Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Andrew Garfield and Elmo Explain Grief | Sesame Workshop


Grieving may never completely end, but working through difficult feelings can get easier with time.

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

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Sesame Street: Brushy Brush Song Animated | Healthy Teeth for Kids


Get ready to brush your teeth with Elmo to the classic Brushy Brush song - now animated! 

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

Monday, October 21, 2024

Sesame Street: Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration - Alex's L...


Alex writes a letter to his dad. He misses Dad, but realizes that his friends and family will always be there for him.

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

Friday, October 18, 2024

Job Announcement : Family Navigator I Bilingual

Do you have a desire to assist 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 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 HMG Family Navigator representative is responsible for connecting young children and their families to programs and services throughout Solano County by staffing the Help Me Grow Solano Program via phone line, internet and in person. They will input data, refer clients to partner agencies for services and screening, and develop and maintain contacts with other Help Me Grow Partners.

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 Development/Early Childhood Education 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.
• Must possess a professional and friendly attitude and be able to quickly develop a rapport with clients over the phone.
• Multi-task oriented.
• Ability to attend off-site trainings, meetings, workshops, etc.
• Bilingual Spanish helpful.

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW:
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, October 15, 2024

SMART SHOPPING FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

1. Craft Nutrient-Packed Menus
Designing menus that meet the CACFP nutrition requirements is key to providing children with the best possible meals. By planning balanced meals that include a variety of foods from different food groups, you’re ensuring that the children receive the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Thoughtful menu planning also helps you streamline your shopping list and minimize waste. Need some inspiration? Check out our CACFP Compliant Recipe Book by subscribing to our Monthly Newsletter, filled with healthy options for your childcare business!

2. Embrace the Power of Seasonal Foods
Seasonal eating not only introduces kids to diverse flavors but also helps you save on costs. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season into your menus. These items tend to be more affordable and offer the children an opportunity to explore the changing tastes of different times of the year.

3. Leverage Discounts and Specials
Stay vigilant for discounts, special offers, and coupons from local stores and suppliers. Many stores offer deals on items that fit into your CACFP-approved meal plans. Being aware of these promotions helps you stretch your budget further while continuing to provide nutritious meals.

4. Maximize Bulk Purchases
Buying pantry staples like whole grains, legumes, and pasta in bulk quantities can significantly reduce costs. This strategy not only saves you money but also reduces packaging waste. You can involve the children in the process by showing them how you measure and store these items, imparting valuable lessons about portions and sustainability.

5. Discover Affordable Options at Discount Stores
Discount grocery stores such as Aldi, Lidl, and Trader Joe’s can be valuable resources for childcare providers on a budget. These stores often offer a variety of budget-friendly, nutritious options that align with your meal plans.

6. Embrace Store-Brand Quality
Opt for store-brand products when appropriate. These items are often just as nutritious as name-brand products but are cheaper. You can provide high-quality meals without overspending by selecting store-brand items for staples like dairy products, canned goods, and whole grains.

7. Frozen Produce: Convenient and Nutritious

Frozen fruits and vegetables are excellent choices for childcare providers. They retain their nutritional value, are more affordable than fresh produce, and have a longer shelf life. These items are beneficial on busy days when you need quick and nutritious meal options for the kids.

Learn more, here.

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

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Talking About Uncle Jack


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

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Apply for the Live Your Dream Award

The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application through the online application system between August 15 - November 15. Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards finalist has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation, or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on reaching her dreams.

The first level of judging occurs at the club level. Please note: each club has their own judging process, timeline, and award amount. Most clubs announce their recipients between January and April.

Timelines to receive funds are dependent on your local club.

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

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Job Announcement : Family Navigator ; Bilingual





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






Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Mindful Monsters: Bubble Breathing with Abby Cadabby | Social Emotional ...


Focusing on the breath is a mindfulness strategy that can provide a sense of calm and help us reset. Join Abby to practice a bubble breathing exercise in this podcast. 

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

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Mindful Monsters: Self-Love Mantras with Grover | Social Emotional Skills


Mindfulness can be a superpower for young children to feel better, build confidence, and find focus. Practice a mindfulness strategy with Grover by repeating the special mantras in this video with children – that they are loved, kind, brave, and growing every day! 

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


Thursday, September 12, 2024

Monday, September 9, 2024

Child Care Provider Engagement




This is an in person meeting held the 3rd Wednesday of every month

Check out our upcoming engagement opportunity events:


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



Friday, September 6, 2024

Ernie & Bert’s Brainfood Breakfast | Emotional Well-Being


Ernie and Bert demonstrate how food impacts our feelings and moods. 

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


Monday, September 2, 2024

Saturday, August 31, 2024

Rosita Helps Friends Resolve Hurt Feelings | Resilience


Misunderstandings and hurt feelings can be learning moments. In this video, the friends’ teacher helps them resolve a conflict around boys playing with dolls. 

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

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Job Announcement : Family Services Specialist I


Are you interested in working in an environment that can make a positive impact in your community by building relationships with families? This might 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 Family Services Specialist will determine initial and continuing parent eligibility for subsidized child care services. This person will maintain a client caseload at full capacity of a specific program or at 80 percent capacity when managing multiple programs. This person will also be responsible for providing supportive services to families in Solano County who are participating on the child care subsidy program.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate has strong communication, organization, customer service, and critical thinking skills. This person must have knowledge and the ability to use computers for client data, word processing and a calendar of events. This person must be able to work as part of a team and be available to travel throughout California to attend conferences, workshops, trainings, and community meetings.

• Two years’ experience in a position involving community or social
service work
• One year interviewing and caseload management experience
• Experience determining eligibility for a public assistance program
preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education/experience

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Background check is required after an offer of the position. A full job description is available on our website at www.solanofamily.org or you can request one 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




Sunday, August 25, 2024

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Solano Provider Orientation


Welcome to Solano Family and Children's Services!  All providers must attend a Subsidy Provider Orientation at the SFCS office.  Providers must meet the provider requirements as stated in our handbook in order to receive reimbursements from us.  We hope that the information contained in this video is helpful to you!

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

Monday, August 19, 2024

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Solano Provider Orientation


Welcome to Solano Family and Children's Services!  All providers must attend a Subsidy Provider Orientation at the SFCS office.  Providers must meet the provider requirements as stated in our handbook in order to receive reimbursements from us.  We hope that the information contained in this video is helpful to you!

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


Saturday, August 10, 2024

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Brain Building Basics


Science made simple! Remember these 5 steps to help build your child's brain.

The five Brain Building Basics are the foundations for all Vroom Tips. Best of all, parents already have all they need to take these basics and create brain building moments!

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


Thursday, August 1, 2024

Professional Development Around Brain Science


Use these resources to support professional development around brain science for child care programs.
Vroom® has created free brain building tips that share intentional ways to encourage more quality interactions during everyday moments with children. These Vroom Tips™ give caregivers effective, easy ways to promote learning and bond with children. Vroom makes it easy for caregivers to create connections that help their children thrive now and in the future. Vroom Tips help caregivers turn everyday routines into brain building moments with their children.

Child Care Aware® of America has developed additional webinars and resources with Vroom content for sharing the brain science with educators, embedding the brain science in child care programs, and sharing brain building practices with families and children in the classroom.

Learn more, here.

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


Monday, July 29, 2024

Child Care Provider Training & Professional Development

Solano Family & Children's Services provides a wide variety of FREE or low-cost training and professional development opportunities for child care providers.

Topics are offered in several essential areas:

  • Health & Safety
  • Child Observation and Developmental Screenings
  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Inclusion/Caring for Children with Special Needs
  • Activity/Curriculum Planning
  • Business of Family Child Care
Access our Training Calendar below to register for topics of your choice.

TRAINING CALENDAR

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


Friday, July 26, 2024

Sesame Street: Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration - What is ...


Alex talks with Abby, Rosita, and Sofia about his dad's incarceration. Sofia explains what "incarceration" means and reveals that her dad was also incarcerated when she was a child.

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


Tuesday, July 23, 2024

INCENTIVES AVAILABLE! The Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP)


Complete an application and start receiving the
support and training from the CCIP Team!


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


Saturday, July 20, 2024

The Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP)

The Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP) is a free training and support program for individuals who are starting a family child care business and for existing providers.

• Assistance with completing the licensing application and support through the licensing process
• Home visit to help you prepare for the pre-licensing visit with Child Care Licensing
• Training and technical assistance for established providers

Training topics may include:

  • Child Development/Learning Environments
  • Preventive Health and other Health Related Topics
  • Inclusive Settings and Caring for Children with Special Needs
  • Observation, Screening, and Assessment
  • Leadership, Professionalism, Administration, and Supervision
  • Family and Community Engagement
  • Business of Family Child Care
Call us at 707-863-3950 EXT 752 for Technical Assistance

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


Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Body Boundaries Make Me Stronger by Elizabeth Cole | Body Safety, Privat...


"Every parent must navigate the tricky situation of teaching kids about personal boundaries in a healthy, age-appropriate manner. Finding the right personal safety books to do it, however, just got easier with this book about personal space.

Little Nick’s story is a beautifully illustrated consent book for parents to read with their little boys and girls. In this boundaries for kids book, Little Nick experiences several situations that make him uncomfortable, but once he tells his parents, he gains new ways to address the situations.

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


Sunday, July 14, 2024

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Child Care Provider

Attend a Licensing Orientation

  • Register for the orientation with Community Care Licensing at either the Rohnert Park office (residents of Benicia, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun, and Vallejo) or the Chico office (residents of Dixon and Vacaville)
  • Call Rohnert Park office 707.588.5026 or Chico office 530.895.5033
  • Complete the orientation online for $25, plus a processing fee of $2.43 (for a total of $27.43) at www.ccld.ca.gov


Complete Health & Safety Trainings:
  • 8 hours of CPR and First Aid
  • 8 hours of Preventative Health Practices training
  • Complete the Mandated Child Abuse Reporting training online at: http://childcare.mandatedreporterca.com
Additional Required Documents:
  • All adults in the home over the age of 18 must provide proof of a current clear tuberculosis test
  • Applicant’s and assistants’ proof of immunization against influenza, pertussis and measles
Mail Application with these Documents to the Appropriate Office:
  • Copy of the orientation certificate
  • Copies of Health & Safety training cards/certificates, Mandated Child Abuse Reporting certificate
  • TB tests of all adults living in the home
  • Proof of immunizations for those who will work directly with the children
  • Check or money order for $73 for a small family child care or $140 for a large family child care
After You Have Submitted Your Application:
  • Community Care Licensing will send you a confirmation letter with your facility number
  • Use this number on the Livescan Form (LIC 9163) for each adult in the home for fingerprinting & background check
  • After DSS/CCL receives all clearances, you will receive a call from a licensing program analyst to schedule a time for a home inspection
  • Prepare your home for your visit from DSS/CCL

Contact the CCIP Team to get started on your journey of owning and operating your own family child care, workshops, networking,
and many other excellent opportunities available to you! 707-863-3950 EXT 752

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





Thursday, July 11, 2024

Become a Licensed Child Care Provider


Do you care for the child(ren) of a
family member, friend, or neighbor
as a licensed-exempt provider?

Are you interested in a rewarding
career caring for children in your
own home?

Family Child Care Providers regularly provide care, protection, and supervision for up to 14 children in the provider's own home for periods less than 24 hours.

SFCS is welcoming enquiries from committed and nurturing individuals, interested in establishing their own home based child care business.

                                         HERE                                                                 HERE

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






Monday, July 8, 2024

It's Not Your Fault


Pretend play can help children talk through tough situations.

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


Thursday, July 4, 2024

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

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

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Solano Family & Children's Services : Parenting


We work to engage families, programs, and communities in building the five protective factors through the following:

Learn the Signs. Act Early

Ask us how you can learn more about Family Strengthening for your family.

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




Saturday, June 29, 2024

The Bear and the Bee — UK English accent (TheFableCottage.com)


Our version of the Aesop tale, retold by TheFableCottage.com: Mr. Bear is hungry for honey. Unfortunately he has no talent for negotiating with bees... This short story about the dangers of losing your temper is told in the present tense and uses simple language — great for English language learners (and everyone else too!)

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


Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Thursday, June 20, 2024

'Sesame Street' tackles addiction


Sesame Street is tackling addiction with one of its latest segments.

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


Sunday, June 16, 2024

Friday, June 14, 2024

Solano Family & Children's Services : Family Strengthening


Family Strengthening

The Strengthening Families framework is a research-informed approach to increase family strengths, enhance child development, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.

Protective factors are characteristics or strengths of individuals, families, communities or societies that act to mitigate risks and promote positive well-being and healthy development. Most often, we see them as attributes that help families to successfully navigate difficult situations.

See more, here.


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


Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Be Kind | A Children's Story about things that matter


What exactly is kindness? What is it to be kind? Is it being helpful? Being polite? Does it have to be a big act to be more kind? Well maybe the smallest act is the most powerful. Let's have a look at this meaningful book BE KIND by author Pat Zietlow Miler and illustrator Jen Hill.

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


Saturday, June 8, 2024

Solano Family & Children's Services : Parent Engagement Opportunities

Parent Cafés are small intimate settings where parents and caregivers have an opportunity to talk about their parenting successes and challenges.

The Café setting allows parents, grandparents, child care providers, teachers, and any individual who cares for a child a chance to come together to listen, talk, build friendships, and support each other.

Parent Cafés implement family strengthening values to improve communication and strengthen relationships.

No cost to attend Cafés or Workshops

All trainings and workshops that SFCS offers are open to parents, child care providers, and anyone caring for children.

Access our Workshops Here

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