Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Using Observation to Guide Your Teaching

Observation is at the heart of early childhood assessment and is a key guide in how teachers support children. It includes gathering, recording, and reflecting on information about children’s progress. Quality observations communicate each child’s individuality and context: because every child has strengths, interests, and experiences connected to their unique home and community contexts, it makes sense that observations and other assessments should provide a comprehensive view of who each child is, what they know, and what they can do.

Effective teachers intentionally watch and listen to children—whether during a daily routine or a planned activity, on a particular day, and over time. Sometimes, we can tell a teacher is observing by what they say. 

During our visits, we often hear a teacher share things like

  •  “Jamal is starting to recognize the letters in his name. Today he pointed to an A in a book and said, ‘That’s MY letter.’”
  •  “Marisu has incredible balance. Did you see how long she stood on one foot today?!”
  •  “Jacintha made up another song while she was in the dramatic play center today. She comes up with the most wonderful melodies.”

Other times, we can tell a teacher is observing by their documentation. Teachers use anecdotal records, audio and video recordings, checklists and rating scales, and other means to document children’s learning and growth. Documentation can be reviewed, reflected on, and used to make decisions, including the next steps in planning for a group and for individual children.

Read more, here.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950



Sunday, November 27, 2022

Chef Lily’s Tip: Lime It Up!


Watch Chef Lily’s video learn to experiment with combining familiar tastes with unfamiliar ones.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Monday, November 21, 2022

Reimbursement for CPR/First Aid Classes -

 
Have you taken, or plan to take CPR or First Aid between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023?
 
Providers who take CPR and First Aid typically pay about $100 for the combination of both. Our current reimbursement funding allows us to reimburse you for up to $60 for that! Plus, we can reimburse family child care providers for up to two people and up to three people for child care centers.
 
Here are the guidelines you will need to follow to receive this reimbursement:
  • The training you receive must be EMSA approved, (approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority). This is the agency which approves health and safety training for child care providers. For a list of EMSA approved trainers and the counties they serve, follow this link: EMSA Approved Trainers 
  • The training may also be taken through The American Heart Association, "Heart Saver Pediatric CPR AED & First Aid," or
  • American Red Cross, "California Child Care Pediatric First Aid and CPR."
All training needs to be taken in person.
Online courses cannot be reimbursed.
 
Once completed, follow this link for the application. Complete the application, and return it, along with the required documents, to our office. The reimbursement will be directly deposited into your account.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by phone or email.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950



Friday, November 18, 2022

Elmo Isn't Sleepy


Elmo’s getting ready for bed with his dad, Louie. He’s finished his usual routine (taking a bath, putting on pajamas, and brushing his teeth). Finally, it’s time for their bedtime lullaby. But Elmo isn’t sleepy! 

Sesame Street in Communities brings free video content of everyone's favorite, furry Muppet friends as they help children and the adults in their lives reach their highest potential. Grover and the gang will tackle a variety of topics that face children in the areas of health and well-being, school readiness, and emotional well-being. Some of the content and topics presented are more sensitive, so you should preview these videos before sharing with a child.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

A survey of kids’ well-being and roadmap for the future

The 2022 California Children’s Report Card, the latest edition of the state’s most comprehensive report on children’s health, education, and well-being. This year’s Report Card grades California on 32 key children’s issues, from prenatal to age 26, and includes data related to the impact of the COVID pandemic on California kids.

The 2022 Report Card highlights some good news: key areas of improvement in the state’s ability to meet the needs of California’s children with increased funding and policy advances. For example, state leaders earned an A- for Preschool & Transitional Kindergarten, due in part to a historic down payment towards adding an extra grade for all 4-year-olds by 2025, and an A- for health coverage, thanks to California’s national leadership in ensuring insurance for all children, including undocumented kids.

However, there are far too many low grades in the Report Card this year, including in behavioral health (D+), health care accountability (D-), child care (D+), adults on campus (D), unaccompanied homeless youth (D+), and supports for students in foster care (D), among others. As we approach the third year of the pandemic, we’re seeing the disproportionate impact it is having on kids, particularly children of color, children growing up in poverty, and children in foster care – many of whom have lost their caregivers, endured months of isolation, and been deprived of basic education and health resources – and the grades in the Report Card reflect this unacceptable situation.

While these low grades are disappointing, we know that California has the ability to improve outcomes for kids when the State puts them first. We’ve seen it before, and the few high grades in the latest Report Card demonstrate that we can do it again. But we need to be consistent. Now is the time for state leaders to take the bold, long-term steps needed to ensure that every child in California has access to the full range of quality supports that they need to grow up healthy, educated, safe, and prepared for the future.

Read more, here.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Job Announcement : Resource & Referral Specialist I Bilingual Spanish

Do you have a desire to assist families and child care facilities in Solano County with their
child care needs by providing resources, technical assistance, and information on child care
related topics? If you think you would enjoy assisting with the development and
presentation of workshops and training series for the community, this might be the
opportunity you have been waiting for.

WHO WE ARE:
Solano Family & Children’s Services creates connections for families and child care
providers to support the healthy development of children for a thriving community.
We hire individuals who have a strong work ethic and are looking for a career that
supports our mission and impact in Solano County.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The Resource & Referral Specialist I will consult with families to determine child care needs
and provide education regarding quality child care, community resources and child care
referrals. This person will also support the Resource & Referral Program staff in the
development and presentation of workshops and training series for the community, as well
as maintain and develop the SFCS community Lending Library services.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate should be proficient with strong written and verbal communication
skills, excellent customer services skills and be familiar with Microsoft Office products.
• At least 12 Core Units of Early Childhood Education/Child Development required
• Minimum one year of experience in child care, preschool, or related field
• One year office experience preferred
• Experience in using a computer database program, internet experience, or
equivalent combination of related education and experience
• Strong communication (written/verbal) & organizational skills
• Multi-task oriented
• Excellent customer service skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products
• Ability to attend off-site and evening/weekend trainings, meetings, workshops, etc.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Drug screen and background check required after offer of position. Full job
description is available on our website at www.solanofamily.org or request via
email at kparkham@solanofamily.org. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Staying Healthy


Routines are key to keeping healthy. Brushing teeth, washing hands, eating well, and exercising every day help everyone grow and thrive. “Every so often” routines, such as doctor and dentist checkups, ensure that families have the support, information, and care they need to help kids stay well!

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Job Announcement : Provider Services Specialist I

If you have a desire to serve the community by assisting with reimbursements for services to subsidized families, have caseload management experience, would enjoy educating child care providers on policies and procedures for participation on the Child Care Subsidy Program, and have strong accounting skills this may be the position you have been waiting for.

WHO WE ARE:
Solano Family & Children’s Services promotes and advocates for the well-being of children, their families and child care providers, by offering access to a variety of child care resources. We hire individuals who have a strong work ethic and are looking for a career that supports our mission and impact in Solano County.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The Provider Services Specialist is responsible for processing provider reimbursements for services rendered to the Subsidy Program as well as educating participating child care providers on the program policies and regulations. They are also responsible for determining initial and continuing eligibility for participation, generating required program documents, facilitating provider orientations, and maintaining provider files.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate should be proficient with a variety of responsibilities including experience providing good customer service as well as having at least two years office experience including working with computers.
• Excellent math skills
• Strong accounting experience
• Organizational skills
• Good customer service

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Drug screen and background check required after offer of position. Full job description is available on our website at www.solanofamily.org or request via email at kparkham@solanofamily.org. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Job Announcement : Family Navigator I

Do you have a desire to assistance families with young children by connecting them to
Solano County programs and services? Do you have an outgoing, energetic, and positive
personality? This may be the position you’ve been waiting for.

WHO WE ARE:
Solano Family & Children’s Services (SFCS) promotes and advocates for the well-being of
children, their families and child care providers, by offering access to a variety of child care
resources. We hire individuals who have a strong work ethic and are looking for a career
that supports our mission and impact in Solano County.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The SFCS Family Navigator representative will have daily phone and in-person interaction
with SFCS Family Services Specialists and Subsidized Child Care parents, while assisting
clients with child care referrals, connections to community services, data entry,
documenting, and making follow up calls. This person will serve as a liaison between the
Child Care Subsidy Program and R&R/Help Me Grow. The Navigator will assist with the
development and implementation of policies and procedures related to subsidy child care
referrals, and the HMG program.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate should be proficient with a variety of responsibilities including
Microsoft products, excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, as well
as customer service and listening skills.
• At least 12 Core Units of Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a BA or AA degree in
Child Dev/ECE PREFERRED.
• Minimum one year experience working with families, in the Subsidized Child Care
Program, in a social service agency, call center, or similar community resource
service PREFERRED
• Ability to ask inquiring questions, identify and understand concerns, and determine
appropriate referrals.
• Must possess a professional and friendly attitude to quickly develop a rapport with
clients.

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Drug screen and background check required after offer of position. Full job description is
available on our website at www.solanofamily.org or request via email at
kparkham@solanofamily.org. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950