Thursday, December 30, 2021
Happy New Year From Solano Family & Children's Services
Monday, December 27, 2021
SFCS Presentation: Becoming a Licensed Child Care Provider - Jan 5th 2022
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Do you love working with children? Are you already caring for your own children, or a friend or relative’s children?
About this free event
Make a world of difference from your home
You can become a licensed family child care provider, and start your own business out of your home!
Who needs a license to care for children?
People who care for children from more than one family and who are not relatives of the child in care need to be licensed.
What does it mean to be a licensed family child care provider?
Join us during this informational meeting, where we will answer your questions.
Multiple Dates Available:
Next available date:
Jan 5, 2021
Register here.
Friday, December 24, 2021
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Finding Quality Child Care - Solano Family & Children's Services
Solano Family & Children’s Services offers FREE child care referrals (not recommendations). We maintain a database of licensed child care providers in Solano County and will personalize a search for you based on your needs and requirements by asking you some questions that will help narrow down your search.
Searching for a child care provider can be overwhelming. Sometimes additional services and information is needed. Our Resource and Referral Team can help by answering your questions. We can also provide one-on-one support for families with high-priority needs, such as finding a program for a child with special needs, an infant or toddler, a child entering foster care, or for children of essential workers.
Find out more at https://solanofamily.org/find-child-care/
Saturday, December 18, 2021
SFCS Employment Opportunities
Solano Family & Children’s Services is a rewarding place to work with flexible, family-friendly policies and a diverse workforce. We offer benefit plans with medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts for dependent care and health expenses; and a 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan where contributions are tax-deferred. New, full-time employees accrue ten days of vacation leave, ten days sick leave, and are given ten paid holidays per year.
See more at https://solanofamily.org/employment-opportunities/
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Holiday Delights: Homemade Gingerbread House
Building and creating traditions around the holidays are something children have to look forward to annually. Here's a healthy twist on a homemade holiday favorite, our version of a foodie's, Gingerbread House. Here are the ingredients that your recipe will need.
6 cups whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp. baking soda
1 cup rye flour
1 Tbsp. sea salt
3 cups almond flour
2 ¼ cups fresh butter
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
2 ¼ cups raw sugar
1 tsp. allspice
6 fresh eggs
2 Tbsp. ground ginger
2 cups rich dark molasses
1 Tbsp. nutmeg
Thick icing
1 tsp. mace
2 Candy for decorating
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GINGERBREAD DOUGH
Sift all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl (flours, spices, salt). Set aside. Cream butter and sugar together in a separate large bowl. Add eggs one at a time until fluffy and thoroughly mixed. Stir in molasses. Add dry ingredients to wet in two-cup increments. Mix thoroughly between additions. Wrap the dough securely in beeswax wrap, dehydrator liners, parchment paper, or plastic wrap. Chill for at least four hours, or overnight. I usually complete my gingerbread house-making over a whole week and just chill mine overnight to deal with the next day. When ready, remove chilled dough to the counter and let sit for around 30 minutes.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GINGERBREAD HOUSE BAKING
Print out a gingerbread house template. Cut the dough into manageable chunks and check wetness. If it's too wet to roll out without sticking, work a little flour into the dough ball. Dust your rolling pin and rolling surface with flour. Roll each piece to a consistent width, 1/8 inch thick. The pieces will about double in thickness once baked. Place your template on top of the section of rolled dough and cut out each piece with your sharpest knife. Be sure to note which template pieces need to be doubled (like walls and roof pieces). Transfer each piece carefully to the baking sheet and bake at 350F/176C for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to brown and the middle is pretty firm when you gently press on it. Remove and let cool completely before moving the pieces to a cooling rack. Do NOT reuse a hot baking sheet. If you have to, you can cool your baking sheets under running water or in the snow. I have five baking sheets and I use them all for this process. The gingerbread house pieces MUST be completely cool before you can construct the house. Use the icing to stick the pieces together and decorate with candy of your choice. www.homesteadlady.com
Saturday, December 11, 2021
SFCS News: ARPA Survey For Child Care Providers
In California, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding was used for the $525 and $600 per-child stipends issued in 2020 and 2021, licensed child care provider stipends ($3500-$6500) issued in 2021, reimbursement for COVID-19-related closure days, and reimbursements based on maximum certified hours rather than attendance. ARPA funding will also be used to fund provider reimbursement increases effective January 2022.
The federal government requires all child care providers, regardless of license status, to complete a survey if they received and/or plan to receive any benefits funded by ARPA. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is asking all Child Care Providers to complete the ARPA survey by December 31, 2021.
To access the ARPA survey, Child Care Providers can visit the ARPA survey webpage at: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-and-development/american-rescue-plan-act-survey.
For questions or concerns about how to complete the survey, you can email CCPB@dss.ca.gov.
To help with survey completion and to answer questions about the survey, CDSS will host two ARPA survey webinars for child care providers:
Please click here to register for the daytime webinar on Dec. 14th, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Please click here to register for the evening webinar on Dec. 16th, from 6 pm to 7 pm
Live, simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Cantonese, and American Sign Language will be provided, as well as closed captioning.
Sincerely,
Solano Family & Children's Services
www.solanofamily.org
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
SFCS Presentation: Becoming a Licensed Child Care Provider - Dec 13th
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Do you love working with children? Are you already caring for your own children, or a friend or relative’s children?
About this free event
Make a world of difference from your home
You can become a licensed family child care provider, and start your own business out of your home!
Who needs a license to care for children?
People who care for children from more than one family and who are not relatives of the child in care need to be licensed.
What does it mean to be a licensed family child care provider?
Join us during this informational meeting, where we will answer your questions.
Multiple Dates Available:
Next available date:
Dec 13, 2021
Register here.
Sunday, December 5, 2021
Reminder: SFCS Workshop: EMSA Approved Preventive Health Practices for Child Care - Dec 6th
Thursday, December 2, 2021
SFCS Workshops: Join Us For A Virtual Parent Café On Dec 9th
Join Us For A Virtual Parent Cafe
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Virtual Parent Cafe for Solano County
About this event
Join us for a virtual parent cafe! Different topics of discussion every month with chances to engage and communicate with other parents, guardians, grandparents, etc. Giveaways and so much more!
Next event: Thursday, December 9th 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Register here
Monday, November 29, 2021
SFCS Workshop: EMSA Approved Preventive Health Practices for Child Care
Friday, November 26, 2021
SFCS Workshop: Becoming A Licensed Child Care Provider
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Do you love working with children? Are you already caring for your own children, or a friend or relative’s children?
About this free event
Make a world of difference from your home
You can become a licensed family child care provider, and start your own business out of your home!
Who needs a license to care for children?
People who care for children from more than one family and who are not relatives of the child in care need to be licensed.
What does it mean to be a licensed family child care provider?
Join us during this informational meeting, where we will answer your questions.
Multiple Dates Available:
Next available date:
Dec 1, 2021
Register here.
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Saturday, November 20, 2021
SCFS Workshop: Snack & Chat with CCIP
Snack & Chat with CCIP
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Join Us for Our Monthly Networking Event
About this event
The Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP) is a statewide initiative to build the supply and improve the quality of licensed family child care homes in California. The CCIP works through local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies to recruit, train, and retain licensed family child care providers. Come “Snack & Chat” with fellow child care providers to exchange information and share common issues in this monthly Open Forum in an effort to give you all premium support as you strive to provide the highest quality of care in our county.
This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. Don't forget to sit down with your snacks! We look forward to seeing your lovely faces
Who should attend?
- "Seasoned" Family Child Care Providers
- Newly licensed Family Child Care Providers
- Those who are in the process of becoming Family Child Care Providers
Date and time
Sat, November 27, 2021
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Register here.
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Solano Family & Children's Services Lending Library
Our Lending Library is a FREE membership and available to all community members. The Lending Library is open during business hours.
We offer the following for loan:
- Books and Videos including, but are not limited to, small business development, curriculum ideas, child development, health & safety, parenting, nutrition and working with children of all abilities. For a complete list of books that are available.
- Curriculum Boxes built to suit the needs of both families and providers, covering topics such as math, science, language, health and safety, and other common themes appropriate for young children. Boxes contain a variety of children’s literature, curriculum ideas, puzzles, puppets, and other fun items.
- Soft vinyl Climbing Structures meant for infants and toddlers provide safe play just right for little ones. When assembled in your environment, they will provide gross motor activities, a place to rest, explore and more. Climbers feature ramps, steps, tunnel, and other geometric shapes.
Other Lending Library items include:
- Die Cutting
- Button Making
- Book Binding
- Puppet Theater
- ASQ Kits (for developmental screening)
It’s FREE to join. Appointments are encouraged to sign up and to check items out. To schedule an appointment call 707-863-3950 ext. 752.
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Health Care for Child Care Providers
The term self-care can be a little confusing because it has come to mean so many things, from spending time on your own to taking the lead on managing your diabetes. The main goal of all self-care, however, is to increase your health and happiness. We can’t care for others unless we care for ourselves first.
Some ways we can care for ourselves are:
- Getting enough sleep
- Going on long walks by yourself or with friends
- Talking with your closest friends about how you are feeling
- Eating a healthy diet
- Taking a yoga class
- Doing an activity you love
- Enjoying a long bath
- Visiting your doctor for health screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies or physical exams
Increased funding for health care has made plans much more affordable this year (plans are often less than $60 per month).
Open Enrollment has started on CoveredCA.com and runs November 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022
Child care providers and anyone else interested in affordable health coverage can sign-up now to begin coverage starting January 1, 2022.
To receive help with enrollment from a certified enroller/navigator in several languages follow this link:
https://www.coveredca.com/support/agent-finder/certified-enroller
The language on the CoveredCA.com website can be changed by scrolling all the way to the bottom of the home page.
Child care providers can also call to get help with enrollment Monday-Saturday 8-6pm (closed Sundays):
English: (800) 300-1506
Spanish: (800) 300-0213
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Happy Veterans Day From Solano Family & Children's Services
On November 11, 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to his countrymen on the first Armistice Day (changed to Veterans Day in 1954), in which he expressed what he felt the day meant to Americans:
ADDRESS TO FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN
The White House, November 11, 1919.
A year ago today our enemies laid down their arms in accordance with an armistice which rendered them impotent to renew hostilities, and gave to the world an assured opportunity to reconstruct its shattered order and to work out in peace a new and more just set of international relations. The soldiers and people of the European Allies had fought and endured for more than four years to uphold the barrier of civilization against the aggressions of armed force. We ourselves had been in the conflict for something more than a year and a half.
With splendid forgetfulness of mere personal concerns, we remodeled our industries, concentrated our financial resources, increased our agricultural output, and assembled a great army, so that at the last our power was a decisive factor in the victory. We were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe who had suffered and sacrificed without limit in the cause for which we fought.
Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.
To us, in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.
-- WOODROW WILSON
Monday, November 8, 2021
Holiday Breakfast Fare For Friends and Family: Apple Sausage Cheddar Breakfast Bake
2 packages breakfast sausage links
1 can apple pie filling
2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups Original Bisquick mix
1 1/2 cups of milk
1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper
6 eggs
Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. in a 12-inch skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink; drain. Stir in pie filling and apples.
Spread mixture evenly in baking dish. Top with 1 cup of cheese in large bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk, salt, pepper, and eggs with wire whisk or fork until blended. Pour evenly over cheese.
Bake 30 to 37 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Top with the remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake 3 to 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Source: www.bettycrocker.com
Friday, November 5, 2021
Eating Healthier on Thanksgiving
In the US, November 25th is a day celebrated as Thanksgiving and a time for reuniting with family and loved ones. There is nothing more satisfying than being surrounded by those who love and care for you. When we come to this time of year, we are less worried about what we eat is on the healthy scale of things, but it is possible to be healthier or at least eat healthier even on Thanksgiving, and here is how.
- First off, choose organic ingredients such as greens, meat, flour, etc. these are great ways to ensure the meals prepared are healthier
- Second, prepare what you can in a pressure cooker or clay pot. These cooking vessels will help keep the nutrients in your food. So fewer nutrients are lost. With a pressure cooker, you get the nutrients locked in as you would in a clay pot but in a fraction of the time. This makes for a healthier mealtime all together.
- ImageThird, make sure your plate is dominated by veggies and plant-based foods, with a quarter of your plate being meat. This will provide you with lots of healthy nutrients and less unhealthy portions that can contribute to weight gain and inflammatory responses in the body.
It is possible to eat healthier during the holidays and Thanksgiving is no different from other family gathering-oriented holidays. Enjoy your mealtimes and make sure your plate is healthy as possible. t is okay to indulge every now and again but try to make more health-conscious decisions in the portions you eat and ingredients used in food preparation this Thanksgiving.
Source: www.healthyeatingfromheadtote.com
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
SFCS Workshop: Trauma Informed Care: An Overview Part 1 & 2
About this event
TIC: An overview of parts 1 &2 is an introduction to trauma-informed care. Targeted for Solano County childcare providers/professionals.
This training will provide a simple definition of Trauma as well as the different types. It will go over the different parts of the brain and how trauma can affect these parts.
Date and time
Tue, November 9, 2021, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
To register, please visit: Eventbrite
Saturday, October 30, 2021
SFCS Workshops: Join Us For A Virtual Parent Cafe On Nov 4th
Join Us For A Virtual Parent Cafe
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Virtual Parent Cafe for Solano County
About this event
Join us for a virtual parent cafe! Different topics of discussion every month with chances to engage and communicate with other parents, guardians, grandparents, etc. Giveaways and so much more!
Next event: Thursday, November 4th 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Register here
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
SFCS Workshop: Becoming A Licensed Child Care Provider
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Do you love working with children? Are you already caring for your own children, or a friend or relative’s children?
About this free event
Make a world of difference from your home
You can become a licensed family child care provider, and start your own business out of your home!
Who needs a license to care for children?
People who care for children from more than one family and who are not relatives of the child in care need to be licensed.
What does it mean to be a licensed family child care provider?
Join us during this informational meeting, where we will answer your questions.
Multiple Dates Available:
Next available date:
Nov 3, 2021
Register here.
Sunday, October 24, 2021
EMSA Approved Preventive Health Practices for Child Care
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Reminder: SFCS: Solano Child Care Planning Council General Meeting Oct 28th
Monday, October 18, 2021
Reminder: SFCS Monthly Networking Event: Snack & Chat with CCIP - Wed. Oct 20th
Snack & Chat with CCIP
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Join Us for Our Monthly Networking Event
About this event
The Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP) is a statewide initiative to build the supply and improve the quality of licensed family child care homes in California. The CCIP works through local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies to recruit, train, and retain licensed family child care providers. Come “Snack & Chat” with fellow child care providers to exchange information and share common issues in this monthly Open Forum in an effort to give you all premium support as you strive to provide the highest quality of care in our county.
This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. Don't forget to sit down with your snacks! We look forward to seeing your lovely faces
Who should attend?
- "Seasoned" Family Child Care Providers
- Newly licensed Family Child Care Providers
- Those who are in the process of becoming Family Child Care Providers
Date and time
Wed, October 20, 2021
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Register here.
Friday, October 15, 2021
SFCS: Solano Child Care Planning Council General Meeting Oct 28th
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
SFCS Event: Virtual Parent Cafe for Solano County, Oct 14th
Join Us For A Virtual Parent Cafe
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Virtual Parent Cafe for Solano County
About this event
Join us for a virtual parent cafe! Different topics of discussion every month with chances to engage and communicate with other parents, guardians, grandparents, etc. Giveaways and so much more!
Next event: Thursday, October 14th 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Register here
Saturday, October 9, 2021
SFCS Monthly Networking Event: Snack & Chat with CCIP - Wed. Oct 20th
Snack & Chat with CCIP
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Join Us for Our Monthly Networking Event
About this event
The Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP) is a statewide initiative to build the supply and improve the quality of licensed family child care homes in California. The CCIP works through local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies to recruit, train, and retain licensed family child care providers. Come “Snack & Chat” with fellow child care providers to exchange information and share common issues in this monthly Open Forum in an effort to give you all premium support as you strive to provide the highest quality of care in our county.
This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. Don't forget to sit down with your snacks! We look forward to seeing your lovely faces
Who should attend?
- "Seasoned" Family Child Care Providers
- Newly licensed Family Child Care Providers
- Those who are in the process of becoming Family Child Care Providers
Date and time
Wed, October 20, 2021
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Register here.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Reminder: SFCS Workshop: Trauma Informed Care -- Enhancing Caregiver Resiliency Oct 12th
About this event
This training goes over the different types of stress one can experience in day-to-day work and strategies on how to do self-care to combat those stressors.
Date and time
Tue, October 12, 2021 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
To register, please visit: Eventbrite
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Reminder: SFCS Workshop: Becoming A Licensed Child Care Provider Oct 6th
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Do you love working with children? Are you already caring for your own children, or a friend or relative’s children?
About this free event
Make a world of difference from your home
You can become a licensed family child care provider, and start your own business out of your home!
Who needs a license to care for children?
People who care for children from more than one family and who are not relatives of the child in care need to be licensed.
What does it mean to be a licensed family child care provider?
Join us during this informational meeting, where we will answer your questions.
Multiple Dates Available:
Next available date:
Oct 6, 2021
Register here.
Thursday, September 30, 2021
SFCS Workshop: Trauma Informed Care -- Enhancing Caregiver Resiliency Oct 12th
About this event
This training goes over the different types of stress one can experience in day-to-day work and strategies on how to do self-care to combat those stressors.
Date and time
Tue, October 12, 2021 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
To register, please visit: Eventbrite
Monday, September 27, 2021
SFCS Workshop: Becoming A Licensed Child Care Provider
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Do you love working with children? Are you already caring for your own children, or a friend or relative’s children?
About this free event
Make a world of difference from your home
You can become a licensed family child care provider, and start your own business out of your home!
Who needs a license to care for children?
People who care for children from more than one family and who are not relatives of the child in care need to be licensed.
What does it mean to be a licensed family child care provider?
Join us during this informational meeting, where we will answer your questions.
Multiple Dates Available:
Next available date:
Oct 6, 2021
Register here.
Friday, September 24, 2021
SFCS Provides Child Care Providers With Training and Resources
Child care providers have one of the most important jobs - the care and education of children during the most crucial early learning years. Solano Family and Children’s Services offers training and workshops which cover critical early childhood issues and contain relevant information. Through various activities, providers gain practical knowledge, which we hope will inspire improvement in the quality of care they offer to the families they serve.
Parents will also benefit greatly from any of our provider training they wish to attend or the parenting events we hold. In addition, we offer a monthly “Parent Café.” SFCS Parent Cafés are a FREE parent night with meaningful and guided conversations, where we share stories, get information on how to take care of ourselves and our families, and raise strong, happy children.
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
"Snack & Chat" con CCIP by Solano Family & Children's Services - Spanish Sep 25th
"Snack & Chat" con CCIP
by Solano Family & Children's Services
La creación de una red de contactos, intercambio de ideas, y haciendo nuevos amigos
About this event
Ven a nuestro "Snack & Chat" con otros proveedores de cuidado infantil para intercambiar información, recibir consejos, y compartir problemas comunes en este foro abierto. Actualmente, estamos colaborando con el Solano County Licensed Family Child Care Association para brindarle todo el apoyo de primera calidad en sus esfuerzos para proporcionar la más alta calidad de cuidado de niños en nuestro condado. Traiga un aperitivo que usted guste para compartir con todos.
Date and time
Sat, Sept 25, 2021
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Register here
Saturday, September 18, 2021
The Business of Family Child Care Workshop - Sep 25 2021
The Business of Family Child Care
by Solano Family & Children's Services
Sound business practices are key to successful child care programs.
About this event
This workshop will help you whether you are a new or a seasoned child care provider. We will discuss the feasibility of operating a family child care business, creating a business plan, marketing in this fast-paced - internet world, creating a contract, interviewing families, communicating with families, setting policies and procedures, rates, and much more. This is a 2-part series, June 5th, and 19th.
Presented by Joy Gamble, CCIP coordinator, (Child Care Initiative Project), Resource & Referral Specialist.
Date and time
Sat, September 25, 2021
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Register here.