News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs | | | A Note From Our Chief Executive Officer | |
Dear Friends of 4Cs,
It is an honor to write to you for the first time as Chief Executive Officer of 4Cs of Alameda County. Stepping into this role, I am deeply inspired by the rich legacy built by my predecessor and the dedication of our staff, families, child care providers, and community partners. Our goal—to ensure that every child and family in Alameda County has access to high-quality early learning opportunities and critical supports—remains as vital and urgent as ever.
As we begin this next chapter together, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the foundation and impact of 4Cs. The work accomplished is both humbling and motivating—a reminder of the collective power we hold when we center children, families, and communities in all that we do. I am eager to listen, to learn from you, and to build upon the extraordinary efforts that have brought us to this moment.
Looking ahead, my focus will be on strengthening our partnerships, driving innovation, and responding creatively to the evolving needs of families and caregivers. Together, we will continue to be a trusted resource, a passionate advocate, and a steadfast champion for all children and families in Alameda County.
Thank you for welcoming me into the 4Cs community. I look forward to connecting with many of you and working side by side to make a lasting difference.
With gratitude and excitement,
Takija T. Gardner
Chief Executive Officer
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Alyssa Corsi
Executive Assistant to the CEO
| | | | “I am so lucky to work within an agency that truly cares about work/life balance and mental health. The 4Cs team feels like a family. We all share the same goal in helping make a difference and we have fun along the way.” | | Growing up as the daughter of a child care center owner and director supported by 4Cs, Alyssa saw firsthand the impact of early care and education on little ones and the community. Fast-forward to March 16, 2020 – the day that the Bay Area began sheltering-in-place due to a worldwide pandemic – and Alyssa started the next chapter of her career at 4Cs of Alameda County, a full-circle moment. Working first with the Hayward Promise Neighborhood team on their Early Learning Network initiative and transitioning about three years ago to Executive Assistant to the CEO, Alyssa has seen her fair share of change. As the Executive Assistant, she loves being able to connect with the community during agency-wide events and distributions while being the backbone of support for the CEO, Board of Directors, and Leadership Team. Her ability to flourish during transition has been especially evident as 4Cs recently welcomed a new CEO. We are grateful for Alyssa’s support, flexibility, and ability to be grounded even in the most uncertain times. | | 4Cs Hayward Office Under Construction | | |
4Cs Hayward Office Visitors: Please note that, beginning Monday, September 22nd, 4Cs of Alameda County’s main Hayward Office will be undergoing construction as we better equip our facility with improved ADA access. Offices will be open during our usual business hours, however, please plan to give yourself ample time to navigate a few temporary changes with client and drop box access. See below for details or give us a call at (510) 582-2182 if you have any questions.
The flyer is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
| | Wanted: Outgrown Gently-Used Children’s Clothes | | |
The RISE Resource Centers at both 4Cs Oakland and Hayward offices would love to receive your donations of new and gently-used clothing and shoes for babies, children, and teens. We ask that donated items be in good condition, clean, and free of stains or holes…things you’d feel comfortable giving to a friend. We’ll be sure your donations are passed along to other families and their fast-growing kids. Please note that we are not accepting adult clothing, shoes, or accessories at this time. To make a donation, please email rise@4c-alameda.org to arrange a drop-off appointment.
| | Hayward Public Library Community Hub | | |
The Community Hub is a full-service, one-stop resource center for patrons to access City of Hayward and community partner services. The Community Hub is located at the Downtown Hayward Public Library, on the 2nd floor, by the Tech Lab. Anyone can use these services. No appointment required. Walk-ins welcome!
4Cs of Alameda County will provide enrollment in parent workshops, toddler playgroups and family navigation to the Hayward community. Families can receive child care referrals and information on payment assistance. Visit 4Cs on the first and third Mondays of each month from 11am to 2pm.
View the Community Hub Schedule here.
| | Alameda County Early Learning Options Before Kindergarten | | |
Many parents of young children have questions about the best place for their child to receive care and become ready for Kindergarten. Take a look at AlamedaCountyPrek.org for a diverse set of Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) options that are now more affordable and accessible for families. Pre-K options range from public to private, formal to informal, and have different approaches to teaching.
Visit AlamedaCountyPrek.org today for assistance in determining which learning environment would work best for your child and family!
| | Featured Events & Trainings | | |
Hayward Promise Neighborhoods (HPN)
Fathers United
September 23-October 28
Tuesdays | 6pm-7:30pm
5 Virtual Sessions
1 In-Person Celebration at Hayward Office (22351 City Center Drive, Hayward 94541)
*SERIES IN SPANISH
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Vecindarios de Hayward Promise (HPN)
Papás Unidos
23 de Septiembre-28 de Octubre
Martes | 6pm-7:30pm
5 sesiones virtuales
1 celebración en persona en la oficina de Hayward (22351 City Center Drive, Hayward 94541)
*LA SERIE SERÁ EN ESPAÑOL
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Connect with other dads in our parenting series! The series will be in Spanish and facilitated by Juan Cuba, a parent educator and fatherhood specialist. Fathers United is exclusively for dads and father figures of children under 8 years old living in Alameda County.
Topics we will cover include:
• Mental Health
• Child development and the impact of stress on the health of children and parents
• Culture
• Understanding temperament and positive discipline
• Brain Development
Participants will receive a gift card incentive upon completing the series!
Register here. View the flyer here.
For more information, contact: serenam@4c-alameda.org.
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Conéctese con otros papás en nuestra serie de paternidad! La serie será en español y facilitada por Juan Cuba que es un educador de padres y especialista en paternidad. Papás Unidos está reservado exclusivamente para papás y figuras paternas de niños menores de 8 años en el condado de Alameda.
Discutiremos los siguientes temas:
• Salud Mental
• Desarrollo infantil y el Impacto del estrés en la salud del niño y los padres
• Cultura
• Comprender el temperamento y la disciplina positiva
• Desarollo Cerebral
¡Participantes recibirán una tarjeta de regalo y incentivo al completar la serie!
Regístrense aquí. Ver el folleto aquí.
Para mas informacion conectase con serenam@4c-alameda.org.
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Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Play & Learn Playgroup
September 26-November 7 (no session on October 24)
Fridays | 10am-12pm | In-Person at Hayward Office (22351 City Center Drive, Hayward 94541)
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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.
Register at 4calameda.org/series/play-learn-playgroup.
For questions, contact playgroup@4c-alameda.org or call (510) 736-2797.
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THRIVE!
October 22-November 12
Wednesday Evenings
7PM-8:30PM
Virtual
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¡PROSPERE!
22 de octubre-12 de noviembre
Miércoles por la noche
7PM-8:30PM
Virtual
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Join us for a 4-week parenting series designed to support growth, connection, and balance at home. Each week we’ll explore a new theme: nurturing self-care and self-love, guiding kids toward healthier screen habits, uncovering the hidden patterns that shape family dynamics, and reimagining parenting in today’s world. Together, we’ll share tools, insights, and strategies to help you show up as the parent—and person—you strive to be. FREE one-on-one coaching from Coach Diedre for all participants.
Spanish translation provided. Gift card drawings at every session!
Register here.
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Únase a nosotros en una serie de cuatro semanas sobre crianza diseñada para apoyar el crecimiento, la conexión y el equilibrio en el hogar. Cada semana exploraremos un tema nuevo: fomentar el cuidado personal y el amor propio, guiar a los niños hacia hábitos más saludables frente a las pantallas, descubrir los patrones ocultos que dan forma a la dinámica familiar y reinventar la crianza en el mundo actual. Juntos, compartiremos herramientas, ideas y estrategias para ayudarle a convertirse en el padre o la madre, y la persona, que se esfuerza por ser. Sesión individual GRATUITA con la coach Diedre para todos los participantes.
Traducción en español proporcionada. ¡Sorteo de tarjetas de regalo en cada sesión!
Regístrense aquí.
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Upcoming
4Cs Events & Trainings
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Food Distribution
October 2 | 1pm-3pm
In-Person at Hayward Office
Register Here
*Registration Required
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Upcoming
Community Events
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Learn more about what is happening from outside organizations within Alameda County.
4calameda.org/community-events
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Child Care Services Specialist
(Family Services)
Bilingual: Mandarin & Cantonese Preferred
Full-Time
Oakland Office
| | Give to 4Cs of Alameda County | | Thank you for helping us uplift families, providers, and our community! | | | | |
