September, 2017 - In This Issue:
From the Desk of Our Executive Director
Can you believe it is almost the end of September? This year has flown by and fall is upon us. For 4Cs, it is definitely one of our busiest times of the year with trainings, workshops, Play & Learn, and meetings with community partners about current and future projects to increase quality and access to child care in Alameda County. One of my favorite evenings in September - and in every month - is the 4Cs of Alameda County's Board of Directors meeting. I am grateful to be able to sit around the table with men and women passionate about access to high quality early care and education for all children in Alameda County. With varying backgrounds and experiences, the members of our Board of Directors provide innovative ideas and exceptional oversight of 4Cs programs and services. While our core group of members is strong, we are looking to expand our Board of Directors with individuals dedicated to the success of families and children in Alameda County. If you are interested in becoming a committed part of our incredible team, live or work in Alameda County, and hope to dedicate your time and talents to 4Cs, please send me an email at reneeh@4c-alameda.org and we'll set up a time to meet. Thank you to all of our readers for your support of 4Cs of Alameda County. We appreciate your devotion to 4Cs and sharing with others about our programs and services, even on your busiest days. 

In Partnership,

Renee S. Herzfeld
September is National Preparedness Month
4Cs Participates in  the Great California Shakeout
Join 4Cs at 10:19am on 10/19!
On Thursday October 19th at 10:19am, 4Cs of Alameda County will join thousands of other businesses and millions of Californians throughout the state in the largest earthquake drill of its kind. If you are at any of our 4Cs offices during this earthquake drill, you will be asked to participate. Whether you are a child care provider, parent, or someone who works in the community, we highly recommend that you register to participate in the Great California ShakeOut and make sure yourselves, your loved ones, and your colleagues are prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes. 
Preparing Your Family and Child Care for Disasters
Tools and Resources to Make Sure Your Safe
Parents, caregivers, and child care providers have a unique responsibility to make sure that they and the children in their care are prepared for impending disasters. This September's National Preparedness Month's theme us "Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can." Take some time to look over these valuable resources - they could make a huge difference when the unimaginable happens:
  • Make a plan with your family and household members. Ready.gov has a checklist for your family to review to make sure all of your bases are covered, from emergency plans for parents and kids to the vital documents that you should have protected in case of a disaster.
  • UCSF has an informational guide specifically for child care providers. Download and print or save "How to Plan for Emergencies & Disasters: a Step-by-Step Guide for California Child Care Providers." This toolkit has everything from forms and checklists, to communication technology and fun ideas to build skills and knowledge for emergency disaster drills. 
  • Do you wonder if your children's child care is prepared and has a pan in place in case of a disaster? Our colleagues at Child Care Aware have compiled important questions to ask your provider (available in English and in Spanish) about what their plan is in case of a disaster. Use these as a guide to open up a conversion for the women and men caring for your little ones.    
Child Passenger Safety Week
September 17-23, 2017
Many parents and friends that transport children don't know that: "Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for all children. Child restraints, or car seats, reduce the risk of injury by 71% to 82% and reduce the risk of death by 28% in comparison to children in seat belts alone. Booster seats reduce the risk of nonfatal injuries by 45% among 4 to 8 year olds when compared to the seat belt alone" according to experts . Also, even the most astute parents and caregivers don't realize that car seats expire. This week is Child Passenger Safety Week and an important time to make sure that your children are being transported properly. Take these steps to make sure that your children are being transported in the safest way possible:
1) Review California car seat laws here.
2) Determine the correct car seat for your child's height, weight, and car. The Academy of Pediatrics website can help guide you to the correct type of car seat for your child's needs.
3) Visit Car Seats for the Littles recommendation list covering all types and price points for car seats. This group is an online team of Child Passenger Safety Technicians who have extensive knowledge and certifications on car seat safety.    
4) After purchasing the safest seat for your child, find a Child Passenger Safety Technician to help you get the proper installation of your seat or visit a car seat inspection station near you. Don't forget to use the enclosed registration card to register your new car seat, this way you will be informed of any recalls or important information about the seat.  
Register Now for Upcoming Trainings at 4Cs
Training Opportunities Available