A Note From Our Executive Director |
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Dear friend of 4Cs,
In the more than three decades that I've been working at 4Cs of Alameda County, I can say without too much exaggeration that I've seen a lot with regard to the ebbs and flows of the child care system across the country, in California, and here in Alameda County. The supports for families and child care providers have waxed and waned with different leadership and budget priorities. As the pandemic subsides a bit and folks get back to work while the economy and schools open back up, all eyes are on how best to support parents so they, too, can (re)join the workforce and head back to work. Of course, support for parents means supporting and uplifting the child care sector and especially child care providers who at the crux of this essential role in our community.
The May Revise released just last week by Governor Gavin Newsom, lays out California's plan for next year's budget and beyond. Through a child care lens, it focuses keenly on access to child care for families furthest from opportunity. It supports families with young children with financial aid, child care slots, and support for family resource agencies and child care resource and referral agencies such as 4Cs of Alameda County to help connect and support parents with little ones.
While there is plenty to be optimistic about, there are a few red flags and omissions that 4Cs is keeping a keen eye on. The first, a pledge to expand TK to all 4-year-olds and beyond, is okay in theory but the reality is such that this will both significantly disrupt the flexible child care options available now to families - especially those with atypical work schedules or who need care beyond the school day - and significantly impact the child care businesses and providers whose livelihoods (and passion) depend on caring for these young children. Second, the budget doesn't not address the antiquated rates that child care providers are paid when caring for children on state subsidies. Teachers, directors, and support staff deserve to be paid a living wage and 4Cs continues our advocacy and policy work to make sure that these professionals are compensated as they should be. Third, and equally as important, is that the promised 100,000 new child care slots (much needed in our historically underfunded system) must be built with ongoing funding to make a systemic difference in access to child care.
As we gear up for another unprecedented year of focus on child care and trying to serve the deep, unmet need for quality, accessible, affordable care for kids, myself and my colleagues here at 4Cs of Alameda County will continue to be available to serve and advocate for the community - and especially those with young children - in any way we can.
Be well,
Renee S. Herzfeld
Executive Director
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We're Hiring: Join 4Cs of Alameda County's Team! |
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4Cs of Alameda County is growing and looking for dedicated, passionate professionals to join our team! We offer an incredibly supportive working environment, generous vacation policy and retirement contributions, language stipend, and pride ourselves on the longevity of years dedicated to 4Cs by our staff. To see the full job announcements and application information, click on "Apply Now" under each job title. To see all career opportunities available at 4Cs of Alameda County, visit our Job Opportunities page here.
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Career Opportunities at 4Cs |
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Supervisor, Payment Programs
Full-time
Hayward Office
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Child Care Services Specialist
Full-time
Hayward Office
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Child Care Services Specialist, Provider Services
Full-time
Hayward Office
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Manager, Quality Assurance
Full-time
Oakland & Hayward Offices
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On-Call Maintenance Technician
On-Call
Oakland & Hayward Offices
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Child Care for Essential Workers Available NOW |
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Are you an Essential Worker and need help with child care expenses? 4Cs is here to help you!
We are currently enrolling families on our CAP Program which is a parental choice child care program. Eligible families will self-certify that they meet income eligibility requirements and have a need for the services. If you live in 4Cs of Alameda County’s service delivery area (Oakland, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, Hayward, Fremont, Union City or Newark), please call us immediately to discuss your eligibility. You may qualify for child care services from now thru June 30, 2022.
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Virtual Playgroup for Little Ones and Their Caregivers |
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Are you a grandparent, Aunt/Uncle, Family Friend or Neighbor caring for a child 3-5years of age? Join us for a morning of fun, activity, story time and movement for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers. Participants will receive incentives and might be eligible to receive a stipend, call us for more information. Register today and join us for one or all of the sessions in this 4-week series on Wednesday & Friday mornings from 11:00-11:30am. Contact playgroup@4c-alameda.org or (510) 736-2747 to register.
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Play & Learn with Hayward Families |
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4Cs is excited to partner with Tandem, Partners in early learning® for three interactive Play & Learn virtual sessions. June 11th, 15th, and 18th from 10:00 – 11:00am. This series is aimed towards Hayward families with children ages 0-5 to connect, learn from one another, discover new books, and to do fun activities together in a virtual environment.
Free books, materials for activities, incentives, and more will be given to registered families (one kit per household). Zoom links will be shared following registration. Register here
We hope to see you there!
4Cs está emocionado en asociarse con Tandem, Partners in Early Learning® para tres sesiones virtuales interactivas de aprendizaje y juego el 11, 15 y 18 de junio de 10:00-11:00 am. Esta serie está dirigida a las familias de Hayward con niños menor de 5 años para que se conecten, aprendan unos de otros, descubran nuevos libros y realicen actividades divertidas juntos en un entorno virtual.
Se entregarán libros, materiales para actividades, incentivos y más a las familias inscritas (un kit por casa). Los enlaces de Zoom se compartirán después del registro.
¡Esperamos verte ahí!
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4Cs of Alameda County's offices and staff are currently available by appointment only and additional agency services are being offered virtually until Alameda County lifts the shelter-in-place restrictions due to COVID-19. As always, you can find out more information about 4Cs on our website, Facebook Page, and via Twitter. 4Cs Staff Directory can be found here. You can also contact 4Cs of Alameda County at (510) 582-2182 and via email at info@4c-alameda.org.
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Playgroups for Families and Caregivers |
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5/19/2021 - 6/11/2021, Wednesdays & Fridays, 11am-11:30am
June 11, 15 & 18, 10am-11am
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Upcoming Virtual Trainings for Providers |
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6/12/2021, 9am-12pm
6/19/2021, 9am-12pm
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