March, 2018 - In This Issue:
From the Desk of Our Executive Director
March, as the old saying goes, "comes in like a lion and out like a lamb," but in today's Alameda County early care and education world I am finding that the lion is just warming up. I shared last month about the first reading of the Alameda County Child Care and Early Education Crisis Initiative. On February 27th, after the second reading of the measure, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed placing the Alameda County Childcare and Early Education Measure on June's ballot. The measure reads: "To expand access to childcare and preschool for low- and middle-income families; help homeless and at-risk children, including help preventing child abuse and neglect; attract and retain quality childcare workers; and add spaces for childcare at location throughout the county, shall the County of Alameda enact a 30-year 1/2% sales tax providing approximately 140 million dollars annually with citizens' oversight, public disclosure of spending, and mandatory annual audits?" Dubbed "Measure A," this funding is the largest of it's kind to support Alameda County's youngest learners in recent memory. I encourage you to join us at the campaign kickoff event this weekend and support Alameda County as we lead the way in providing access to high-quality, affordable early care and education for all.
 
Be well,

Renee S. Herzfeld
Enrollment Open for Families Needing Child Care Payment Assistance
Eligible Families Can Register Today

4Cs has open enrollment for all eligible families with children ages 0-13 years of age seeking child care. You qualify:
  • If you're on cash aid OR If it's been less than two years ago that you received cash aid
  • AND If you're working or going to school
  • AND you live in Southern Alameda County (Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Union City, Newark and Fremont)
Answering yes will start the process to determine your eligibility for child care service through the Stage I child care payment program.   You may be eligible to receive assistance with placing your child in one of over 500 hundred licensed child care facilities in S outhern A lameda C ounty.  We are ready to help you with the enrollment process . Just imagine how your child will thrive in an enriched learning environment that prepares them for kindergarten. For more information about Open Enrollment, call to speak with our CalWORKs R eceptionist at 510-582-2182 or visit our website.
FREE Tax Preparation and Filing Season Ends Soon
Last Day for VITA Program in 2018 is April 12th
Only a few weeks left to file your 2017 tax returns.  Let our VITA team help you file your taxes for free on Thursday evenings between 5-8:30pm or utilizing  our drop-off services during normal business hours. Our team is ready and waiting for you. Visit our website before you arrive for all of the information that you need to know.  

4Cs IRS-trained volunteers are here to help!
News For CalWORKS Stage 2, 3 & CAPP Child Care Payment Programs
24 Month Eligibility Now in Affect

Alameda County's Subsidized Child Care Programs  (Except for Stage 1) have been approved to participate in the new 24 month Eligibility Pilot Project. Parents can now receive up to 24 months of continuous child care services. Previously, the goal of subsidized child care services were to assist families in becoming economically self-sufficient  by following the needs of the parent . The new goal is to assist families in becoming self-sufficient  by providing greater economic security through continuity of services for the parent and the child regardless of temporary changes in need for services .
 
A few changes have been implemented for our families in Alameda County, providing a great continuum of care such as:
  • Once the parent is determined to meet eligibility requirements at the initial certification or recertification, the family is considered eligible for 24 months of continuous care unless their income exceeds 85% of the current State Medium Income guidelines.
  • Parent may receive services while seeking employment for 6.5 hours per day, 5 days per for no less than 12 months
  • Care may continue during school breaks and parents who are taking their GED or ESL classes are now eligible to receive child care
  • Families are only required to report if their income exceeds 85 percent of the SMI based on their family size.  Families may voluntarily report income or other changes in order to reduce the family fees, increase the family's services, or extend the eligibility period.
We are excited to share these new regulations with our families as we know that continuity of care is extremely beneficial to all children and the new requirements are less stressful on the parents as well. If you have any questions about how these changes affect you as a parent or child care provider, please contact a 4Cs representative in our Oakland Office at (510) 383-3582. 
THRIVE Series Enrollment Open
An Empowerment and Education Series for Parents 

Do you feel like stress has taken over your life? Feel overwhelmed with work, school, parenting, and trying to stay afloat? 4Cs of Alameda County has partnered with the incredibly engaging and empowering life coach and parenting expert Diedre Goree to offer a free class series for all parents looking to relieve stress, strengthen their parenting skills, make social connections and accomplish goals personally and professionally. The series is open to any parent and runs March 7th - May 9th every Wednesday evening in the Oakland Office from 6:00-8:30pm. Free dinner & child care is provided. Space is limited and new families are welcome, however registration is required. Call 510-383-3582 to RSVP.

4Cs is in the planning stages of offering this amazing series in our Hayward Office as well. If you are interested in attending the series, please contact Shannon Griffin, Manager of Payment Programs at (510) 584-3126.
4Cs is Hiring
Career Opportunities at 4Cs

Join our team of dedicated, energetic, and caring professionals. Click here to find out why 4Cs was recognized by the NonProfit Times as a " 2017 Best Nonprofits to Work." More opportunities at 4Cs are coming soon! Check our " Career Opportunities at 4Cs" webpage to stay up-to-date on available job openings.

Part-Time




Register Now for Upcoming Trainings at 4Cs
Training Opportunities Available
 
3/24/18, 9am-12pm

 3/27/18, 7pm-9pm
 
4/28/18, 9am-5pm

4/28/18, 9am-5pm

4/29/18, 9am-5pm

View the entire Spring Trainings Calendar   HERE