Congratulations, Renee,
on 35 years at 4Cs of Alameda County!
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The 4Cs of Alameda County team congratulates Executive Director, Renee S. Herzfeld, on 35 years of service to the agency. Thank you, Renee, for your many years of guidance and dedication to 4Cs and the Alameda County community. We are grateful for your leadership and are proud to work alongside you as our leader, mentor, and friend. |
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A Note From Our Executive Director |
Dear friend of 4Cs,
As 2021 comes to a close, I look back on the past 12 months in awe and gratitude for an impactful year of growth and support. We started the year in the midst of a pandemic with families and our child care community needing more support than ever. 4Cs continued our dedication to connecting families with child care options and child care sites and programs with supports to stay open and serve children whose parents needed their children in care. Physical supports, from PPE and diapers to backpacks and books, and financial supports facilitated by 4Cs for families and child care businesses were distributed to many community members as they navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout the year we also launched our Child Tax Credit advocacy and support work, an Instagram account, and continued our many other family support programs. Mid-year, we welcomed seven new leaders to our Board of Directors – all of whom share our unwavering service to families, child care providers, and our community. Just as our new Board members were joining our team, we launched a new, easy to navigate, informational agency website. Last month, we rebranded our Community “Closet” program to RISE - Resources through Interconnection, Support, and Equity, a much more representative name that encompasses the breadth of community support services we offer families in Alameda County. Last week we were humbled as many donors gave generously to 4Cs GivingTuesday campaign and, with matching funds from Insperity and 4Cs Leadership Team, $10,505 was raised to continue providing essential support to our community – if you missed GivingTuesday, we welcome donations year-round to support 4Cs work. Finally, I am thrilled to share 4Cs of Alameda County’s 2021 Impact Report with our friends and supporters. This year’s report gives a glimpse into the immense impact that 4Cs of Alameda County’s programs and services have on our Alameda County community in the child care field and beyond.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take time to thank our dedicated, hard-working team here at 4Cs of Alameda County who are essential in making sure our community’s children, families, child care providers, and our staff are served at the highest level. A special thank you to our Board of Directors for their leadership, service, and dedication to our agency during this unprecedented time. Lastly, thank you for your donations, your partnerships, for sharing about our programs and services, and for your unwavering support. I appreciate you.
Be Well,
Renee S. Herzfeld
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$10,505 Raised Total for GivingTuesday |
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Thanks to the community for showing up for GivingTuesday and making this year's campaign remarkable! Hundreds of you took action in support of children, families, and child care providers. With many individual donations made, we exceeded our goal and claimed an outstanding amount of matching funds. Your efforts are making a difference and helping in so many ways towards a better future for families and caregivers throughout Alameda County. Because of you, our vision is taking shape for a world where affordable, quality child care is accessible.
We also like to thank Insperity and 4Cs Leadership Team for their partnership in matching funds, 4Cs team members for their dedication to our mission to strengthen families and children, and importantly YOU for your generosity! For those who donated for the first time, or numerous times, or just sent us an uplifting message, we appreciate you!
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The Positive Impact of Parent Cafés |
In November and early December, 45 parents signed up for our virtual Parent Cafés in English and Spanish. Big shoutout to Community Services Director Celia Goetz and HPN Family Navigator Lizbeth Gonzalez for successfully leading the discussion-based cafés and connecting parents and caregivers on the topics of play, communication, and social and emotional child development. Just last night, 15 parents received a better understanding of children's behavior by joining the virtual Parent Café in Chinese hosted by our amazing Inclusion Navigator Carol Jin. Thanks Carol for your hard work!
Parent Cafés are safe spaces where parents and caregivers talk about the challenges and victories of raising a family. Through individual deep self-reflection and peer-to-peer learning, participants explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors, and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to help strengthen their families. Participants leave Parent Cafés feeling inspired, energized, and excited to put into practice what they’ve learned.
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Year-End HPN Diaper Distribution |
On Wednesday, Hayward Promise Neighborhoods partners, including 4Cs of Alameda County, California State University East Bay, Alameda Public Health Department, Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, and Promotoras, came together to distribute resource bags and diaper kits. This was our 6th distribution of the year!
These diaper kits and resource bags were delivered to families in need within the South Hayward Promise Neighborhoods (SHPN) footprint. With the help of staff and volunteers, a total of 45 HPN families received diapers, baby wipes, and a resource bag complete with COVID-19 information, a children's book, Help Me Grow parent information, and APHD safety guide information by delivery or by appointment pick-up at the 4Cs offices in Hayward.
The Early Learning Network partners have supported over 200 distributions to families via our Diapers and Resources Distribution project. To meet some of the additional needs of families, our 4Cs team added a community store where families can "shop" for items they need. Right now, we need support re-stocking the store. Please make a tax-deductible donation/purchase via our Amazon wishlist or share with your extended network.
If you have any questions, concerns, or arrange drop-off items you purchase elsewhere, please email Diana Cortes, HPN Project Manager, at dianac@4c-alameda.org.
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Kindergarten Readiness Family Survey - Complete and Earn $25 |
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First 5 Alameda County is conducting an important study to better understand the needs of the families like yours. They will share the findings with people who can make an impact with the goal of increasing kindergarten readiness and supports for families. If you have a child aged 3-6, you can help by completing a 30-minute survey (available in Spanish and Mandarin). If you complete it, you will receive a $25 gift card. Please complete only one survey per household and respond by next Thursday, December, 23. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact the study’s research director, Christina Branom, PhD, at branom@appliedsurveyresearch.org.
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Licensed Child Care Facility Stabilization Stipends
Licensed child care providers: Did you know if you held your license on June 25, 2021, you are eligible to receive one-time “licensed stipends” through the Community Care Licensing Division, Child Care Program? If you are part of the 1/3 of providers in California who have not yet received these critical funds, there is still time to apply! Family child care providers are eligible to receive $3,500 and child care centers can receive between $3,500 and $6,500. To register visit the Licensed Child Care Facility Stabilization Stipends webpage here or call: 1-833-398-1399.
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Estipendios de estabilización de instalaciones de cuidado infantil con licencia
Proveedores de cuidado infantil con licencia: ¿Sabía que si tenía su licencia el 25 de junio de 2021, es elegible para recibir “estipendios con licencia” por única vez a través de la División de Licencias de Cuidado Comunitario, Programa de Cuidado Infantil? Si usted es parte del 1/3 de proveedores en California que aún no han recibido estos fondos críticos, ¡todavía hay tiempo para presentar una solicitud! Los proveedores de cuidado infantil familiar son elegibles para recibir $3,500 y los centros de cuidado infantil pueden recibir entre $3,500 y $6,500. Para registrarse, visite la página web de Estipendios de estabilización de instalaciones de cuidado infantil con licencia aquí o llame al: 1-833-398-1399.
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Tool Kit for Child Care Programs in Alameda County
During COVID-19
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The Alameda County Public Health Department, in partnership with the Alameda County Emergency Child Care Response Team, created a new Tool Kit for Child Care Programs in Alameda County During COVID-19. It includes best practices on operating child care programs during COVID-19, updated state and federal guidance, and information on what to do when you have a positive case at your child care program. 4Cs of Alameda County has been a proud partner of the Alameda County Emergency Response Team providing supports and guidance to child care providers and families navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Planning Ahead for Tax Season |
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Get ready today to file your 2021 federal income tax return! Having everything prepared makes it a simple and quick process to file your return and receive your tax refund faster. Take the steps now to make tax filing easier in 2022 by using IRS.gov resources and online tools. If you missed filing for the “Dollars for Children” (Child Tax Credit and more), you can still receive it by filing a tax return this year.
We are here to help you get the refund you deserve! We offer FREE tax preparation. Please email vita@4c-alameda.org.
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Featured Events & Trainings |
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First Thursday of every month
1pm-4pm
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We are distributing food monthly! Come shop for a variety of food on the first Thursday of every month from 1pm-4pm at our Hayward Office Garage. We will have dry goods and staples such as beans, rice, peanut butter, canned fruits, and vegetables available for you to take, as well as nutrition information and meal-planning ideas.
Due to safety and limited supply, mask-wearing and pre-registration are required! Register for January 6, 2022, now!
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Module 1 & 2: Monday, January 10, 2022 | 6:30pm-9pm (Virtual)
Module 2 & 3: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 | 6:30pm-9pm (Virtual)
Module 4: Saturday, January 15, 2022 | 8:30am-10am or 11am-12:30pm (In-person at Hayward office)
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This curriculum is used to train child care providers who are new to the field or experienced early care and education professionals who are taking the course to refresh their knowledge and keep their certification current. This training curriculum provides the eight hours of EMSA approved CPR/First Aid training required to obtain a child care license.
Please note the following:
• Participants will be contacted by 4Cs staff to arrange pick-up for course curriculum and materials one week prior to the first-class
• To receive certification, participants must attend and complete all 4 modules
• Module 4 will be an in-person session with no more than 12 individuals present. 4Cs staff will NOT be verifying vaccination status for this session, however, we will be following all CDC recommendations for masking and social distancing.
• You must register separately for each attendee and pay the $125 fee (plus an extra $12 fee if the mailing method is chosen).
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Upcoming
Events & Trainings
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(Virtual)
Parte 1: Sábado, 22 de enero de 2022
Parte 2: Sábado, 29 de enero de 2022
9:30am-12:30pm
Esta sesión cubrirá los efectos de diversas formas de trauma y estrés tóxico en la infancia temprana, el desarrollo del cerebro de los niños en los primeros cinco años. Serie de 2 sesiones, diseñada especialmente para las proveedoras de cuidado infantil.
Jueves, 27 de enero de 2022
7pm-9pm
Este taller tratará examinar las definiciones financieras en el lenguaje cotidiano yconsiderar varios métodos para registrar sus finanzas, ingresos, gastos de negocios y las deducciones permitidas.
(Virtual)
Parte 1: Sábado, 5 de febrero de 2022
Parte 2: Sábado, 12 de febrero de 2022 9:30am-12:30pm
Los participantes que participen en las 2 partes de Trauma 100 tendrán la oportunidad para registrarse en las 2 partes de Trauma 200. Para obtener información sobre registro o preguntas, comuníquese con Ariana Ortiz en arianao@4c-alameda.org o (510) 736-2797.
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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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Outreach Project Coordinator
Part-time Temporary
Hayward Office
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Give to 4Cs of Alameda County |
Thank you for helping us uplift families, providers, and our community! |
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