A Note From Our Executive Director |
Dear 4Cs Community,
Recently we were asked to share the programs and services (new or expanded) that 4Cs of Alameda County has provided since the beginning of the pandemic that grew out of community need during this unique time. As I reflect on the past year and a half I realize how much our core work in child care referrals, resources, and supports for families and the child care community has grown while, at the same time, our family and community supports have expanded exponentially.
Child care, while critical to the well-being and economic foundation of children, families, and communities, is just one piece of the multi-layered early care and learning system of needs for all families. 4Cs has been attuned and responsive to these additional systems needs for decades and the pandemic provided an opportunity for us to strategically work with community partners, funders, donors, and staff to look deeply at the most critical needs of our community and further expand these essential programs services to serve the whole family. I am so proud that a family can reach out to 4Cs and, in addition to helping them navigate child care options, we can offer everything from food, diapers, and clothing to car seat installation checks and guidance with taxes and the Child Tax Credit. Every week day, our culturally and linguistically diverse and responsive staff are at the ready to serve our community in 19 different languages. We are acutely aware of the needs of families and caregivers navigating the foster care system, needing inclusion support, as well as those in high-need areas of Southern Alameda County including Ashland/Cherryland and South Hayward, and have Specialists especially trained who are experts in these specific areas willing to help however they can – child care related or not.
If you want to join 4Cs in supporting our wrap-around services for all families, providers, and community members, we always welcome donations to help families thrive. If you or are loved one are in need, please take a look at our website to see all of the programs and services we offer and reach out. We are here to serve you with your child care and many, many other support services.
Be well,
Renee S. Herzfeld
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Distance Learning Reimbursement Update
for Child Care Providers
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The following communication was recently sent to child care providers caring for children on 4Cs Child Care Alternative Payment Programs:
Management Bulletin (MB) 20-15a that allowed agencies to reimburse providers for providing distance learning, expired on June 30, 2021. This is now superseded by Child Care Bulletin 21-14 which states that state and federal law prohibits reimbursing providers during the hours of a child’s “scheduled instructional minutes”. Effective November 15, 2021, when the child’s school is closed and in-person instruction is not available, 4Cs may reimburse providers for days/hours that child is participating in distance learning while in a child care setting. In the event that the school offers the choice between in-person instruction and remote schooling (distance learning), 4Cs will not reimburse providers for any days/hours of care that take place when in-person instruction is available, but the parent opts to enroll their school-age child in remote learning.
To ensure timely reimbursement, please fill out the “Distance Learning for School-Age Child” section at the back of the attendance sheet when a school-age child attends full time child care with the provider during periods when school is in session. If the classroom or school closes due to Covid please attach a notification from the school to the attendance sheet.
For questions or concerns, please reach out to our Provider Payment Team:
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Vincent Piscar
Manager, Payment
Programs
(510) 470-7860
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Sally Chou
Manager, Payment Programs (South County)
(510) 736-2736
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Mira Djuric
Manager, Payment Programs (Oakland)
(510) 736-2805
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Be a VITA Volunteer and Join One of the
Longest-Running Free Tax Preparation Sites in Alameda County!
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We are currently looking for volunteers for the 2021-2022 Tax Season. No experience necessary! FREE training provided! We need Tax Preparers, Greeters, Intake Specialists, and Translators (Spanish, Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi).
Volunteering as a tax preparer is one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences out there. You’ll work one-on-one with clients to complete their tax returns, bringing back critical funds to our Bay Area communities and neighborhoods. Our primary focus is providing friendly, free, and high-quality tax services to clients who need them most.
Thursday, October 21 | 6pm-7pm (Virtual)
Tuesday, October 19 | 6pm-7pm (Virtual)
Volunteers must attend training sessions and volunteer a minimum of 4‐5 hours per week during the tax season (January through mid‐April 2022).
Also, our tax preparation service will be 100% virtual and we’ve partnered with Code for America to offer online filing via the Get Your Refund secure platform.
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Let's Welcome Curbie, the New Bookmobile, to Hayward!
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The Hayward Library has a new bookmobile named Curbie to bring the library to all the neighborhoods. Big thanks to the Donna & Edward Martins Foundation, who made Curbie possible!
Come see Curbie up close! All are welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting celebration at the Heritage Plaza Downtown Hayward on October 30 at
11am-1pm. The whole community will have the chance to learn more about our community partners and participate in free fun, including Trunk or Treat, games, and giveaways. Curbie backpacks will be distributed to families loaded with craft activities and books. Families are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes. Masks are required for the event.
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Local Planning Council
Now Accepting Member Appointment Applications
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Are you passionate about supporting and advocating for Alameda County families and child care professionals? The Alameda County Early Care & Education Planning Council is seeking individuals who are interested in applying for appointment to the Planning Council Steering Committee. Everyone who either lives and/or works in Alameda County, California with an interest in improving early care and education is welcome and encouraged to become a General Member. The Alameda County Early Care & Education Planning Council advises and makes recommendations to policymakers to ensure that all children and families have access to quality child care that educates children and enriches their lives. It is a legislatively mandated body that advises the County Board of Supervisors and County Superintendent of Schools on child care program and policy issues, conducts research and analysis, makes recommendations on California Department of Education and California Department of Social Services funding, and coordinates county-wide projects to assist in the development and access to child care for children from birth through age 12 years old. The Planning Council has a diverse and inclusive General Membership.
We encourage and invite you, or a colleague who meets the above criteria, to consider applying to serve on this critical early childhood platform. The Google Application Form is found here and applications are due October 31. For more information, please contact Neva Bandelow, nbandelow@acoe.org.
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Have kids? Put some money in your pocket to cover their needs! The Child Tax Credit is a new law that provides $300/month for each child under 6 and $250/month for each child aged 6-17. That’s between $3,000 and $3,600 per child. Families of all kinds qualify regardless of immigration status. If you are the grandparent or caregiver for a child who lives with you for more than half the year, you can receive the Child Tax Credit. This is YOUR money for your kids—you won’t owe it back.
• Do I need to be earning money? No! You don’t need to have an income to be eligible.
• Do I need a Social Security Number? No! As long as your child has a Social Security Number and you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can get the child checks. If you don’t have an ITIN, you may be able to get one. Call 211 to find IRS-certified free tax filing assistance.
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Featured Events & Trainings |
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Family Wellness and Lifestyle Management Series (Virtual)
Tuesday, October 26 - Tuesday, November 16 | 7pm-8:30pm
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You are invited to a FREE online parenting empowerment and education series via Zoom to create healthy habits and smart choices for your family. This is a 6-part series in which you will get tips, tools and activities to help strengthen your family’s health and well-being. Join us and embark on your wellness journey! Spanish translation provided and gift card drawings at every session!
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Serie de bienstar familiar y manejo del estilo de vida (Virtual)
Martes, 26 de octubre - Martes, 16 de noviembre | 7pm-8:30pm
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Está invitado a una serie GRATUITA en línea sobre el empoderamiento y educación vía Zoom para padres para crear hábitos saludables y elecciones inteligentes para su familia. Esta es una serie de 6 partes en la que obtendrá consejos, herramientas y actividades para ayudar a fortalecer la salud y el bienestar de su familia. ¡Únase a nosotros y emprenda su viaje de bienestar! ¡Traducción en español proporcionada y sorteo de tarjetas de regalo en cada sesión!
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Learning Session (Virtual)
Friday, October 22 | 6pm-8pm
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Join us for the second Learning Session that will cover the topic, Pre-Literacy and Challenging Behaviors. This training is for caregivers* (Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Family Friend or Neighbor). Incentives are available to participants as well as stipends depending on eligibility. Visit the event page to learn more and to fill out the registration form.
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Playgroups (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 27 - Friday, November 19 | 11am-11:30am
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Don't miss a morning of fun, activity, storytime, and movement on Wednesdays & Fridays for children ages 3-5 years and their caregivers* (Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Family Friend or Neighbor). Participants will receive materials, incentives and might be eligible to receive a stipend. Sign up for one or all of the sessions in this 4-week series.
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Bedtime, Bathtime, & Books:
Building Supportive Routines (Virtual)
Friday, November 5
Friday, November 12
6:30pm-7:45pm
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We are thrilled to partner with the Hayward Public Library and First 5 of Alameda County for the Help Me Grow parenting workshops and storytimes, which will focus on bedtime routines, potty training, and reading with your child. The first 100 registered participants will receive FREE themed book bundles with craft supplies!
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La hora de dormir, de bañarse, y libros: Creando rutinas de apoyo (Virtual)
Viernes, 5 de noviembre
Viernes, 12 de noviembre
6:30pm-7:45pm
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Nos alegra asociarnos con la Biblioteca Pública de Hayward y First 5 del Condado de Alameda para talleres de crianza y tiempos de cuentos de Ayúdame a Crecer, que se centrarán en rutinas a la hora de dormir, entrenamiento para ir al baño y lectura con su hijo/a. ¡Los primeros 100 participantes inscritos recibirán paquetes de libros temáticos GRATIS con materiales para manualidades!
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Upcoming
Events & Trainings
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Tuesday, November 09 &
Tuesday, November 16 | 7pm-8:30pm
Child care providers will learn function-based strategies to support children in learning to communicate their needs in more positive ways.
*Registration for Session 1
automatically registers you for Session 2
Miércoles, 10 de noviembre | 7pm-8:30pm
Los participantes revisarán el impacto de los impulsos protectores, explorarán las tres cualidades del cuidador que los padres identifican como las más importantes y se familiarizarán con el proceso Reconocer-Preguntar-Adaptarse.
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Child Care Services Specialist,
Provider Services
Full-time
Hayward Office
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Child Care Services Specialist,
Family Services
Full-time
Hayward Office
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Child Tax Credit Coordinator
Temporary
Hayward Office
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Give to Support 4Cs of Alameda County |
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Thank you for helping us uplift families, providers, and our community! |
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