The Community Child Care Council (4Cs) of Sonoma County established in March of 2022 the Sonoma Valley Early Care and Education Partnership Program. Director Juan Fresse has been focusing on getting families in the Valley the support they need to utilize quality child care to their family’s benefit. All referral services are available in both English and Spanish.
4Cs Alternative Payment/Voucher Program is a vital program which provides 93 families and caregivers in the Valley financial assistance for all or part of the cost of child care. This allows more parents and caregivers to work, attend school, or look for employment. The program, funded by the California Department of Social Services, boosts local families’ economic security and supports child development through early education.
Eligibility is based on income level, family size, and other factors. Funding is limited, and completing an application does not automatically guarantee service. To learn more about the Alternative Payment/Voucher Program, call (707)544-3077 for a phone interview in English or Spanish; or complete a Childcare Eligibility List Form online. Sonoma4Cs.org/4Cs-preschools.
4Cs also operates two preschools in Sonoma. 4Cs Flowery Preschool is a morning-only program located on the Flowery Elementary School campus and has a total of 16 spots for 2-year-olds. For 3-5 year olds, 4Cs Sonoma Child Development Center offers a full-day, year-round program located on the Sassarini Elementary School campus, with a total of 32 spots. Information about the two preschools, as well as availability of spots, can be obtained by calling (707)544-3077, or online at Sonoma4Cs.org/4Cs-preschools/
Fresse helps with referrals to available child care and preschool programs. He has also focused on building additional child care capacity within the community by offering information, training and support to Sonoma Valley residents currently licensed, or interested in becoming a licensed provider (family child care or center.) The number of infant/toddler childcare spaces in Sonoma Valley has increased by a total of 116% since the inception of The Sonoma Valley Early Care & Education Partnership, with a current capacity of 67 spots. Additionally, the number of licensed family child care providers has doubled, including two which are in the process of licensing, which will result in a total of 10 Family Child Care Homes available in the Sonoma Valley.
Monthly childcare referrals have increased by over 300%+ in Sonoma Valley since 2022. 4Cs referral service provides a list of providers that includes availability, licensing information, care hours, and contact information, as well as guidance on what to consider when evaluating options. Case managers are prepared to provide information on other services that may be able to help a family. To use the service, call (707)544-3077.
Director Fresse has also been focused on creating connections within the child care industry in Sonoma Valley, fostering collaboration and awareness between organizations, providing trainings for child care providers, and seeking additional partners to further fund this important work.
4Cs provides access to quality child care and early education throughout Sonoma County through advocacy, direct service and empowerment. Founded in 1972, its 50+ years of experience makes it a trusted resource. 4Cs envisions a thriving community where every child, family and employer has access to quality child care and early education.
By Anna Pier
Be First to Comment