Purchase items that we can use for our lending library, donation closet, workshops, and programs from our Amazon Wishlist.
Visit Amazon Wishlist, here.
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Other Ways to Give : Goodshop
Help support us through Goodshop. When you shop online, a percentage of virtually every purchase at Walmart, Kohls, Home Depot, Travelocity, Staples and more go to Solano Family & Children's Services.
Visit Goodshop, here.
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Being Still and Quiet
Sometimes, self-care can be as simple as being still and quiet. Taking a few minutes to relax, focus, and listen can have a very positive impact on your health and happiness. Watch the video to learn more.
Monday, March 13, 2023
Four Toddler Snacking Mistakes
Toddlers are notorious nibblers. Their small bellies mean they can't eat a lot at one time, and their go-go-go nature means they don't want to sit at the table too long. Snacking can help add needed nourishment into a toddler's day — as long as it's done right. Here are four strategies to be smarter about snacks.
Strategy 1: Snacking on the Go
Carry one or two small and easy snacks — such as a banana or small container of whole-grain crackers —
in case hunger strikes while you're out. Try other distractions first (such as a book or small toy) when you
need to buy time.
Strategy 2: Timing Is Everything
Space meals and snacks two to three hours apart. If your toddler's hunger doesn't seem to match up with
your mealtimes, consider moving meals earlier or serving your child a portion of the meal, such as the
veggies, while you finish prepping.
Strategy 3: Make Snacks Nutritious
During most snack times, serve the same kinds of foods you serve at mealtime, such as fresh fruits and
vegetables, whole grains including whole-wheat tortillas and bread, sources of protein such as hard-boiled
eggs and hummus and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese.
Strategy 4: Establish a Snack Schedule
Establish scheduled snack times. Most toddlers can go two hours between meals and snacks, so a midmorning, mid-afternoon and evening snack may work well. Asking your toddler to wait may be tricky at first if munching on demand is the norm. By sticking to dependable meal and snack times, your child will feel reassured that there are plenty of opportunities to eat.
From eatright.org
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Friday, March 10, 2023
March is National Nutrition Month
To spread awareness and nutrition education, the entire month of March is National Nutrition Month, and the week of March 12-18 is Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week.
National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign held in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the campaign, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. The theme of this year's National Nutrition Month is Fuel for the Future. Eating with sustainability in mind is a tasty way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment.
Ideas to get involved
1. In your family childcare, commit to trying a new fruit or vegetable each week during National
Nutrition Month®.
2. Give children a role in meal planning and let them pick out different recipes to try.
3. Try more meatless meals — choices like beans, peas and lentils are versatile plant-based
protein sources that work in a variety of dishes.
4. Let everyone help with food preparation — for the kids, there are age-appropriate tasks they may enjoy learning how to do.
5. Bring out the flavors of food by trying new herbs, spices, or citrus fruit like lemon or lime.
6. Create a "nutrition question of the day" contest. Draw the name of a daily prize winner from those who provided the correct answer.
7. Vote for your favorite fruits and vegetables: Show various photos of produce and ask children to vote for their favorite vegetable and fruit. Post a tally board to record votes.
8. Ask children to carefully save food product labels from empty boxes. Spend some time reading labels and comparing information in the Nutrition Facts panels. Expand into a menu-planning opportunity, using MyPlate as the guide to a healthy meal.
9. Start a vegetable garden by planting seeds indoors or in the ground. If that's not feasible, consider showing videos on how to plant a garden.
10. Develop a lesson plan that explains the science behind ingredients needed for baking.
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Daily Movement
Getting just a little bit of exercise can go a long way. Regular movement every day can be a fun family activity.
Saturday, March 4, 2023
Breathe, Balance, and Bend: The 3 B’s of Calm Bodies
Our bodies need exercise, but they need downtime, too. Breathing, balancing, and bending give children (and adults!) a chance to rest their bodies and relax their minds.
Breathe
Breathing deeply and slowly is a calming strategy for anytime, anywhere.
Ask children to place their hands over their mouths and feel their breath. Together, breathe quickly, then slowly, and ask children to compare how each breath feels in their hands.
Then ask children to pretend their bellies are balloons. Encourage them to take long and deep breaths to fill the balloons with air, then breathe out through their mouths to let the air out.
Balance
Balancing helps kids focus and relax while building strength and coordination.
Lay down a piece of string or tape on the ground for a “balance beam”! You can make the beam wide for an easier version of the game and narrower for a challenge.
Use your imagination. For instance, you might pretend that the beam is high up in the air or over a rocky river—be careful not to fall!
Bend
Bending and stretching helps children become more flexible…and it feels great!
Ask kids to bend and stretch their whole bodies—from their head to their toes.
Give clear directions, starting with the head. (Nod it “yes” and shake it “no.” Next, roll the shoulders, twist the stomach, bend at the hips, and so on.) Get creative, and do more of the things that feel good!
Read more, here.
LOCATION
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Get Moving Anywhere, Anytime!
Kids don’t need a big outdoor space to move their bodies!
On the Go
Instead of walking to the car, encourage kids to jump like frogs or hop like bunnies. Even when buckled into a car seat, kids can stretch: reach up high, twist from side to side to look out both windows, and reach down low to tickle their toes!
In Front of the Television
Turn commercial breaks into quick dance parties—get up and dance until the commercial is over!
In the Bedroom
Sometimes kids need to “shake out some energy” before getting into bed. Ask children to hop to your directions—hop on their left foot and then their right, from one side of the room to another or in place, in a circle or a line, and so on.
Read more, here.
LOCATION
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Sneezing & Coughing Safely
Watch the video together with children. Remind them that when they feel a tickle in their noses or throats, they should remember the right way to sneeze and cough! Sneezing or coughing into your upper sleeve or elbow helps keep germs off your hands and away from other people. It’s easy as 1, 2, 3.
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Resources : What Every Elected Official Should Know About Hunger
FRAC has created a one-stop-shop for elected officials to get the facts on the extent of hunger in America and the solutions that exist to solve it.
Facts Every Elected Official Should Know About Hunger in the U.S.
- During COVID-19 the rate of food insecurity has reached crisis levels: 25 percent of adults and nearly 30 percent of those with children are struggling to put enough food on the table
- Even before COVID-19, rates of hunger and poverty were far too high. In 2019, more than 35 million people lived in households that struggled against hunger and 34 million people, including more than 10 million children, lived in poverty.
- Rural households and Black, Latinx, and Native American households experience disproportionately high rates of food insecurity.
- Hunger hurts us all. Eliminating hunger would save the nation billions of dollars in doctor and hospital bills, special education costs, and lost economic productivity.
- The Child Nutrition Programs are profoundly important programs with well-documented benefits to the health and well-being of children and families.
- Close to 80 percent of people who participate in SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) are either working or cannot work because they are children, older adults (60+), or have disabilities.
- SNAP boosts local economies. Estimates issued by Moody’s Analytics and others of the economic growth impact of SNAP during a recession range from $1.73 to $1.79 per $1 of SNAP benefits.
- Hunger is an economic condition. Policies that promote a full employment economy with adequate wages and incomes can take the country a long way toward ending hunger.
- Ending hunger is a goal that the American people fully support. Polls have consistently found that voters do not think the government is doing enough to solve hunger.
- The private sector – business, labor and charitable – efforts can bolster government’s leadership in alleviating hunger, but cannot take the place of government’s steadfast commitment, strong policies and adequate investments to end it.
Read more, here.
LOCATION
Monday, February 20, 2023
Resources : EveryChild California
For over 75 years, we have been inspiring and educating leaders of early learning and care programs for children from birth to 12. Our name, EveryChild California, an Association of Leaders Advancing Early Learning, represents our comprehensive approach to early childhood education and learning. We advocate for programs across the state, by supporting the development of the child's social, emotional and intellectual well being, all while in a safe and high quality learning environment.
History
Since its founding in 1943, formerly known as the California Child Development Administrators Association, EveryChild California has grown to serve all leaders in subsidized early care and education programs in California.
The original directors started the association to advocate against plans by the Roosevelt administration to close all Children's Centers, which the federal government sponsored under the Lanham Act so that mothers could work in the war industries. After World War II federal funding was withdrawn and EveryChild California successfully lobbied for State funds to continue the children's centers in California.
In the 1970s, we supported legislation to add new delivery models and more funds to including infant centers, Alternative Payment programs, Resource and Referral, Family Child Care Home Networks, nonprofit centers and campus centers. In recent past, EveryChild California has impacted changes on the funding terms and conditions, assisted in significantly increasing funding for the Pre-Kindergarten Family Literacy Program, successfully fought for an increase in the Standard Reimbursement Rate and supported the elimination of part-day Family Fees, amongst countless other contributions in support of the growing and powerful voice of California's ECE community.
Today, EveryChild California, an Association of Leaders Advancing Early Learning, continues to provide leadership and technical assistance to the early education field while working hard to be a steadfast and strong voice for all of California's children and families.
Find out more, here.
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Friday, February 17, 2023
The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Animated Film
In the internationally acclaimed The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a tiny caterpillar eats and eats…and eats his way through the week.
Taken from The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Stories collection. Based on Eric Carle's picture book.
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Saturday, February 11, 2023
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Valentine’s Day on Sesame Street! | Sesame Street Full Episode
Oh no! Elmo made Valentine’s Day cards for all of his friends, but his card for Abby Cadabby went missing! On top of that, Abby made cookies for Elmo, but the cookies were ruined! Find out how these two friends save Valentine’s Day in this Sesame Street Full Episode!
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Parent Financial Help
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The Subsidized Child Care Program may be able to help you pay for child care. We administer early learning and care programs that help low-income families and at-risk children who meet at least one of several Need and Eligibility criteria. The goal of these programs is to promote the health, growth, education, and care of children while their parents work, look for work, go to school, etc.
Parental Choice
SFCS does not provide direct child care. Care must be done by eligible Child Care Centers, Licensed Child Care Homes, or License-Exempt/TrustLined Providers. It is up to parents to choose the child care provider who will best meet their needs. Full or partial reimbursements for care are made directly to the provider.
Age Eligibility
Children are eligible for services through 12 years of age. Children with special needs may be eligible through 21 years of age.
Program Eligibility
Our staff will help you determine which program you may be eligible for.
Each program has strict eligibility guidelines, and all families must qualify under those guidelines to receive services.
CalWORKs Child Care Program
The CalWORKs program serves current and former CalWORKs Cash Aid Recipients.
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Solano Family and Childrens Services
- Free child care referrals for families seeking quality child care.
- Parent education and resources to help families make the best child care choices.
- Assistance for income eligible families with child care costs.
- Child care provider training and development to help them build sustainable businesses and provide quality, healthy and age-appropriate care.
- Child health, development, nutrition and safety education.
- Meal reimbursement program for child care providers serving nutritious meals and snacks to children in their care.
- Public education and advocacy for families and children at the local, state and national level.
- Our agency also collects data on child care demand and capacity to help in planning for local child care needs.
LOCATION
Monday, January 30, 2023
Teaching Belly Breathing
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.
Friday, January 27, 2023
What are the benefits of the CACFP?
Participants in the CACFP receive a monthly reimbursement payment for providing nutritious meals and snacks to the children in their care. Providers may claim reimbursement for:
Up to two main meals and one snack, per child, per day /OR
Up to two snacks and one main meal, per child, per day
ALL children from infant through 12 years of age qualify for participation in the program REGARDLESS of their family income level. Some providers may also be eligible to claim their own residential children on the CACFP.
Parents appreciate when their provider participates on the program. It gives them peace of mind, knowing they don’t have to worry about packing daily meals and snacks for their children to eat in the provider’s home. This can really help when marketing your family child care home business.
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
What is the Child and Adult Care Food Program?
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program operated through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services Program. The primary purpose of the program is to provide nutritious meals and snacks to children who are in a child care home setting. Solano Family & Children’s Services (SFCS) sponsors the Food Program in Solano and Napa counties.
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Saturday, January 21, 2023
How to practice emotional first aid | Guy Winch
We'll go to the doctor when we feel flu-ish or a nagging pain. So why don’t we see a health professional when we feel emotional pain: guilt, loss, loneliness? Too many of us deal with common psychological-health issues on our own, says Guy Winch. But we don’t have to. He makes a compelling case to practice emotional hygiene — taking care of our emotions, our minds, with the same diligence we take care of our bodies.
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
ATTEN : Providers who are now Small Family Child Care
Happy New Year, Dear Providers,
You may already be aware of the Child Care Infrastructure Grant that provides funding for child care providers to expand capacity at their homes or centers. The initial applications have to be in by Jan 31 so the time frame is super tight.
Background
The California Department of Social Services has $150 million appropriated in grants for new construction and major renovation of child care programs. Funds shall be used to make extensive alterations, structural changes, and/or major renovation to existing child care facilities, and for construction to build new child care spaces. The grant must be used to increase licensed spaces by:
Renovating or building out an existing facility by adding classrooms
Constructing a brand-new center-based facility
Replacing a facility lost due to a state or federally declared disaster
Expanding Small Family Child Care Homes to Large Family Child Care Homes
Good news! There is a team of advisors who are ready to help you navigate the application process. All of the information about the grant and the help being offered by Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center at NO COST is in this link: Child Care Infrastructure Grant - Solano-Napa SBDC (solanonapasbdc.org)
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity!
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Job Announcement : Resource & Referral Specialist I
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 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 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
• One year office experience or equivalent training program required
• AA degree preferred
• Multi-task orientated
• Minimum one year center or home-based family child care experience or
experience working in a resource & referral program or similar community
resource service preferred
• Ability to attend off-site trainings, meetings, workshops, etc.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds
• CA Driver License and dependable auto with insurance coverage that is required by
law
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
JYarrow@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, January 12, 2023
How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime | Nadine Burke Harris
Childhood trauma isn’t something you just get over as you grow up. Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris explains that the repeated stress of abuse, neglect and parents struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues has real, tangible effects on the development of the brain. This unfolds across a lifetime, to the point where those who’ve experienced high levels of trauma are at triple the risk for heart disease and lung cancer. An impassioned plea for pediatric medicine to confront the prevention and treatment of trauma, head-on.
Monday, January 9, 2023
Job Announcement : Data Specialist
Are you an experienced data professional with a desire to analyze, collect, sort, and
create testable electronic data? Do you enjoy compiling data and creating reports?
Are you able to present your findings in a professional, yet easy to understand
manner? This may be the position you’ve 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 Data Specialist is responsible for data collection, cleaning, analyses, and
reporting to inform decision making, planning, and continuous improvement.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:
Our ideal candidate should be proficient with a variety of responsibilities including
data analyses procedures; acquiring and compiling data from appropriate resources
– verifying its quality, accuracy, and reasonableness; checking source data to verify
completeness and accuracy; performing analysis of data; as well as translating and
presenting the data.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent work experience
• At least three years statistical and/or data analytics experience
• Experience with SQL and Tableau or similar product
• Non-profit experience a plus
• Prepare and submit various reports
• Communicate issues and provide regular feedback
• Regular attendance and schedule adherence
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 JYarrow@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
Friday, January 6, 2023
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 JYarrow@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
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Caring for Myself, Caring for Others
Watch this video together with children and explain that when you take good care of yourself, you’re taking good care of others, too. Then talk about other ways we can show how much others mean to us.
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