News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs

April 2025

A Note From Our Chief Executive Officer

Dear Friend of 4Cs,

Every spring, Alameda County leadership selects a dozen women to be inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame who have been nominated “for their achievements and contributions to Alameda County and its residents. This award is in recognition of a legacy of work - both in professional careers and/or volunteer service - that has made a positive impact in the lives of residents in Alameda County.” This year, I am honored to join this list of incredible leaders and change-makers. I fondly remember 2005 and my joy as an emerging leader, friend, and admired change-maker, Rory Darrah, was inducted in the Education category. It was the first time an ECE advocate was selected. I am excited to join her in being recognized as an Early Care and Education leader in the Education category.

Since my tenure at 4Cs of Alameda County began almost four decades ago, I have been committed to sharing the fact that learning begins well before children walk through their elementary school doors. Early Care and Education is critical to recognize as some of the most important and influential years of growth and development in a child’s life. Early learning – through play, experimentation, discovery, and socialization - IS Education. Thank you to Alameda County for recognizing the importance of ECE and for this honor.

Be well,

Renee S. Herzfeld

Chief Executive Officer

Staff Spotlight

Ofelia Vasquez

Child Care Services Support Specialist, Oakland

“It warms my heart hearing the stories that are being told by our parents and hearing how our agency has and continues assisting them in achieving their goals. That's the beauty of the work we provide.”

Just seven months ago, Ofelia stepped into the role of Child Care Services Support Specialist at 4Cs of Alameda County’s Oakland Office and, less than a year later, her warmth, smile, and welcoming spirit has become a key part of the Child Care Payment Program team’s success. Ofelia is the first staff person that Oakland families see and speak to when they are reaching out for support in paying for child care. She walks families through eligibility, gives them hope, and refers them to community partners when needed. Even in her short tenure on the job, she is most fulfilled in building these trusting relationships with parents and caregivers. Ofelia shares that she is excited to grow in the family support field of work and we are grateful that this chapter of her career is with 4Cs of Alameda County!

News

Book, Food, and Meal Giveaway at 4Cs Children's Fair

Our Annual Children’s Fair is next month! This FREE event is on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 22351 City Center Drive in Hayward from 10am to 1pm. Carpooling is recommended as there are limited spaces available at the Plaza Center parking lot.

Through generous partnerships with Tandem, Partners in Early Learning, Alameda County Community Food Bank, and 5SikhSeva, there will be FREE books, meals, groceries, and produce at our Children’s Fair. We are proud to work closely with these community partners along with two dozen others who will be sharing about their services and programs at our annual event!

Visit 4calameda.o rg/childrensfair to learn more about our Children’s Fair. You can view the full flyer in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Lunches provided for all event guests in partnership with

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors

Week of the Young Child Campaign Raised $3,500

Last week, $3,500 was raised during Week of the Young Child in support for our essential programs and services that help children, families, and child care care providers succeed. Thank you all for your participation in a wonderful week celebrating children, families, and the child care community.

We know now more than ever before about the importance of the early years of development in a child’s life. Yet, never before have the needs of young children and their families been more pressing. Let us continue to work together to promote early learning at home, child care, school, and in our communities by celebrating the children in our lives every day! We look forward to you joining us for next year's Week of the Young Child!

VITA at 4Cs is Closed for 2024 Tax Season

April 10, 2025 marked the final day for 4Cs of Alameda County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to accept tax returns for the 2024 season. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our clients for trusting us with your tax preparation needs. Your continued support means the world to us, and we are honored to serve such a wonderful community.

We look forward to continuing our service and assisting you again next year!

Resources

Enroll in 4Cs' Child Care Payment Assistance Program

Do you need assistance - or know of anyone who needs assistance - paying for child care? 4Cs is currently enrolling families living in Oakland, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Hayward, Castro Valley, Newark, Union City, or Fremont in our child care payment assistance programs!

You as the parent or guardian, may qualify for assistance if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Receive cash aid

• Received cash aid in the past 24 months and need child care for work, seeking employment, seeking housing, experiencing homelessness, training, incapacity, or CPS/At-Risk.

• Have low to moderate income and need child care in order to work, are seeking employment or seeking housing, experiencing homelessness, receiving job training, incapacitated, or are involved with CPS/At-Risk.

Parents or guardians may call (510) 582-2182 or visit 4calameda.org/parents-families/child-care-payment-assistance for further information.

Featured Events & Trainings

Early Learning Info Session

Wednesday, April 23rd

5pm-6:15pm

In-Person at Hayward Public Library

Join us for an Early Learning Info Session at the Hayward Public Library (888 C Street) hosted by 4Cs of Alameda County. This is a targeted event for Downtown Hayward Promise Neighborhood (DHPN) families to learn about early care options that are free of cost or low cost for children ages 3 and 4 years old. Dinner will be provided. The first 20 registered families that attend will receive a gift.

For information on eligibility please contact dianac@4c-alameda.org.

View the flyer (PDF) here.

Sesión de información Sobre Aprendizaje a Temprana Edad

Miércoles 23 de abril

5pm-6:15pm

En persona en la Biblioteca Pública de Hayward

Únase a nosotros para una Sesión Informativa sobre Aprendizaje Temprano en la Biblioteca Pública de Hayward (888 C Street) organizada por 4Cs del condado de Alameda. Este es un evento dirigido a las familias de Downtown Hayward Promise Neighborhood (DHPN) para conocer las opciones de cuidado temprano que son gratuitas o de bajo costo para niños de 3 y 4 años. Se proporcionará la cena. Las primeras 20 familias registradas que asistan recibirán un regalo.

Para obtener información sobre elegibilidad, comuníquese con dianac@4c-alameda.org.

Ver el folleto (PDF) aquí.

Valley Family Child Care Association (VFCCA) of Alameda County Symposium

Satuday, May 3rd | 10am-4pm

In-Person at Robert Livermore Community Center

Valley Family Child Care Association (VFCCA) of Alameda County Is excited to announce Symposium 2025 and family fair on Saturday, May 3^rd. The Symposium 2025 will educate parents and providers in our community about Measure C. Lunch will be provided. The second half of the event, the Family Fair, will provide attendees the opportunity to connect and engage with other community members. This is a free event for Parents, Providers and the ECE partners. View more information and register at familychildcareassociation.com/vfcca-symposium-2025.