July, 2017 - In This Issue:
From the Desk of Our Executive Director
July marks the beginning of our fiscal year which means a time for crunching numbers. Staff and managers are busy running reports, scouring data, and compiling information for our funders and for use in our Annual Report and audits. As we're busy wrapping up the 2016-2017 fiscal year, Governor Brown signed California's budget, and, for the first time in many years, there was great news for California's families and children in child care. The  Full Budget Summary is available online. Here are some highlights:
  • The State Median Income was adjusted so that more families qualify for child care payment assistance and subsidized child care and families can receive services for a longer time without disqualifying because of income.
  • The Standard Reimbursement Rate for child care providers caring for children in subsidized child care and payment assistance programs will increase.  
  • The definition of Homeless Children and Youth has been updated so that more children in families with unstable housing can qualify for services.
As I reflect on the hard work of many advocating to make this budget a win for children and families, I especially want to thank, and encourage you to join or support,  Parent Voices , Alameda Early Care and Education Planning Council , California Alternative Payment Program Association , and the California Resource and Referral Network . These organizations, in partnership with 4Cs' advocacy efforts and with the assistance of many other agencies, help ensure that we can continue to make sure that every child in Alameda County receives the early care and education they deserve.    

In Partnership,

Renee S. Herzfeld
Stencil Rental to Encourage Physical Activity
Special Opportunity for Child Care Providers

4Cs of Alameda County is now offering fun tools to promote physical activity! Physical activity and movement are vital for a child's development and lay the foundation for a healthy and active life.
 
Child care and preschool site directors can check out 4Cs lending library of Playground Stencils! The stencils consist of Animals, Letters, Shapes, Numbers, Hopscotch, Words, Curved Path, Fruits, Vegetables and more. All you need is paint, paint brushes, chalk, space, gloves, cleaning supplies and an enthusiastic team of painters!
                                            
Read about all of the details on the Stencil Request Form, and contact Vicki at (510) 690-2151 or vickil@4c-alameda.org with any questions.
  
The children will love their colorful new play area!

4Cs Programs and Services
Who We Are and What We Do
Since 1972, 4Cs of Alameda County has been a family resource agency providing programs and services to support Alameda County families, children, and child care providers. Our core programs provide a foundation for families to thrive:

Child Care Payment Assistance
4Cs of Alameda County provides Child Care Payment Assistance services to CalWORKS Stage 1 families in Southern Alameda County and CalWORKS Stage 2 & 3 families in Oakland. Payment assistance is also available for children in foster care, referred by CPS, and in other specific child care need cases. Child care providers caring for families receiving child care payment assistance are chosen by the participants and may be family child care home providers, child care centers, or a family, friend, or neighbor. 
 
Child Health and Nutrition
The Child Health and Nutrition department at 4Cs serves child care sites throughout Alameda County. Family Child Care Home providers participate in the CACFP program through 4Cs and are provided reimbursements for healthy meals served to children in their care. The Child Health and Nutrition department also offers CPR, first aid, and health and safety classes for child care providers along with other child-focused health, nutrition, and exercise-focused activities and programming. 

Child Care Resources and Referrals
Are you or a loved one looking for child care? 4Cs of Alameda County is the state designated Child Care Resource and Referral agency serving Southern Alameda County (Castro Valley, Fremont, Hayward, Newark, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, and Union City). We are the only agency or business that has access to the list of all licensed child care centers and family child care homes in the Southern Alameda County area and our Referral Specialists are available to help you in-person or via phone at (510) 582-2182 ext. 3198 to help you figure out your child care options. Our child care referral services are free! From infant care to preschool and before and after school care, 4Cs is here to help! Resource and Referral department staff also support quality programming in child care, trainings and workshops for child care providers, child care start-up and improvement programs, and more. 



Support 4Cs Year-Round
Give to 4Cs While Shopping Everyday

Ways to Give
As a friend of 4Cs, there are many ways to partner with us on behalf of children and families in Alameda County. The following programs result in donations to 4Cs just by utilizing the following programs:

Donate Your Car
Visit our Car Donation Site and donate your car (working or not) today!

Give While Shopping on Amazon
Make purchases through  AmazonSmile and a portion of your purchase goes to support 4Cs.



Join the eScrip Program
Sign up and every time you use your regular reward card at Luckys, SaveMart, FoodMaxx and other participating grocery stores, a donation will be sent to 4Cs. Register HERE. Select purchases on dining and online also count!


Give Directly
As always, you can give directly to 4Cs online as well, click here to donate today.
Register Now for Upcoming Trainings at 4Cs
Training Opportunities Available
Preventive Health - FULL
7/29/17, 9am-5pm

8/26/17, 9am-5pm 

7/22/17, 9am-5pm