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Child Care Resources in District 2

Dear Council District 2,

New challenges for local families come with the new year—school is back in session and work has ramped up. It may be difficult for parents to catch up. One of the most essential needs in Chula Vista, and in San Diego County as a whole, is access to child care. According to a 2023 study, we are currently experiencing a lack of childcare providers for our families in need. This is not only an issue of quantity but of accessibility. In times like these, we must turn to our local partners and advocates whose goal is to expand access to everyone. In our second issue of the month, we will focus on how families can find childcare resources, referrals, and payment assistance. Keep reading for a feature on a major resource for children and parents—the YMCA.

Did you miss our last issue? Read District 2's focus points for 2024 and see all previous newsletters here.



Cordially yours in service,

Councilmember Jose Preciado

City of Chula Vista, District 2

Spotlight on: YMCA of San Diego County

The Office of District 2 connected with the YMCA to help residents become more informed on the various resources available to our region:

The YMCA strives to understand and address community needs, offering resources in an environment that encourages well-being, positivity, youth development, connection, and a sense of community for all. In Chula Vista since the 1960s, the Y has grown with the residents, offering many services, including access to quality child care.

The Y values the opportunity to work with thousands of children across the city—providing quality care during out-of-school programs in partnership with Chula Vista Elementary School District. This includes DASH and STRETCH, two free programs that allow kids to spend time in a safe and healthy environment. Character Builders is also an affordable Licensed Childcare Program for students with different schedules. While Character Builders does require payment, the Y offers opportunities for financial aid.

During afterschool hours or school breaks, the energetic Y team can be found supporting kids to make meaningful connections, creating opportunities to laugh, learn, and make lasting friendships. Other offerings for children, youth, and families include day camp programs, youth sports, swimming, and fitness centers. 

The YMCA of San Diego County has Child Watch services for Community Plus members, as well. This means parents and guardians can take full advantage of the Y's fitness and activity offerings while children can play under the supervision of trained YMCA staff.

As the organization embraces the new year, the Y continues to commit support to some of the greatest issues facing families. In our county and city, families and childcare providers are experiencing a crisis. For too many families, finding childcare and early education programs that are high-quality, accessible, and affordable is a challenge. At the same time, childcare rates and pricing reflect what the market can bear rather than the true cost of quality care. This results in both a strain on families and our childcare providers in Chula Vista. Read more about the childcare crisis and see an interactive supply map.

The Y is uniquely positioned to support families with child care and advocate for access to affordable, quality child care for all. In addition to providing child care programs, through partnership with the State of California, the Y can help parents and caregivers understand their child care options, find child care that meets their needs, and pay for child care through the Childcare Resource Service. See the flyer above or read here for more instructions.

The Y does this work and is committed to removing barriers through advocacy. Working in partnership with other childcare providers and parents, the Y is honored to help facilitate the Children First Collective San Diego. This advocacy group of dedicated individuals and organizations is tackling the challenges facing the childcare sector and welcomes all to participate.

Are you interested in becoming a childcare provider? You can help improve the County-wide struggle for care. The YMCA offers tools for childcare providers who are either just starting or have been in the field for years. Connect to training and become licensed.

To learn more about the YMCA, please visit www.ymcasd.org. For resources on finding child care and applying for child care subsidy, please visit the YMCA Childcare Resource Service. To get involved in advocacy for increased access to affordable, quality child care please consider joining the Children First Collective San Diego.

ASPIRE After-School Program

Most community centers in Chula Vista, including Parkway Community Center, participate in the ASPIRE after-school program. ASPIRE is designed to provide a “safe haven” for youth ages 5-16 during the two to three hours immediately following the close of the school day until parental supervision resumes later in the afternoon/early evening. Activities may be formal (organized) or informal (drop-in) and hours vary by center and school schedules. Find the activity schedules at your community center here.

Southwestern College Child Development Center

Are you a parent who finds it hard to balance school and childcare? Southwestern College's Child Development Center was established out of a desire to provide convenient, affordable childcare services to the students and staff of Southwestern College and the residents of nearby communities. The Center currently serves an average of 144 children – ages 2 to 5 years – per day in six classrooms and focuses on each child's individual needs. See their website for more information.

And more...

Centralized Eligibility List

Child Care San Diego has an open application for families in need of childcare resources. The application connects you to agencies with subsidized childcare assistance. After applying, you can select a provider who meets your needs, such as a child care center or a family-based child care. When funding is available, an agency will contact you. See if you're eligible and apply now.

CalWORKS

CalWORKs provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with minor children. Parents who are currently receiving aid from CalWORKs are eligible for subsidized child care through a voucher program. Current CalWORKs recipients can contact Access at 866-262-9811. See here for more info.

Past Issue Updates

Taste of Third Tickets on Sale Now!

Taste of Third will return on Thursday, March 21st and tickets are now on sale. Downtown Chula Vista will light up with activity as participants enjoy a variety of food and drink samples from local restaurants. Buy your early bird tickets now.

Norman Park Center Receives Grants

Did you know that the Norman Park Senior Center (NPSC) recently received two grants from the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation? One grant of $3,500 funded engaging senior activities during the holiday season. The second grant, totaling $12,600, is designated to facilitate extended evening hours at NPSC. Additional hours will allow the Center to offer programs in the evening and keep the popular Pickleball courts open longer.

Seniors: you can register for the Pickleball Skills & Drills Clinic. Everyone can join Pickleball Open Play - see flyer for hours.

Stay up-to-date with activities, classes, and more at the Norman Park Senior Center by reading their monthly newsletter.

Upcoming Events in District 2

Es Dificil Ser Mujer?

Chula Vista Community Collaborative is holding

Es Dificil Ser Mujer? classes every Tuesday starting January 23rd to March 5th in Spanish ONLY. This class focuses on bringing women of the community together to learn about depression and self-love. For more information, contact Gabriela Ruano at 619-691-5301 or [email protected].

STEAM at Civic

Join the last of this month's STEAM classes on Thursday, January 25th at the Civic Center Library. Learn about the different forces that affect buildings then compete against others to create the tallest Lego tower.

Free Compost Event

Free compost for Chula Vista residents on Saturday, January 27th from 8AM to 12PM at the Otay Landfill. Bring your shovels for loading, containers to fill, and tarps to cover your compost!

Since 2015, in appreciation of the community’s efforts to recycle yard waste (and now food waste), Republic Services has provided the opportunity for all Chula Vista residents to pick up free compost at these events. Beautify your landscape and improve your garden soil by adding compost to it. Questions? Contact Environmental Services at 619-691-5122 or [email protected].

Downsizing 101: Introduction Workshop

Looking to get a fresh start for the new year?

Located in the village of Chula Vista, Next Step for Downsize Living, Llc will be hosting informational workshops in their new store Next Step Treasures at 286 Third Ave. The series will commence with Downsizing 101: Your Guide to Your In-Retirement Plan.

Next Step was created to help seniors and their families navigate the intricate journey from expansive homes to more suitable living spaces. Rose and her team will share some strategies to help establish a clear understanding of the complexities associated with lifestyle changes while providing a clear path forward. The first of the series will be on Thursday, February 1st at 10AM and again at 5PM. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please call 619-796-7896 to secure your spot. 

Disney-Inspired Lovers Market

Friendship Pop-Up has a brand new location! Come to Illusion Hall at 281 Third Ave on Sunday, February 4th for a Disney-Inspired Lovers Market. The first 60 adults in line at the start of the market will get door prizes—the first 20 adults get Disney-inspired ears and the next 40 adults get Disney-inspired pins. The line starts at 9:30AM and doors open at 11AM.

Cafecito Business Networking

Business community: Join fellow business owners, professionals, and community partners to network and build relationships. This free in-person meet-up happens on the first Wednesday of every month at Rambler Coffee. The next meeting will be Wednesday, February 7th at 8AM. For more information, see here.

San Diego FixIt Clinic

Instead of throwing away our broken items, why not learn how to fix them? The San Diego Fixit Clinic is coming to the Civic Center Library on Saturday, February 10th.

Bring your broken non-working items—electronics, appliances, computers, toys, bicycles, clothes, and more—for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair. Workspace and specialty tools will be provided and guidance to help you take apart and troubleshoot your item. Space is limited, RSVP now.

Performing and Visual Arts Grant 2024

We are pleased to announce the return of our annual Performing and Visual Arts Grant for 2024! The PVAG supports art projects in dance, design arts, media arts, music, photography, theater, traditional/folk arts, visual arts, or interdisciplinary expressions involving more than one of the above fields. Applications will be accepted until February 11, 2024. PVAG applications will be reviewed by the Chula Vista Public Library staff and the PVAG Review Panel. Recommended projects will be presented to the Cultural Arts Commission for their input and then to the City Council for final approval. If you have questions about the Performing and Visual Arts Grant, see here or email [email protected].

City of Chula Vista Calendar of Events

Resources and References

FREE Community Shuttle

Attention 55+ residents! Chula Vista has partnered with Circuit to provide you with free rides within the limits of the Northwest (see map). Catch a ride to a doctor's appointment, the grocery store, to see a movie, and more!

Rides are ADA-accessible and door-to-door while using all-electric vehicles. As of July 2023, over 13,000 free rides were given, with an average wait time of around 8 minutes.

To request a ride, download the Ride Circuit app or call 646-504-3733 and press option 7. Shuttle service is available Monday-Friday from 7AM to 7PM,

Did you know...

The City of Chula Vista has an official app for reporting non-emergency issues, such as graffiti, potholes, abandoned vehicles, and more? With ACT Chula Vista, you can upload photos, see nearby issues, and check on the status of your report.

Download ACT Chula Vista now!

File an online police report:

The Chula Vista Police Department has an online reporting tool for non-emergencies. Before reporting, make sure the incident meets ALL requirements below:



• This is not an emergency.
• This incident occurred within Chula Vista City limits.
• There are no known suspects.
• This did not occur on a state freeway.
• The incident falls under one of the following categories:

1. Harassing phone calls
2. Hit and runs
3. Identity theft
4. Lost property
5. Theft of property
6. Theft from a vehicle
7. Vandalism
8. Vehicle tampering

Click for more details.

Do you know you live in District 2?

Chula Vista's District 2 sits North of L Street and West of Paseo del Rey.

Contact our office -

General Inquiries: [email protected]

Senior Council Aide: Diana Quintero - [email protected]

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