News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs of Alameda County, January 2026

News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs

January 2026

A Note From Our Chief Executive Officer

Dear 4Cs Community,

As we begin 2026, child care stands at a critical crossroads. The recent Federal funding freeze cast a long shadow over programs nationwide, threatening the progress we have made in expanding access and stability for families. Many providers braced for devastating cuts and closures. Still, on January 9th, a federal judge blocked the freeze, offering a moment of relief and restoring hope that reason and compassion can prevail in policymaking. While uncertainty remains, this decision underscores what we have always known: when communities, advocates, and leaders stand together, we can protect what matters most, our children, our families, and the care that supports them both.

Here in California, that spirit of partnership continues to shine through. Governor Newsom’s 2026–27 state budget proposal, released this month, reaffirms the state’s commitment to children and working families by preserving key child care investments despite mounting fiscal pressures. The proposed budget maintains essential funding for subsidized slots, sustains reimbursement rate improvements for providers, and continues the state’s long-term effort to strengthen an equitable mixed-delivery system. These commitments signal that, even amid uncertainty, California recognizes child care as both an economic and moral imperative.

At 4Cs of Alameda County, we feel this reality every day in the stories of parents striving to provide for their children and in the dedication of early educators who nurture and teach our youngest learners. We also see it in the power of collective advocacy, when local voices help shape state and federal action. Our work this year will focus on amplifying those voices and advancing policies that ensure quality, affordability, and stability for all families.

2026 will demand persistence and partnership, but it also offers the chance to renew our shared vision for a child care system that works for everyone. Hope is not passive; it is a form of action. Together, let’s continue building toward a future where every family has access to the care, education, and opportunities they deserve. The marathon continues, and 4Cs of Alameda County is here; steady, committed, and ready to serve.

In service,

Takija T. Gardner

Chief Executive Officer

Staff Spotlight

4Cs Hayward Promise Neighborhoods Team

Lizbeth, Fausto, Serena, and Diana

At the heart of the Hayward Promise Neighborhoods (HPN) work at 4Cs of Alameda County are four amazing, dedicated team members that have made a difference in so many lives of our Hayward community members. Fausto is our newest team member, supporting families with chronic absenteeism and other program supports. His creativity and enthusiasm is infectious and Fausto has quickly become a beloved member of the 4Cs staff. Serena has held many different roles at the agency and, most recently, a critical part of the HPN team, coordinating playgroups, workshops, trainings, and special events. Serena is known by her colleagues for her optimism, infectious smile, and deep care for the families she serves. Lizbeth is the longest-serving HPN team member and, as Family Navigator, has deep knowledge of the work, the families, and the community partners that make HPN so special. Her ability to connect with and earn the trust of families is awe-inspiring. Finally, Diana rounds out the HPN team as the program’s manager and fearless leader. Her calm, kind, and steadfast commitment to 4Cs and the HPN team and deep knowledge of the programs and impact have received local and national attention. Thanks to our HPN team for their commitment to 4Cs and the Hayward families they serve.

News

2025 Holiday Toy Giveaway Filled with Smiles, Laughter, and Spirit of Community

Stuffies and craft kits and blocks…oh my!

Toys were abundant when our RISE program hosted our annual Holiday Toy Giveaway on December 16 and 18. The Hayward garage was unrecognizable, with shelves full of toys, tables full of books, Santa onsite for pictures, and holiday music in the background. The families of 329 children ages 0-10 received toys, along with books and boxes of mixed produce.

We offer heartfelt thanks to our generous donors, including: Toys4Tots of Alameda County, Park Day School in Oakland, Fremont Hospital, Pioneer Bookstore at CSUEB, Doubletree Inn at Berkeley Marina, Eden Rose Chapter of The Links Inc., California Stylin’ Salon in Fremont, the Alameda County Community Food Bank, individual community members, and 4Cs staff and board members.

View photos of the event here. If you are interested in participating in our 2026 Holiday Toy Giveaway event, please join our Parent Newsletter at 4calameda.org/newsletterlist to get registration updates.

Donate Gently-Used Clothes & Shoes to 4Cs

Generous donations from friends of 4Cs make it possible to provide free clothing and shoes to families who visit our RISE Family Resource Centers in Hayward and Oakland.

Please make sure your donated items are clean with no stains, rips, or holes. Think items you'd be happy to see a friend wear!

At this time, we are happy to accept the following gently-used donations:

• Clothing for babies, toddlers, and children, sizes 3 months through 18 youth

• Shoes for toddlers and children, approx. sizes 8 toddler through 5 youth

At this time, we are not accepting the following used items:

• Adult clothing and shoes

• Socks, underclothing, bibs, or diaper/wipe cloths

• Car seats or booster seats

• Breastfeeding equipment or storage items

• Toys, dolls, or stuffies

• Household items such as sheets, towels, blankets, bottles, decorations, electronics, etc.

To make a donation, please email rise@4c-alameda.org to arrange a drop-off appointment.

Paid Survey Opportunity from the Stanford Center on

Early Childhood

The RAPID Survey Project at the Stanford Center on Early Childhood is listening to families with children under age 6 who live in California. This survey asks about experiences of material hardship, child care use and access, healthcare, parent and child well-being, and use of transitional kindergarten (TK). Take the 15-minute survey at this link and receive a $5 gift card: https://tinyurl.com/rapidca-cdss.

The survey is open through Thursday, January 29th.

Please reach out to vcgarcia@stanford.edu if you're interested in learning about how RAPID-CA survey data can support your work.

Resources

Free Tax Preparation & Filing Services Starting February 5th

Kick off the 2025 tax season with 4Cs of Alameda County! Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is here to make tax time stress-free by providing FREE tax preparation services to low to middle-income families and individuals in Alameda County starting February 5 until April 9, 2026. View the flyer here.

4Cs of Alameda County will offer three options to help file your taxes this year:

1. Drop-Off Service – Make an appointment to drop off your documents by filling out the form at 4calameda.org/taxhelp.

2. Virtual Service – Upload your papers to our safe online secure portal getyourrefund.org/4cs (opens January 31, 2026).

3. Walk-In Service – No appointment needed! Come to the Hayward Office (22351 City Center Drive, Hayward, CA 94541) on Thursdays from 5pm to 8:30pm.

You could qualify for over $8,000 in refunds from California & Federal Earned Income Tax Credits! For questions, contact Alicia Broussard, VITA Coordinator, at vita@4c-alameda.org or (510) 925-4018.

Featured Events & Trainings

Child Car Seat Safety Event

Saturday, February 28 | 9:30am-12pm

In-Person at Hayward Office (22351 City Center Drive)

Register now to have your child’s car seat installation checked by a Certified Passenger Safety Technician. 4Cs of Alameda County is hosting a car seat safety event on Saturday, February 28^th from 9:30am to noon in Hayward in partnership with SafeKids Alameda County and Alameda County EMS. Secure your appointment by calling (510) 618-2050.

Click here to view the flyer.

Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Play and Learn Playgroup

Fridays | February 6-March 13 | 10am-12pm

In-Person at Hayward Office (22351 City Center Drive)

Are you a Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Family Friend or Neighbor? Join us for a fun and engaging morning designed for children ages 3–5 and their caregivers* (Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Family Friends, or Neighbors). Each session will include activities, story time, and movement to enjoy together. Participants will receive materials and incentives and may also be eligible for a stipend.

For questions, contact playgroup@4c-alameda.org or call (510) 736-279.