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Now that the beginning of a new school year is underway, it's time to have some fun!
In this issue of the Child Care Links Newsletter, you will find out what grandparents and Play-Doh have in common, and you will meet the adorable new additions to the Child Care Links family.
The week of September 19th - 24th is National Car Seat Safety Week. Because getting safety information and car seat instructions to parents and caregivers is crucial to saving young lives, Child Care Links would like to take this opportunity to provide you with a comprehensive look at what car seat safety means, with links to additional resources.
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For Parents
For Child Care Providers
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Child Care Links would like to thank First 5 of Alameda County, CCIP (Child Care Initiative Project) the City of Dublin, and the City of Pleasanton. Their support and collaboration is instrumental in promoting Early Education, Quality Child Care and Professional Development for children, their families, and the Child Care
Professionals who serve them.
We are grateful to be building a stronger community together.
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| NATIONAL CAR SEAT SAFETY WEEK |
Every 33 Seconds...
One child under the age of 13 is involved in a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Car crashes are also the leading cause of death for children 1 to 13 years old. Many times, deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper use of car seats, boosters and seat belts.
There are many car seat/booster seat choices on the market, be sure and choose the type of seat that best meets your child's needs.
- Select a car/booster seat based on our child's age and size, and choose a seat that fits in your vehicle, and use it every time.
- Always refer to your specific car/booster seat manufacturer's instructions (check height and weight limits) and read the vehicle owner's manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or lower anchors and a tether, if available.
- To maximize safety, keep your child in the car/booster seat for as long as possible, as long as the child fits within the manufacturer's height and weight requirements.
- Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12 for maximum safety.
Children are our most precious cargo, find out the facts before it's too late. Here is a list of quick reference links for more information from the National Highway Traffic Administration:
Child Care Links has a certified, in-house car seat technician. To ask questions or schedule an appointment, please call 925.417.8733 or email [email protected].
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Please Meet Andrew
We are so thrilled for Julianne Shannon, the Inclusion Specialist in the Community Services Department who gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Baby Andrew was born on 21 September. Welcome to the world handsome!
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Welcome Back Nicole!
Five years ago, Nicole Thresher left Child Care Links after having her 2nd child. She rejoined the Child Care Links family last month as an Eligability Specialist, and we are thrilled to have her back.
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Thank You Lance
Last month we said goodbye to a hard worker and loyal employee. Lance Thomas, who worked in our Subsidy Department for 11 years as an Eligibility Specialist has moved on to become a Police Officer. We are grateful for his commitment to Child Care Links and the 11 years of service he gave. We wish him nothing but the best, as he starts this exciting new chapter.
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What Exactly Does the Subsidy Department Do?
Phan Fong is the CalWORKs Program Manager in the Subsidy Department at Child Care Links. She oversees and coordinates all Subsidy Programs in the Pleasanton, Oakland, and Fremont offices.
What is CalWORKs? The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Program (CalWORKs) is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible needy California families. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by county Welfare Departments. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help. Families that apply and qualify for ongoing assistance receive money each month to help pay for housing, food and other necessary expenses.
The amount of a family's monthly assistance payment depends on a number of factors, including the number of people who are eligible and the special needs of any of those family members. The income of the family is considered in calculating the amount of cash aid the family receives.
Who is eligible for the subsidized child care programs?
Families residing in the Child Care Links service area, meet the income eligibility requirements, and who have a need for services because they are enrolled in CalWORKs, working, in school, homeless, or under Child Protective Services Programs are eligible for the program. Children are eligible up until their 13th birthday, unless they have a verified special need stating they require child care for a portion of the day.
How do clients access the subsidized child care program?
If applying for Stage 1, 2, or 3, refer to the geographical coverage area listed below. For CalWORKs Stage 1 in the northern area of Alameda County, clients may contact the Child Care Links Oakland office at 510.568.0306. For Stage 1 in the Tri-Valley area and Stage 2 & 3 in the Tri City and Tri Valley areas, clients may contact the Child Care Links Pleasanton office at 925.417.8733.
What Geographical areas are covered by the Subsidy/CalWORKs Department?
California Alternative Payment Program
Dublin, Fremont, Livermore, Newark, Pleasanton, Sunol, Union City
CalWORKs Stage 1
Albany, Alameda, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Livermore, Oakland, Pleasanton, Sunol
CalWORKs Stage 2 & 3
Dublin, Fremont, Livermore, Newark, Pleasanton, Sunol, Union City
Subsidy Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
(Closed daily between 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm)
For more information on Subsidy and CalWORKs
click HERE.
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Do You LIKE Us?
Child Care Links is running a "Like Us" campaign during the month of September. You could be the winner of a $40 Lakeshore Gift Card for liking us on Facebook.
We think you will enjoy the interesting research articles, fun facts, interactive questions, contests, educational ideas, upcoming events, and community happenings. We welcome your comments and feedback.
To be entered in the "Like Us" contest, simply "Like" our Facebook Page, and your name will go in a drawing for a $40 Lakeshore Gift Card. Refer a friend to like our page and not only will they be entered to win, but you will receive an additional entry. For every post you share on your own timeline (don't forget to tag Child Care Links), you'll also receive another entry.
The drawing will be held on October 1st, and the winner will be announced on the Child Care Links Facebook Page, and will receive notification through a private message.
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Did you know Play-Doh Started Out As Wallpaper Cleaner?
Joe McVicker, the manufacturer of the educational resource, learned from a teacher that kids usually found modeling clay too hard to manipulate. Discovering that the squishy cleaning product he manufactured could make a good substitute, McVicker shipped some to the school. After teachers and kids raved, he offered to supply the product to all Cincinnati schools. More rave reviews followed. McVicker showcased the modeling clay at a national education convention in 1955, and word spread to Macy's and Marshall Field's. By 1956, the wallpaper cleaner had become Play-Doh. National Play-Doh Day is on 16 September.
Happy molding!
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National Grandparents
Day!
Grandparents Day
is a celebration of two of the most cherished titles in the world, Grandma and Grandpa. This year it's on Sunday, 11 September.
Here are 3 ideas to celebrate with the grandparents in your life this year.
- Send them a love note, love text or picture expressing why you appreciate them (the more details the better!)
- Invite them to have lunch with you and make it an indoor or outdoor picnic
- Come up with 3 questions to ask them about what life what like when they were your age
Like and post your story on our FB page to be entered in the Child Care Links Facebook Contest during the month of September (See article above).
Happy Grandparents Day!
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Quality Counts
Sessions #1-3
Quality Counts rates, supports, and
rewards Early Care and Education
Providers who improve their programs so that children are prepared for
kindergarten, and success in school
and life.
Session #1
Wednesday, 14 September
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Child Care Links Conference Room
6601 Owens Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94588
Session #2
Wednesday, 28 September
6:30pm -8:30pm
Child Care Links Conference Room
6601 Owens Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94588
Session #3
Wednesday, 12 October
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Child Care Links Conference Room
6601 Owens Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94588
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Health & Safety Training
Preventative Health
Child Care Links is offering a Preventative Health Training which includes an hour of Childhood Nutrition.
Preregistration and prepayment in the amount of $60 are required. Space is limited, register early. For complete details and information on registration click HERE.
Saturday, 10 September 2016
9:00am - 5:30pm
Child Care Links Conference Room
6601 Owens Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94588
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Zoo-phonics
Accelerate Learning While Having FUN!
Come prepared to move around during this lively and engaging workshop. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to incorporate Zoo-phonics into their Preschool Programs.
- Teach children to lock the sounds and shapes of the alphabet into their memories using body movement
- Begin the sound blending process needed for reading, spelling, and writing
Saturday, 8 October 2016
8:30am - 3:30pm
Child Care Links Conference Room
6601 Owens Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94588
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Supporting Young Bilinguals
Two-Part Series
In partnership with First 5 of Alameda County and UC Davis, Center for Human Services, Child Care Links will be hosting a two-part training series, Supporting Young Bilinguals.
With a particular focus on the early years, students will learn about the different ways young children become bilingual, the advantages of being bilingual, and the myths and truths related to this topic. You will also explore the process of building respectful partnerships between Family Child Care Providers and families who have different home languages.
Topics include:
- The process of bilingualism in young children
- Advantages of bilingualism
- Strategies to facilitate second language acquisition
- Incorporating families' cultures and foundations of knowledge into early childhood settings
Session #1
Tuesday, 18 October 2016
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Child Care Links Conference Room
6601 Owens Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94588
Session #2
Thursday, 20 October 2016
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Child Care Links Conference Room
6601 Owens Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94588
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| First 5 of Alameda County |
Father Engagement Certificate Training
Strengthen Families by Fostering Constructive Engagement of Fathers in the Care and Upbringing of Their Children
First 5 of Alameda County is offering a nine-month certificated training to males who wish to promote and support fathers and father figures to be meaningfully engaged with their children and families by becoming a member of the Alameda County Fathers Corps. Participants who attend at least seven of the ten Fathers Corps trainings will receive a Father Engagement Specialist certificate to advocate for family service providers to provide father friendly services, and assist fathers in strengthening their parenting skills. Click here for complete details.
Friday, 16 September
12:00pm - 3:30pm
First 5 Alameda County Conference Center
1115 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501
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Fathers'
Rights and Responsibilities:
Child Support and Custody 101
This training will educate practitioners, and dispel myths, about family court systems and fatherhood. The focus will be on issues of child support, custody and visitation. Providers will learn about current practices in Alameda County's child support agencies and Family Court Services.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Staff from diverse disciplines serving children 0-5 and their families, including: home visitors, public health nurses, fatherhood specialists, family advocates, community health workers, outreach workers, shelter workers, those working with children in foster care or at risk, mental health providers, Head Start and Early Head Start providers, and early care and education providers.
Participants will be able to:
- Explain how child support, visitation and custody cases are opened
- Describe how a parent or caregiver can contest a motion
- Explain the process of modifying a child support order
Friday, 23 September
First 5 Alameda County Conference Center
1115 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501
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When Gender Boxes Don't Fit
Engaging Children and Families Around Gender Diversity
Join First 5 of Alameda County as they look at how our responses to children and families can make it harder or easier for children of all gender identities and gender expressions to explore and be who they are. This workshop will provide information, exercises, and resources to help providers talk about gender diversity with young children and their families in an affirming way. Click here for complete details.
Friday, 30 September
First 5 Alameda County Conference Center
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Help Me Grow
Connection Café
Come join Help Me Grow to learn more about resources in your community and share information about your program with others. The Connection Café is a valuable networking opportunity for all agencies providing services to children 0-5, and their families in Alameda County. This event gives local service providers a chance to come together for networking, a light breakfast, and a featured guest speaker.
Contact the Help Me Grow Community Liaison, Noemi Toscano-Gutierrez at 510.277.6950 for more information.
Friday, 14 Otober
8:30am - 11:00am
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| Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay |
Family Home Child Care Providers Support Group
For Alameda County Family Home Child Care Providers
Funded by First 5 of Alameda County, Cindy Martinez-Roberts, MA, Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist from the Jewish Family & Community Services Eastbay is offering an interactive support group for Family Home Child Care Providers facilitated by Cindy Martinez-Roberts, MA.
This is a free opportunity to meet and connect with other Family Home Child Care Providers to share positive experiences and discuss opportunities for growth.
- Breaking through behavior challenges
- Facilitating difficult conversations with families
- Answering developmental questions
- Addressing challenges among staff
- Sharing the ups and downs of working in a high-energy environment
Dinner will be provided. For more information contact Cindy Martinez-Roberts at 510.703.1908 or [email protected].
Tuesday, 13 September
6:30pm - 8:00pm
San Leandro Public Library
Conference Room "C"
300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro, CA
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Inaugural Men and Child Care NorCal 2016 Conference
Men and Child Care
A collaboration between
Sacramento Valley Association for the Education of Young Children, Peninsula Association for the Education of Young Children, East Bay Association for the Education of Young Children, Redwood Empire Association for the Education of Young Children, National Human Development Foundation, and the Men in Child Care Committee of the California Association for the Education of Young Children.
In a safe and collaborative environment, you will:
- Learn and discuss the history of men working in the early care and education profession and the unique challenges they experience
- Explore and identify resources and support for men working in the field of Early Care and Education
- Co-develop an advocacy plan to promote more gender equity
This conference is for an
yone interested in promoting more gender diversity in the field of Early Care and Education.
Ticket includes:
- Registration for the event
- Light breakfast
- Box lunch
- Conference T-shirt
Saturday, 22 October
American River College
4700 College Oak Drive
Sacramento, CA 95841
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Circles for Change celebrates successes and plans for the next cycle
Circles for Change (COC) empowers participants in financial need (called Change Leaders) to drive the process for creating change in their own lives, while offering a supportive, self-reflective environment for all involved.
Volunteers, called Allies, help facilitate the Change Leaders success in reaching their goals.
Change Leaders and Allies attend a weekly "Getting Ahead" workgroup for 14-20 weeks. An interactive curriculum is used alongside speakers and activities that help Change Leaders identify behaviors preventing them from living a financially secure life. These educational workgroups help develop specific life skills to develop good habits and assist them on their journey out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency and financial freedom. Dinner, childcare, and tutoring are provided at no cost during the workgroups to foster a sense of community and connection among the participants.
After Change Leaders graduate from the curriculum portion of the program, they are matched with Allies to and begin the process of working towards the short and longer term goals they set for themselves.
Of the fifteen 'Change Leaders' who recently went through the first COC program, thirteen have already seen some great successes. Three, who were once homeless have found stable housing, and four have secured full time jobs (with benefits)! They are currently working with their 'Allies' weekly to achieve the goals they identified after graduating from the curriculum segment of the program in June.
A second group of Change Leaders is now being selected to start the program. COC is looking for volunteers, who can be an Ally, provide babysitting services, or help the school-age children with their homework during the workgroups.
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