Community Child Care Coordinating Council of Alameda County

Child Care Assistance: 4Cs provides child care payment assistance to low income families via the CalWORKs Stages 1,2,3 and Alternative Payment Programs (APP). Our agency helps parents with child care referrals and makes payments to child care providers on their behalf. We work with families transitioning from welfare to work, low-income families, families in training programs leading to employment, and families referred from protective services. In 2021, the program collectively provided assistance to 3,101 children from 1,837 families in Oakland, San Leandro, San Lorenzo and other neighboring cities. Our caregivers and educators provided millions of hours of child care in safe, nurturing environments so parents can work or further their education to help their families thrive.

4C's provides a range of support programs for families and community members to help them thrive. Services available to all community members at 4Cs include: free tax preparation and assistance through the agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program; distribution of diapers, clothing, and other essentials available at 4Cs two Community "Closet" locations; parenting classes and workshops; playgrounds; CalFresh application assistance; and free car seat installation checks with an on-site Child Passanger Safety Technician.

The Resource and Referral (R&R) Program provides information and resources to parents in need of child care services in southern Alameda County. We counsel parents on their child care options, help them develop a child care plan and provide referrals to child care programs. Our services are provided free of charge to families regardless of income. Other services are available to families through special programs including parenting classes, playgroups and family navigation. We also provide on-going training and support to child care providers in their important work. Hundreds of early care and education providers, teachers and directors attend workshops and training offered thorugh our program each year. The support we provide to child care providers includes professional development resources and guidance, individualized coaching and technical assistance, on-site visits, and free referrals to their programs. We also provide coaching and training to Alameda County Quality Counts participants. New family child care providers can receive start-up assistance development and business training through our Child Care Initiative Project. Informal caregivers also attend free playgroups and workshops through our Family, Friends and Neighbor Training program. Our Resource and Referral staff provided 3,480 personalized referrals to families looking for child care in Southern Alameda County.