Be Ready by 5 common app. At the 2025 Readiness Summit, Debbie Feldman, President and CEO of Dayton Children's Hospital, introduced a new community initiative, Be Ready by 5. This initiative of 20+ partner organizations is focused on helping families connect with programs and services, a one-stop shop and eligibility screener for state and local early childhood programs. Over the past year Preschool Promise Inc. developed the first phase of what Preschool Promise Inc. call the "Common Application" or QuickApply for local early childhood programs. When one completes the eligibility screener, it gives the option to Quick Apply - for resources such as home visiting programs run by Help Me Grow Brighter Futures, for Head Start, Preschool Promise, getting a Library Card, and signing up for Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The long-term goal is to integrate state-run programs such as Publicly Funded Child Care and SNAP. Have young children or know someone who may benefit? Visit bereadyby5.org

Dayton Children's expands access to pediatric rehabilitative services with new building. Dayton Children's Hospital today announced plans for a new rehabilitative services building that will expand access to physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy for children and families across the region. It's an area that has seen tremendous growth, with patient visits more than doubling in the last five years. "We are seeing more children than ever before, and we are seeing them more regularly," says Terry Weigel, director of rehab services at Dayton Children's. "At the same time, new tools and techniques require more space to use and store. This new building will allow us to continue to provide the above and beyond Dayton Children's experience for our families and kids." The new location will feature convenient surface parking, outdoor space to aid in healing, and a single-level layout, making it easier for families to arrive, check in and get to appointments. The building will also include better-designed therapy spaces to accommodate children living with autism. These features are especially important as many families have regular appointments with children who frequently have mobility or sensory challenges The future facility will be developed at 437 Valley Street, which is currently a parking lot next to the Ronald McDonald House. "This investment reflects our commitment to helping children achieve their optimal health, including independence and quality of life," said Deborah Feldman, president and CEO of Dayton Children's Hospital. "Rehabilitative services change lives, and this building will allow us to meet growing needs for years to come." fast fact about rehabilitative services * Physical therapy: Focuses on improving gross motor skills, strength, balance and coordination associated with movement disorders, developmental delays and injuries * Occupational therapy: Focuses on improving fine motor skills, sensory processing and emotional regulation to help children function independently in daily life, such as playing, learning, and self-care. * Speech therapy: Focuses on challenges with speech, language, social communication, feeding and swallowing to improve communication skills. If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children's please contact public relations manager, Katie Solovey, at 937-673-4941 or by filling out a media inquiry through its contact Childrensdayton form.

Dayton Children's names new chief financial officer. Dayton Children's names Greg Dillard, MBA, as vice president and the new chief financial officer (CFO) on March 1, 2026. He succeeds Chris Bergman, who retired at the end of February after ten years of service. Dillard brings more than 30 years of progressive financial leadership experience to the role. He served the past nine years at Dayton Children's, most recently as executive director of finance, revenue cycle and managed care. "I'm grateful to be joining the senior leadership team in the relentless pursuit of optimal health for every child within our reach," says Dillard. "I look forward to serving as a key partner in addressing problems and finding creative solutions, mindful of financial stressors and seizing opportunities, so the organization continues for generations to come." "Greg has been a true partner in leading the modernization of nearly every one of our financial divisions, from optimizing revenue cycle operations to advancing payer strategies that support the hospital's long-term sustainability and growth," says Debbie Feldman, president and CEO for Dayton Children's. "He has the exact skills and knowledge to help us invest in reinventing the path to children's health in the future." Throughout his career, Dillard has built a strong reputation for financial stewardship, operational excellence and strategic leadership at health care organizations across southwest Ohio, including The Christ Hospital Health Network. That's where he worked with Chris Bergman, the retiring CFO, who recruited Dillard to Dayton Children's. This long-term working relationship ensures seamless continuity in the transition. "Greg has a deep understanding of Dayton Children's financial strategy and priorities as well as a gift for inspiring his teams," says Chris Bergman. "He once promised his team if they hit a certain goal, they could throw pies at him. And when they hit that goal, he not only kept that promise but invited senior leaders over to participate. It was a true culture building moment." As CFO, Dillard will oversee Dayton Children's financial operations, including financial planning, revenue cycle, managed care, long-term strategic investments, information technology and procurement. If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children's please contact public relations manager, Katie Solovey, at 937-673-4941 or by filling out a media inquiry through its contact Childrensdayton form.