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

How miscommunication happens (and how to avoid it) - Katherine Hampsten

Explore why miscommunication occurs so frequently, and how you can minimize frustration while expressing yourself better.

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Have you ever talked with a friend about a problem, only to realize that he just doesn’t seem to grasp why the issue is so important to you? Have you ever presented an idea to a group, and it’s met with utter confusion? What’s going on here? Katherine Hampsten describes why miscommunication occurs so frequently, and how we can minimize frustration while expressing ourselves better. 

Lesson by Katherine Hampsten, animation by Andrew Foerster.

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LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Getting Kids Ready for School Is About More Than School Supplies

Backpacks? Check.

Shoes? Check.

New clothes? Hopefully.

But getting children ready for a new school year involves much more than buying supplies.

Children often benefit from having predictable routines, especially when they're transitioning from a relaxed summer schedule back into a structured school day.

A few weeks before school starts, families can begin gradually adjusting bedtime and wake-up times. It doesn't have to happen overnight. Moving bedtime a little earlier every few nights can make the transition less dramatic.

Morning routines can also help.

Children may benefit from knowing what comes next: wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, grab the backpack and head out the door.

And don't forget the emotional side of school readiness.

Starting a new school year can bring excitement, nervousness, curiosity or even a little bit of everything at once.

Talking about school before the first day can help children know what to expect. Ask questions like, "What are you excited about?" or "Is there anything you're nervous about?"

For younger children, pretend play can be a fun way to practice new situations. You can play "school" at home, practice saying goodbye, or talk about what happens when it's time for lunch or recess.

Independence is another important skill.

Encouraging children to practice age-appropriate tasks—such as putting away belongings, opening lunch containers or choosing clothes—can help them feel more confident.

The goal isn't to make children perfectly prepared for every possible situation.

It's to help them feel secure, capable and ready to learn.

Because sometimes the most important school-supply item isn't in the backpack.

It's confidence.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website

Getting Kids Ready for School Is About More Than Buying School Supplies

Back-to-school season often comes with a familiar checklist: notebooks, pencils, backpacks, lunch boxes, new shoes.

But there's another kind of preparation that doesn't fit neatly into a shopping cart.

Children also need time to adjust to new routines, expectations, schedules, and social environments.

Start Adjusting the Routine

Summer schedules can be wonderfully relaxed.

Bedtimes get later. Mornings move slower. Meals may happen whenever everyone remembers they're hungry.

Then school arrives.

Gradually adjusting bedtime and wake-up times before the first day can make the transition easier than going from summer mode to school mode overnight.

Practice Independence

Age-appropriate independence can help children feel more confident.

Depending on their age, that might mean practicing getting dressed, packing a backpack, organizing school materials, remembering personal belongings, or completing simple morning tasks.

The goal isn't perfection.

It's confidence.

Talk About the New School Year

Children may be excited about school—or nervous about it—or both.

Ask open-ended questions about what they're looking forward to and what concerns them.

For younger children, talking through what the school day might look like can make the unknown feel more familiar.

Don't Forget Social Development

School isn't only about reading, writing, and math.

Children are also learning how to communicate, cooperate, solve problems, manage emotions, make friends, and navigate relationships.

These skills matter in the classroom and far beyond it.

Make Room for Sleep, Play, and Downtime

A busy school schedule can quickly fill up.

Homework, sports, activities, appointments, and family responsibilities can leave children with very little unstructured time.

Play and downtime are important parts of childhood too.

The Goal Isn't a Perfect First Day

The first day might be wonderful.

Or there might be tears.

Or someone might forget their lunch.

Or the new shoes might suddenly become "the worst shoes ever."

That's okay.

Getting ready for school is less about creating a flawless first day and more about helping children develop the routines, confidence, independence, and emotional skills they need to navigate the year ahead.

LOCATION

421 Executive Court North

Fairfield, CA 94534-4019

(707) 863-3950

Website