The Anxiety Iceberg For Kids - What Anxiety Looks Like vs. What It Feels Like

Does your child ever seem quiet, snappy, or like they just don't care, when something completely different is going on inside? Anxiety is often invisible. What people see on the outside is usually only a small part of what a child is actually feeling underneath. This video introduces kids and teens to the Anxiety Iceberg, a simple tool that helps them understand the difference between how anxiety looks and how anxiety feels. Great for elementary and middle school students, with concepts that apply to teenagers too.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

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A Time to Talk | Elmo and His Grown-Ups Manage Big Feelings | Emotional Well-being

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

How to Choose Child Care That Fits Your Family's Needs

Choosing child care is an important decision for families. Parents and guardians want an environment where children can learn, explore, build relationships, and receive appropriate care while adults meet work, education, or other responsibilities.

There is no single child care arrangement that works for every family. Understanding your priorities and knowing what questions to ask can make the decision-making process more manageable.

Start With Your Family's Schedule
Consider the hours when care is needed, the location that works best for your household, and whether the arrangement can accommodate your schedule.

Some families need full-day care, while others need part-time or alternative arrangements. Transportation, work schedules, school schedules, and backup plans for unexpected closures may also influence the decision.

Writing down your practical requirements can help you evaluate available options more clearly.

Understand the Different Care Settings
Child care can take place in several settings, including licensed family child care homes and licensed child care centers.

Family child care homes generally operate in a residential setting, while centers typically provide care in a dedicated facility. Programs may differ in group size, daily routines, learning activities, and the ages they serve.

Neither setting is automatically the best choice for every child. What matters is finding an appropriate environment that meets your family's needs and complies with applicable licensing requirements.

Look Beyond Convenience
Location and scheduling are important, but the quality of the care environment deserves careful attention.

When evaluating a provider, consider questions such as:

Are the spaces clean, safe, and appropriate for the children's ages?
How do caregivers communicate with children and respond to their needs?
What are the daily routines for meals, rest, play, and learning?
How does the provider communicate with parents and guardians?
What are the policies for illness, emergencies, supervision, and pickup?
How are children's developmental needs and individual differences addressed?
If possible, observe the environment and ask how the program handles situations that matter most to your family.

Why Early Childhood Experiences Matter
Young children learn through relationships, play, exploration, and everyday experiences. A supportive care environment can provide opportunities to practice communication, develop social skills, explore new ideas, and build confidence.

Children develop at different rates, and their needs change over time. Families can benefit from communicating regularly with caregivers about a child's interests, routines, and development.

Ask About Resources and Financial Assistance
Child care costs can be a significant household expense. Families who need help paying for care may have access to assistance programs, depending on eligibility requirements, available funding, and program rules.

It is important to understand that eligibility does not necessarily guarantee immediate placement or assistance. Families should ask about current requirements, waiting lists, and application procedures.

Solano Family & Children's Services provides child care resource and referral services, information about licensed child care providers, and a subsidized child care program for eligible families.

Find an Arrangement That Supports Your Family
Choosing child care involves balancing practical needs with confidence in the care environment. Taking time to ask questions, understand options, and review available resources can help families make a more informed decision.

The right arrangement is one that fits the family's circumstances while supporting the child's safety, development, and well-being.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Understanding Developmental Milestones in Young Children

Children grow and develop through a series of changes in movement, communication, thinking, and social interaction. Developmental milestones describe skills that many children demonstrate by certain ages. They can help parents and caregivers observe progress and recognize when additional support may be useful.

Milestones generally cover several areas of development.

Communication and language include skills such as responding to sounds, using gestures, learning words, and gradually combining words into sentences.

Physical development includes large-muscle movements such as sitting, walking, running, and climbing, as well as smaller movements such as grasping objects, turning pages, and using crayons.

Social and emotional development involves connecting with familiar adults, expressing feelings, responding to others, and learning to participate in shared activities.

Thinking and problem-solving includes exploring objects, noticing patterns, imitating actions, and discovering how things work.

Development does not follow an identical timetable for every child. Children have individual strengths, and a skill may emerge at a different pace depending on many factors. However, concerns about a child's development should not be dismissed simply because children develop differently.

Parents and caregivers can support development by talking, reading, singing, playing, and giving children opportunities to practice age-appropriate skills. Observing how a child communicates and interacts during ordinary routines can also provide useful information.

If a parent has concerns, discussing them with the child's health care provider is an important step. Developmental screening is designed to identify children who may benefit from a closer evaluation; it does not, by itself, establish a diagnosis.

Solano Family & Children's Services offers family resources that include free developmental screening opportunities and the Help Me Grow Solano program, which connects families with resources that support young children's development.

Paying attention to milestones is not about comparing children or creating pressure. It is about understanding development, celebrating progress, and helping families recognize when additional guidance may be beneficial.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Feelings Thermometer For Kids | Identify And Manage Big Emotions

Does your child struggle to explain how they're feeling until they're already melting down? Do big emotions seem to come out of nowhere, going from zero to a hundred? A Feelings Thermometer is a simple visual tool that helps kids and teens recognize how strong their emotions are, and catch them early, before they boil over. This video teaches children three steps for using a Feelings Thermometer to identify their emotions and choose a coping skill that actually fits how they feel. Great for elementary and middle school students, with concepts that apply to teenagers too.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

 

Why Play Is an Important Part of Early Childhood Development

Play is one of the ways young children learn about themselves and the world around them. What may look like a simple game can help a child practice language, movement, problem-solving, cooperation, and emotional expression.

During pretend play, children use imagination to explore everyday experiences. A child pretending to run a grocery store might practice counting, sorting, taking turns, and using new vocabulary. These activities can support early learning without requiring formal lessons.

Building blocks, puzzles, and sorting games encourage children to notice patterns, compare shapes, and solve problems. When a structure falls over, a child has an opportunity to try a different approach and learn through experimentation.

Physical play supports coordination and body awareness. Activities such as walking along a line, tossing a soft ball, dancing, and climbing on age-appropriate equipment give children opportunities to develop movement skills. Safe outdoor play can also encourage curiosity about nature.

Play with other children offers valuable social experiences. Children practice sharing materials, negotiating roles, expressing feelings, and resolving small disagreements. Adults can support these interactions by modeling respectful language and helping children identify emotions.

Not every activity needs to be carefully planned. Simple materials such as cardboard boxes, crayons, blocks, books, and household objects can inspire creative exploration when used safely and with appropriate supervision.

Solano Family & Children's Services supports families and child care providers through resources related to early childhood development, parenting, child care, and developmental screening.

Understanding the value of play helps adults recognize that learning happens throughout the day. By creating safe opportunities for exploration, conversation, movement, and imagination, caregivers can help children develop important skills at their own pace.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Why Developmental Milestones Matter in Early Childhood

Children develop at their own pace, but developmental milestones provide useful ways for parents and caregivers to understand how children are growing.

Milestones can involve communication, movement, social interaction, problem-solving, and other areas of development.

Milestones Are Not a Competition
One child may speak earlier while another may develop physical skills sooner. Comparing children can create unnecessary anxiety.

Developmental milestones are better viewed as general indicators rather than a competition or a rigid schedule.

Why Screening Can Be Helpful
Developmental screening can provide families with information about how a child is progressing.

It can also help identify areas where additional attention or support may be beneficial.

Early Information Can Be Valuable

If a developmental concern is identified, learning about it early can give families more time to understand the child's needs and explore appropriate support.

Parents do not need to wait until a concern becomes severe before asking questions.

Paying attention to a child's development is simply part of supporting healthy growth.

Everyday Activities Support Development
Parents can support development through ordinary activities.

Talking with children, reading together, singing, playing, allowing children to explore safely, and encouraging age-appropriate independence can all create opportunities for learning.

The early years provide an important foundation, and families do not have to navigate that period without information or support.

Building Stronger Families Through Community Resources
Raising children involves more than meeting basic physical needs. Families also benefit from information, relationships, resources, and opportunities to connect with their communities.

That is why family support services can play an important role in community well-being.

Families Have Different Needs
A family may need help understanding child care options. Another may need parenting resources. Someone else may be looking for developmental information or support finding appropriate services.

There is no single definition of what a family needs.

Resources are most useful when they recognize those differences.

Connection Can Reduce Isolation
Parenting can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when families are dealing with new challenges.

Parent engagement opportunities and community programs can give parents opportunities to exchange ideas, learn new skills, and build supportive relationships.

Supporting Children Means Supporting Adults
Children benefit when the adults around them have access to information and support.

That means family-strengthening work can have an impact beyond an individual parent or child.

When families are better connected to resources and communities, they have more opportunities to create stable, nurturing environments in which children can grow.

Strong communities begin with strong connections, and supporting families is an important part of building those connections.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

A Color of His Own | Animated Book | Read Aloud

Today we’re reading A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni. While elephants are gray, pigs are pink, and parrots are green, a little chameleon keeps changing color wherever he goes. Wishing for a color that will always be his own, he decides to stay on the greenest leaf he can find. But when autumn arrives, the leaf changes from green to yellow to red—and the chameleon changes too! Then he meets another chameleon who suggests that they travel together. The little chameleon discovers that having a true friend is more important than having one color forever. This gentle classic is perfect for learning color words, seasons, change, friendship, belonging, and self-acceptance while building English vocabulary, listening comprehension, sequencing, and early literacy skills.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

 

Too Many Cooks | Learning to Share Roles with Elmo, Abby, and Rosita | Emotional Well-being

Elmo and his friends learn that working together—and sharing roles—helps playtime go more smoothly. 

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

 

Understanding the Importance of Quality Child Care

Choosing child care is an important decision for families. Parents need to consider safety, reliability, cost, location, schedules, and the environment in which their children will spend time.

Quality child care also plays a role in children's development.

Children Learn Through Relationships
Young children learn through interactions with adults and other children. Positive relationships provide opportunities for children to practice communication, cooperation, emotional regulation, and social skills.

A nurturing environment can help children feel secure enough to explore and learn.

Play Is an Important Part of Learning
Play is not simply something children do when they are finished learning. Play itself can be a learning experience.

Building, pretending, drawing, singing, sorting, and exploring can help children develop cognitive, physical, language, and social skills.

Families Have Different Needs
There is no single child-care arrangement that works for every family.

Work schedules, transportation, children's ages, family finances, and individual circumstances can all influence what a family needs.

That is why access to information is important. Parents can make more informed decisions when they understand the available resources and options.

Child-Care Assistance Can Matter
The cost of child care can be a significant consideration for families. Solano Family & Children’s Services provides information about subsidized child care and maintains resources related to licensed child-care providers.

The organization also supports child-care providers through training, professional development, resources, and related programs.

Finding appropriate child care involves many factors, but families do not have to approach the process without information. Understanding child development, asking questions, and learning about available community resources can help parents make thoughtful decisions for their children.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Why Early Childhood Development Matters

The early years of a child's life are filled with rapid growth and learning. Children are developing language, movement, social skills, emotional awareness, and problem-solving abilities as they interact with the world around them.

Understanding early childhood development can help parents and caregivers recognize the many ways children learn every day.

Development Happens in Many Areas
Children do not develop in only one category. Physical development involves movement and coordination. Language development includes communication and understanding. Social-emotional development involves relationships, emotions, and interactions with others.

Cognitive development includes learning, remembering, exploring, and solving problems.

These areas are connected. A child playing with another child, for example, may be practicing communication, social skills, motor skills, and problem-solving at the same time.

Everyday Activities Can Be Learning Opportunities
Children learn through ordinary experiences. Reading together, talking about what is happening, playing games, singing songs, drawing, building, and helping with simple tasks can all provide opportunities for learning.

Parents do not need to turn every moment into a formal lesson.

Development Is Individual
Children do not all reach developmental milestones at exactly the same time. There is a range of normal development, and individual circumstances can influence a child's progress.

Developmental screenings can provide useful information about how a child is progressing and whether additional discussion or support may be appropriate.

Families Benefit From Information and Resources
Parents and caregivers often have questions about child development, child care, parenting, and available community resources.

Solano Family & Children’s Services provides resources for parents and guardians, including free developmental screenings, parenting support, Help Me Grow Solano, and child-care resource and referral services.

Early childhood is a time of tremendous opportunity. Providing children with responsive relationships, safe environments, and opportunities to explore and learn helps create a strong foundation for continued development.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Zoe’s Get Well Basket | Emotional Well-being

When Zoe gets sick, Elmo, Abby, Wes, and Louie decide to make her a Get Well Basket.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

 

Why Developmental Milestones Matter

Children develop at different rates, and parents naturally have questions about whether their child is progressing as expected.

Developmental milestones provide one way to understand early childhood development.

Milestones describe skills that many children can demonstrate by certain ages in areas such as communication, movement, learning and social interaction.

Milestones Are Not a Race

Children do not all develop in exactly the same way or on exactly the same schedule.

Milestone information should therefore be used as a tool for awareness, not as a competition between children.

Parents and caregivers can watch for patterns and learn what skills are generally expected during different stages.

Why Early Awareness Matters

If a parent has concerns about a child's development, noticing those concerns early gives the family an opportunity to ask questions and seek appropriate information.

Solano Family & Children's Services offers free developmental screenings and also connects families with resources through Help Me Grow Solano. 

Everyday Activities Support Learning

Development does not only happen during formal educational activities.

Talking with a child, reading together, singing, playing, looking at pictures, practicing simple tasks and exploring the environment can all create opportunities for learning.

Young children learn through relationships and everyday experiences.

Parents Do Not Have to Know Everything

Parenting comes with an enormous amount of information.

It is normal to have questions.

Resources such as developmental screenings, parenting support, lending libraries and family engagement opportunities can give parents additional tools as they navigate the early years. Solano Family & Children's Services lists these resources among its services for parents and caregivers. 

The important thing is not to have every answer immediately.

It is to know where to find reliable information when a question comes up.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Understanding the Difference Between Child Care and Child Care Resources

Finding child care can be a major task for a family. There are schedules to consider, ages and needs to account for, costs to understand and providers to research.

That is why it can help to understand the difference between providing child care and helping families navigate child care resources.

Solano Family & Children's Services provides child-care resources and referrals for families in Solano County. Its services include help paying for child care, referrals to licensed child-care providers, developmental screenings, parenting support, a lending library and Help Me Grow Solano. 

Families Have Different Needs
There is no single child-care arrangement that works for every family.

Parents may need care during different hours, for different ages, or in settings that accommodate specific circumstances.

Solano Family & Children's Services offers a free list of licensed child-care providers and can personalize a search based on factors such as location, type of care, hours needed and children's ages. The organization explains that it provides referrals rather than making recommendations for individual providers. 

Financial Assistance Has Eligibility Requirements
For families looking for help paying for child care, eligibility is important.

Solano Family & Children's Services states that subsidized child-care programs may provide full or partial payment for eligible Solano County families. Eligibility and enrollment depend on program requirements, available funding and other factors. Applying does not automatically guarantee assistance. 

Resources Can Make the Search Easier
The child-care search can feel overwhelming because families are often making several decisions at once.

Having access to information about licensed providers, financial assistance, developmental resources and parenting support can help families better understand their options.

That is the role of child-care resource organizations: helping families navigate information and connect with appropriate resources.

For Solano County families, Solano Family & Children's Services is designed to be part of that resource connection.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Why You’re Always Tired (Even After 8 Hours of Sleep)

You're sleeping 7–8 hours… but waking up tired, unmotivated, and low on energy.

In this video, I break down the real reasons you feel tired all the time, even when you get enough sleep — and how simple habits can boost your energy, focus, and productivity fast.

This isn’t medical advice.

Just practical, science-backed lifestyle fixes you can use to feel more awake, more focused, and more productive every day.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

 

Small Learning Moments Can Make a Big Difference

Children are learning all the time.

Learning doesn't only happen at school or in a classroom. It happens while a child helps prepare a meal, listens to a story, sorts laundry, builds with blocks, asks questions, explores outside, or talks with a parent about something they noticed.

These everyday moments can support important developmental skills.

Reading together, for example, introduces children to language and vocabulary while also encouraging imagination. Counting objects during everyday activities can make early math concepts more meaningful. Letting children help with simple tasks can encourage independence.

Perhaps most importantly, these activities create opportunities for adults and children to connect.

Parents don't need expensive toys or complicated lesson plans to encourage learning. A conversation during a walk can become a lesson about nature. Cooking together can become an opportunity to practice counting and measuring. A trip to the grocery store can involve colors, shapes, numbers, and new vocabulary.

Solano Family & Children's Services provides resources designed to support families, including developmental screenings, parenting support, Help Me Grow Solano, and a lending library with books and activity resources.

The important thing is to stay curious with your child.

Ask questions. Listen to their answers. Let them explore. Celebrate their efforts.

Those little moments may seem ordinary, but they are part of how children learn about themselves and the world around them.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Finding the Right Child Care Is About More Than a Location

Choosing child care is a big decision.

For many families, the right program needs to balance schedule, location, cost, learning opportunities, safety, and the individual needs of the child. There is no single child-care arrangement that works perfectly for every family.

That is why having access to reliable information can make such a difference.

Families may want to consider questions such as:

What hours does the program offer?

What age groups does it serve?

What is the caregiver-to-child ratio?

What activities are offered throughout the day?

How does the provider communicate with parents?

What are the policies for meals, naps, illness, and emergencies?

Families should also think about their child's personality and needs. Some children may thrive in a smaller setting, while others enjoy a larger group environment.

Cost is another major consideration. Child care can represent a significant expense for families, which is why learning about available assistance programs can be an important part of the process.

Solano Family & Children's Services helps connect Solano County families with child-care resources, including information about licensed providers and programs that may help eligible families with child-care costs.

Finding child care can feel overwhelming, but families don't have to navigate every question alone.

The more information parents have, the better equipped they are to make a decision that fits their family's needs.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

What is depression? - Helen M. Farrell

Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world; in the United States, close to ten percent of adults struggle with the disease. But because it’s a mental illness, it can be a lot harder to understand than, say, high cholesterol. Helen M. Farrell examines the symptoms and treatments of depression, and gives some tips for how you might help a friend who is suffering.

Lesson by Helen M. Farrell, animation by Artrake Studio.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

 

Child Development: Getting Kids Ready for a New School Year

The start of a new school year brings fresh backpacks, new teachers, new routines—and sometimes a few big feelings.

For children, transitioning from summer to a structured school schedule can take some adjustment. That's why preparing for the school year is about more than buying school supplies.

A consistent bedtime and morning routine can help children know what to expect. Talking positively about school can also help build excitement and reduce anxiety about a new classroom or teacher.

It's also a good time to encourage age-appropriate independence. Simple tasks such as choosing clothes, packing a backpack, putting away belongings, or helping prepare a snack can help children develop confidence and responsibility.

And don't forget the emotional side of preparation. Ask children how they're feeling about the upcoming school year. Some kids may be excited to see friends, while others may be nervous about changes or new expectations.

Every child develops at their own pace. What matters is giving them opportunities to practice skills, build confidence, communicate their feelings, and feel supported.

At Solano Family, we understand that preparing children for school involves much more than academics. We focus on supporting children's development and helping families create positive experiences as children grow, learn, and become more independent.

A new school year is a new beginning—and that's something worth getting excited about!

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Back-to-School Ready: Helping Children Transition Into a New School Year

The start of a new school year can bring excitement, nervousness, new friendships, new teachers, and a completely different routine.

For children, transitions can be a big deal.

After a summer filled with later bedtimes, relaxed schedules, vacations, and extra playtime, returning to a structured school routine can take some adjustment.

Fortunately, preparation doesn't have to be stressful.

Start Talking About the New Routine

Children often do better with transitions when they know what to expect.

Talking about school before the first day can help make the upcoming change feel more familiar. Discuss bedtime, morning routines, school activities, transportation, and other parts of the day.

For younger children, simple conversations can go a long way.

Rebuild the Sleep Schedule

Summer schedules can be wonderfully flexible—but school mornings are not.

Gradually returning to a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule before school begins can make the transition easier.

Adequate sleep is important for children's overall well-being, attention, mood, and ability to participate in daily activities.

Practice Independence

Depending on their age and developmental stage, children can begin taking responsibility for age-appropriate tasks.

That might include organizing a backpack, choosing clothes, putting away belongings, or remembering basic parts of the morning routine.

Small responsibilities can help children build confidence.

Keep Some Time for Play

A new school year doesn't mean children need every minute of the day scheduled.

Play remains an important part of childhood. Unstructured time gives children opportunities to explore, socialize, imagine, and simply relax.

A balanced routine includes responsibilities as well as time to be a kid.

Watch for Changes

Every child responds differently to transitions.

Some children can't wait for school to start. Others may become more anxious, withdrawn, frustrated, or emotional.

Parents and caregivers can help by listening, asking questions, and paying attention to changes in behavior.

Remember That Development Doesn't Follow a Calendar

Children develop at different rates. Milestones and abilities can vary from child to child.

If you have concerns about your child's development, behavior, communication, social skills, or readiness for school, talking with a qualified child-development professional can help you better understand your child's individual needs.

The goal isn't to compare one child to another.

It's to help each child build the skills and confidence they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website