excitement for the whole family.

Springfield Township Hall Lot, 7617 Angola Rd., Holland

Thursday, Oct. 23

Critter Crawl at BluSky Restoration

Meet misunderstood creepy critters, enjoy games, crafts, candy, and even see Batman and the Batmobile at this free, family-friendly Halloween event hosted by BluSky Restoration and Nature’s Nursery.

Bluesky Restoration, 1300 Michigan Ave., Waterville

Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 26

Boo on the Boat

Climb aboard the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio for a weekend of safe, spooky trick-or-treating and Great Lakes history, with costumed kids collecting treats throughout the historic vessels.

National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St.

Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

A hauntingly beautiful dance production that brings Washington Irving’s classic ghost story to life. Ticketed.

The Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St.

Trick-or-Treat for Tots

Franklin Park Mall invites families with children ages 6 and under to a safe and festive Halloween parade featuring trick-or-treating, crafts and photo booth fun.

Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St.

Trick or Treat at the BSC

BSCLA invites little witches and wizards to a fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating, games and activities open to the public.

Bavarian Sports Club, 2102 Lagrange St.

Saturday, Oct. 25

ETFC Annual Trunk or Treat

Join the East Toledo Family Center for a community Trunk or Treat with decorated trunks, costumes, candy and family-friendly Halloween fun.

Waite High School, 301 Morrison Dr.

Annual Trunk or Treat

The Shops at Fallen Timbers invite families to a festive Trunk or Treat with decorated cars, candy, costumes and Halloween fun for all ages.

The Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee

Toledo Cookies & Canvas – Ghost Cat

Kids can enjoy a spooky-cute Halloween painting and a sweet treat at Wine & Canvas Studio’s Ghost Cat Cookies & Canvas event. Ticketed.

Wine & Canvas Toledo Studio, 5248 Monroe St.

Annual Halloween Hike

Annual Halloween Hike at Olander Park! Kiddos stroll the park in costume and collect candy from volunteers. Register online.

Olander Park, 6930 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania

Sunday, Oct. 26

Pumpkin Stomp & Chomp

The fall festivities continue for the Toledo Zoo’s animals as they discover pumpkins and other SPOOK-tacular enrichment in their exhibits!

The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way

Trunk or Treat

St. Petri Lutheran Church in Toledo invites families to a festive Trunk or Treat with decorated cars, candy and Halloween fun for all ages.

Saint Petri Lutheran Church, 3120 S. Byrne Rd.

Trunk or Treat

Trunk or treating, crafts, snacks, face painting, a giveaway, vendors and more

A Village Learning Center, 4346 Secor Rd.

Impact Toledo’s 4th Annual Trunk Or Treat

Free candy and scares at this community event hosted by Impact Toledo. Register online. 

Palmetto’s Gift Studios, 2615 W.  Bancroft St.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

Uptown Maumee Trick-Or-Treat

Uptown Maumee hosts a family-friendly Halloween event with trick-or-treating at local businesses, fire truck displays and a free movie at the Maumee Indoor Theater.

Maumee Uptown Historic District Conant St., Maumee