One referral to Help Me Grow opens the door to many programs that support families with young children. FREE referrals to resources such as basic needs, child care, food banks, housing, health care, parenting/family support, and other community services.
Family Navigators follow up with you to make sure your child and family are connected to the services you need.
Parents/Caregivers or Referring Party:
To connect to community resources and services parents, caregivers, or referring party can complete a Help Me Grow Connection Form:
Help Me Grow Solano Family Navigators are available Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm through our toll-free number 1-844-501-KIDS (5437) or online at helpmegrowsolano.org (Our office is closed Tuesdays 8:30am - 12:00pm and the first Friday of every month for walk-ins).
Solano Family & Children’s Services (SFCS) is dedicated to supporting families in Solano County by providing financial assistance for child care services. If you're a Solano County resident, you may qualify for full or partial payment to help cover the costs of child care for children under 13, or up to age 21 for children with special needs.
SFCS programs are designed to offer parental choice, allowing families to select the care setting that best suits their needs. Funding comes from a mix of federal, state, and local resources, and enrollment is based on eligibility and need, not time on the waiting list.
Families must submit an application to be added to the Solano Eligibility List (SEL), which is used to determine eligibility for assistance. While there’s no guarantee of receiving help, families currently on Cash Aid or who have been within the last two years may have priority if they meet the income guidelines and have a childcare need.
Take the first step toward affordable child care by applying today!
Building strong connections between families and child care providers is essential for the healthy development of children. By fostering these relationships, we ensure that children receive the support, care, and nurturing they need to grow and thrive. When families and child care providers work together, they create a supportive environment that promotes learning, emotional growth, and well-being. This collaborative approach not only benefits children but also strengthens the entire community, building a foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
Fiscal Manager - Serving since 1994
Marilu Gabriel
Marilu Gabriel has been with Solano Family & Children’s Services since 1994. She began as the agency’s Bookkeeper and immediately helped develop the agency’s current Accounting Department as its first Fiscal Manager.
Marilu started her career in the Philippines, where she worked as an Accounting Specialist for 14 years before moving to the U.S. in 1992. When she arrived in California, she immediately enrolled at the Fairfield Adult School to improve her computer skills. Each step Marilu took in the field of accounting, moving to California, attending the Fairfield Adult School, etc., has led her to be in the right place, at the right time – at SFCS in 1994.
Marilu loves her job and takes great pride in her contributions to our SFCS family and to our child care provider community. She has done her best to adapt to the culture and traits of being an American, all while not losing her own Filipino culture, values, and customs.
Family Services Manager - Serving since 1998
Kirsten Krause
Kirsten began working in the ECE field at a before-and-after-school program while attending school in San Diego. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University, she worked with foster youth and young adults with mental health issues.
She joined the SFCS team in 1999 as a Family Services Specialist and has served in many roles such as Subsidy Program Trainer, Subsidy Supervisor, and Subsidy Assistant Manager. In her current role as Family Services Manager, she continues her passion in helping underserved families access critical services to help them be safe, happy, and thrive.
When Kirsten is not working, she is spending time with her husband and two children camping, fishing, and looking for their next adventure.
Human Resources Manager - Serving since 1983
Kay Parkham
Kay started her career with Solano Family & Children’s Services as the Resource & Referral Manager in 1983. She has worked in several different positions during her time with the agency including positions in Subsidy, Resource & Referrals and the Food Program which led her to her current position of Human Resources Manager.
Kay and her husband of 35 years, enjoy spending time with their 4 adult children and 6 grandchildren. Kay also enjoys reading, gardening, camping, and spending time with her fur babies Chloe (dog) and Bill (cat).
Kay strongly believes in the SFCS mission and that quality child care services are essential for growth in a thriving community and looks forward to continuing to serve the families of Solano County.
Executive Director - Serving since 1990
Kathy Lago
Kathy’s Degree in Child Development and Social Work brought her to Solano County to begin her professional career in 1986. She came to Solano Family & Children’s Services in 1990 as an Assistant Coordinator of an Early Intervention Grant assisting child care providers who were serving children with special needs. By 1995 Kathy was promoted to Resource & Referral Program Manager where she developed her knowledge of Solano County and built her collaborative partnerships with other community agencies that serve child care providers, families, and children.
During this time, she and her husband raised two amazing daughters and have 4 awesome grandchildren. In her free time she and her husband enjoy camping with family and friends. In 2016, Kathy was honored to be selected to lead SFCS as the Executive Director. She leads an amazing management team and a growing staff of over 70 hardworking employees who serve the early childhood community and families in need of our resources and support in Solano County.
Public Health Director
Solano County Health & Social Services Department
Jayleen Richards has worked for Solano County Health & Social Services Department (SCHSSD) since 2004. She is currently the Public Health Administrator for SCHSSD. She started in Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Bureau overseeing perinatal programs. In 2008, she was promoted to Senior Health Services Manager in the Mental Health Division and was the Mental Health Services Act Coordinator.
Prior to working for SCHSSD, Ms. Richards was with Children Now for nine years—a leading state and national advocacy organization focused on improving the lives of children and families. Immediately following graduation from University of California Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English, She taught elementary school. She has a Master of Public Administration/Health Services Administration from the University of San Francisco.
Ms. Richards is the proud mother of two sons and has been married for 30 years. She utilized SFCS services when her sons were young. She is proud to serve on the SFCS Board and be part of an organization that has a huge impact on the lives of Solano County children and families.
Christie Speck is the Director of the Early Learning Center at Solano Community College. She has been in the field of early childhood education as a teacher, a family services specialist, and as an administrator since 1975. Her passion is working with the children’s parents and partnering with them to support their most important job – being a parent, and advocate for their children.
Christie and her husband, Gordon, have been married 45 years. They have a fabulous son, Greg. Gordon, Greg, and Greg’s wife Sophie are among the most valued people in her life. Spending time with them and other family members is one of her favorite things to do.
As a Solano Family and Children’s Services board member she brings experience in the areas of early childhood program design and management, child development best practices, personnel management, and public relations. She is one of SFCSs biggest cheerleaders because she knows the positive difference the agency makes in the lives of children and families.
