Perspectives Winter07

SCHOOL READINESS: It’s For the Whole Family

Message from the CEO In This Issue

Cover Story

p. 1

News

p. 2

Health

p. 3

Fun & Events

p. 4

• Child Care Resource Center A non-profit organization, the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) has been supporting families in finding good quality child care as well as child development services and programs for their children. Over the last 30 years, the organization has grown to serve a variety of community needs, making CCRC a vital community resource. Main Office 16650 Sherman Way Van Nuys, CA 91406 818/756-3360 Northridge Office 8510 Balboa Blvd. Northridge, CA 91325 818/256-1000 Antelope Valley Office 42281 10th Street, West Lancaster, CA 93534 661/949-0615 Call Toll Free 1-866/674-KIDS

www.ccrcla.org CCRC Perspectives a quarterly publication of the Child Care Resource C e n t e r. Editor: Juliet Mothershed. For questions, comments or info, please call 818/256-1000

CCRC Provider Payments Now Made Easy & Electronic

I

n 2007 CCRC is launching a new payment system for its contracted child care providers. CCRC now offers Provider Pay Cards (PPC) in addition to Direct Deposit as a way child care providers can receive their payments electronically. Direct Deposit is an electronic deposit straight to your bank account that works just like a regular deposit you make at the bank. PPC works just like a debit/ATM card giving electronic access to payment funds at any point of sale.

Starting July 2007, CCRC will have a completely “paperless” payment system with no more checks being sent through the mail allowing a safe and secure payment method with convenient access for child care providers. All payments will then be issued by a Direct Deposit to a bank account of the provider’s choice, or through PPC. Over the next few months CCRC will be working with its community of child care providers to inform them on both payment options. CCRC will now be able to make child care payments easier, electronically, safer and with complete confidentiality. By going “paperless” child care providers will avoid long lines at the bank, mix-ups with the post office, stolen checks and costly check cashing fees commonly associated with paper checks. Providers can sign up for direct deposit now by contacting your provider payments technician at: 818-756-3396. To sign up for a Provider Pay Card (PPC) you can to set an appointment to sign up in person by contacting Jesse at (818) 756-3373 or (661) 261-3126. PPC Sign ups will also be available at CCRC Provider Forums. To read more about CCRC new payment system get connected at www.ccrcla.org!

appy 2007 to all of you! The beginning of a new year is an exciting time to talk about change and there are good changes happening with CCRC! This summer CCRC will consolidate its two San Fernando Valley Offices in Van Nuys and Northridge and move them both to a new office in Chatsworth. This will allow CCRC to serve the community better by having all of our resources in one convenient location with plenty of parking and a lobby designed to give guests the best customer service. The new office will also be the new home for the San Fernando Valley CCRC Book, Toy and Resource Library. Now when you visit us on business you will also be able to have access to the library for your children. Please be assured that even during the move, services will not be halted in any way and CCRC will continue to provide all needed resources even while we make this great transition.

H

You may have noticed that we are utilizing technology to modernize our services. Last year we added on-line referrals for parents and families looking for child care. This year we are changing our payment system. Over the next few months, we’ll be introducing this new system that you can read more about in this issue. We’ll be talking about all these new changes during the 2007 Provider Forums and I hope to see you there: February 6th and May 22nd in the Van Nuys office, February 8th and May 24th in the Antelope Valley office. Best Wishes for 2007! Michael Olenick CCRC President & CEO

Be Prepared for Tax Season!

Child Care Centers: Reduce Your Utility Bills in 2007!

Big tax credits for working parents and caregivers add up to thousands of dollars

he California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program (C-PEEP) can help eligible child care centers reduce their monthly utility bills. Did you know that changing just one regular light bulb to a compact fluorescent bulb saves approximately $20 per year? If you have 10 light bulbs in your child care center that can mean a savings of $200 each year!

E

very year, hundreds of people miss out on valuable tax credits. Don’t let this happen to you! Tax credits worth thousands of dollars can make tax season a good thing for working parents or guardians of dependent children.

Don’t be afraid to ask your income tax professional about these credits for individuals with children or other dependents: • Federal Earned Income Credit – up to $4,536 • Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit – up to $2,100 • California Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit – up to $1,050 • Child Tax Credit – up to $1,000 Parents or guardians of children can be eligible for these credits even if they do not owe any income taxes. Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) a local non-profit is spreading the word and wants parents and caregivers to take advantage of federal and state tax credits available to them when they do their taxes. For information on free tax preparation assistance or on child tax credits, call Child Care Connection at (800) KIDS-793, or visit: • www.irs.gov • http://www.parentvoices.org/ resources.htm.

T

Efficiency Program (CPEEP) can help you call the Low Income Investment Fund at: 415-489-6145 or email [email protected]. You can also visit the website at: http://www.liifund.org. On the home page, under child care, click the link to the California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program.

The program is funded by the California Public Utility Commission through Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE).

The California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program is a collaboration of organizations: Low-Income Investment Fund, California Child Care Resource and Referral Network, California Head Start Association, Intergy Corporation and the California Department of Education (consultation and support).

C-PEEP replaces older, energy-intensive equipment and provide a variety of facility upgrades to assist you in controlling your energy costs, and reducing your operational costs. The program covers about 80 percent of qualified equipment and installation costs. This can mean that for a small amount of money, a center can achieve reductions in energy use that will quickly recover its cost and can save child care providers money. Eligible childcare centers include Head Start, state-contracted and private centers served by: Southern California Edison (SCE) or San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE). Priority is given to centers housed in buildings at least 25 years old, centers serving low-income families and/or centers that have the greatest potential for energy savings as determined by a free energy audit. For more information on how the California Preschool Energy

SAVE THE DATE! 2007 PROVIDER FORUMS

 WEBSITE RESOURCES w w w. p a r e n t v o i c e s . o r g w w w. k i d s h e a l t h . o r g w w w. c c r c l a . o r g

February 6th in the Van Nuys office February 8th in the Antelope Valley office May 22nd in the Van Nuys office May 24th in the Antelope Valley office Forums will start at 6 p.m. to allow time for providers to meet with CCRC Payment technicians to sign up for direct deposit or a Provider Pay Card (PPC). The forum agenda will start at 7 p.m. For more information on CCRC Provider Forums please call External Relations at 818-256-1035.

Did You Know? CCRC Needs Your Public Rate Sheet By Michelle Sobelman, CCRC Resource & Referral

In the Contracting Department, we often receive questions about whether a licensed provider needs to submit a brochure or flyer including their child care rates and terms, in addition to posting it inside their child care facility, next to their license. The answer is YES!

Music is a great way to introduce creativity, rhythm and even math skills to children. Set up a music band of children with plastic containers. Have a fun performance in your living room and cheer on the band! You can even help kids make their own instruments and drums!

MARCHING DRUM What you need: • empty oatmeal container • yarn • pen • 2 pencils • 2 empty spools of thread • construction paper • crayons What you do: Let the child decorate the empty oatmeal box with construction paper, felt and/or crayons for a colorful effect. Place the cover on the container. Use a pen to make a hole in the center of the cover and in the center of the bottom of the container. Through these holes, pull and tie a piece of yarn long enough to hang from the child’s neck to their waist. Do not leave child unattended with yarn to prevent choking!

The California Department of Education (CDE) is now requiring all licensed child care providers to submit your “Public Rate Sheet” showing the usual and customary rates, or the rates they charge the public.

For the drumsticks, place the spools at the ends of the pencils, secure with glue if necessary. Hit to play.

In order to ensure that there will be no disruption in payment or authorized child care hours, mail or bring in a copy of your Public Rate Sheet by January 31, 2007.

What you need (suggestions): • Empty coffee and/or vegetable cans • Empty plastic soda bottles • Dry beans • Plastic containers

Right now CCRC is working on making sure each licensed provider is up to date on this new State requirement and has this information on file in order to continue serving our providers and our families. If you do not currently have information posted regarding the rates you charge the public, CCRC can assist you in professionalizing your business and can provide Public Rate Sheet samples and one-on-one assistance to helping you create your own facility’s Public Rate Sheet. This will help ensure consistency, give your business a professional feel, and help you when you need to provide information to parents and potential clients. If you would like more information about the Public Rate please call Jesse in the CCRC Northridge office at 818-256-1000 or in the Antelope Valley office at 661-949-0615.

TUPPERWARE DRUM SET

What you do: Empty coffee and vegetable cans make fun noises when tapped with a metal spoon and plastic containers are perfect for drums. Line up empty soda or vinegar bottles and blow across the top of each bottle to create your own flute. Toss some coins, rice or dry beans into an empty tin can, cover with a washcloth secured by a rubber band, and shake for fun maracas, make sure there are no sharp edges. Gently tapping the sides of empty cans or bottles makes a pretty sound, but use caution with smaller children.

By Heather Malley, CCRC School Readiness Initiative (SRI) Program Evaluator

W

hen parents want to prepare their child for school, they often have questions about parenting support services or learning about activities that they can do at home with young children. Parents should know that CCRC’s school readiness program offers fun and free ways to learn how to support your child in getting ready to enter kindergarten. Through CCRC’s School Readiness Initiative (SRI), the Parents as Teachers Program (PAT) offers a year of monthly visits with a Parent Educator for parents who have children 0-5 years old living in specific areas. These visits include fun parent and child activities, which also teach the family about the age and stage of their child as they grow throughout the year. These learning activities help the child build important school readiness skills. Each year, the PAT program holds four fun parent gatherings where all enrolled families can meet other parents in the same area and learn about other parent resources in our program.

Other parent support services include our Mommy (and Daddy) and Me classes held at three local schools where parents and children engage in fun and educational activities with other parents for three hours each week. The class provides a preschool environment where a Parent Educator leads the group in inside learning activities, songs, and outdoor play activities. This is also an opportunity for parents to get to know their local school and to meet other parents with young children. This wonderful part of CCRC’s program is made possible through collaboration with the Van Nuys Community Adult School Department of Adult Career Education. Space is limited for some of these programs. To learn more about school readiness resources for your family, call CCRC today at 818256-1000 ext. 2016.

abc

SCHOOL READINESS: It’s For the Whole Family

Message from the CEO In This Issue

Cover Story

p. 1

News

p. 2

Health

p. 3

Fun & Events

p. 4

• Child Care Resource Center A non-profit organization, the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) has been supporting families in finding good quality child care as well as child development services and programs for their children. Over the last 30 years, the organization has grown to serve a variety of community needs, making CCRC a vital community resource. Main Office 16650 Sherman Way Van Nuys, CA 91406 818/756-3360 Northridge Office 8510 Balboa Blvd. Northridge, CA 91325 818/256-1000 Antelope Valley Office 42281 10th Street, West Lancaster, CA 93534 661/949-0615 Call Toll Free 1-866/674-KIDS

www.ccrcla.org CCRC Perspectives a quarterly publication of the Child Care Resource C e n t e r. Editor: Juliet Mothershed. For questions, comments or info, please call 818/256-1000

CCRC Provider Payments Now Made Easy & Electronic

I

n 2007 CCRC is launching a new payment system for its contracted child care providers. CCRC now offers Provider Pay Cards (PPC) in addition to Direct Deposit as a way child care providers can receive their payments electronically. Direct Deposit is an electronic deposit straight to your bank account that works just like a regular deposit you make at the bank. PPC works just like a debit/ATM card giving electronic access to payment funds at any point of sale.

Starting July 2007, CCRC will have a completely “paperless” payment system with no more checks being sent through the mail allowing a safe and secure payment method with convenient access for child care providers. All payments will then be issued by a Direct Deposit to a bank account of the provider’s choice, or through PPC. Over the next few months CCRC will be working with its community of child care providers to inform them on both payment options. CCRC will now be able to make child care payments easier, electronically, safer and with complete confidentiality. By going “paperless” child care providers will avoid long lines at the bank, mix-ups with the post office, stolen checks and costly check cashing fees commonly associated with paper checks. Providers can sign up for direct deposit now by contacting your provider payments technician at: 818-756-3396. To sign up for a Provider Pay Card (PPC) you can to set an appointment to sign up in person by contacting Jesse at (818) 756-3373 or (661) 261-3126. PPC Sign ups will also be available at CCRC Provider Forums. To read more about CCRC new payment system get connected at www.ccrcla.org!

appy 2007 to all of you! The beginning of a new year is an exciting time to talk about change and there are good changes happening with CCRC! This summer CCRC will consolidate its two San Fernando Valley Offices in Van Nuys and Northridge and move them both to a new office in Chatsworth. This will allow CCRC to serve the community better by having all of our resources in one convenient location with plenty of parking and a lobby designed to give guests the best customer service. The new office will also be the new home for the San Fernando Valley CCRC Book, Toy and Resource Library. Now when you visit us on business you will also be able to have access to the library for your children. Please be assured that even during the move, services will not be halted in any way and CCRC will continue to provide all needed resources even while we make this great transition.

H

You may have noticed that we are utilizing technology to modernize our services. Last year we added on-line referrals for parents and families looking for child care. This year we are changing our payment system. Over the next few months, we’ll be introducing this new system that you can read more about in this issue. We’ll be talking about all these new changes during the 2007 Provider Forums and I hope to see you there: February 6th and May 22nd in the Van Nuys office, February 8th and May 24th in the Antelope Valley office. Best Wishes for 2007! Michael Olenick CCRC President & CEO

Be Prepared for Tax Season!

Child Care Centers: Reduce Your Utility Bills in 2007!

Big tax credits for working parents and caregivers add up to thousands of dollars

he California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program (C-PEEP) can help eligible child care centers reduce their monthly utility bills. Did you know that changing just one regular light bulb to a compact fluorescent bulb saves approximately $20 per year? If you have 10 light bulbs in your child care center that can mean a savings of $200 each year!

E

very year, hundreds of people miss out on valuable tax credits. Don’t let this happen to you! Tax credits worth thousands of dollars can make tax season a good thing for working parents or guardians of dependent children.

Don’t be afraid to ask your income tax professional about these credits for individuals with children or other dependents: • Federal Earned Income Credit – up to $4,536 • Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit – up to $2,100 • California Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit – up to $1,050 • Child Tax Credit – up to $1,000 Parents or guardians of children can be eligible for these credits even if they do not owe any income taxes. Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) a local non-profit is spreading the word and wants parents and caregivers to take advantage of federal and state tax credits available to them when they do their taxes. For information on free tax preparation assistance or on child tax credits, call Child Care Connection at (800) KIDS-793, or visit: • www.irs.gov • http://www.parentvoices.org/ resources.htm.

T

Efficiency Program (CPEEP) can help you call the Low Income Investment Fund at: 415-489-6145 or email [email protected]. You can also visit the website at: http://www.liifund.org. On the home page, under child care, click the link to the California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program.

The program is funded by the California Public Utility Commission through Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE).

The California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program is a collaboration of organizations: Low-Income Investment Fund, California Child Care Resource and Referral Network, California Head Start Association, Intergy Corporation and the California Department of Education (consultation and support).

C-PEEP replaces older, energy-intensive equipment and provide a variety of facility upgrades to assist you in controlling your energy costs, and reducing your operational costs. The program covers about 80 percent of qualified equipment and installation costs. This can mean that for a small amount of money, a center can achieve reductions in energy use that will quickly recover its cost and can save child care providers money. Eligible childcare centers include Head Start, state-contracted and private centers served by: Southern California Edison (SCE) or San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE). Priority is given to centers housed in buildings at least 25 years old, centers serving low-income families and/or centers that have the greatest potential for energy savings as determined by a free energy audit. For more information on how the California Preschool Energy

SAVE THE DATE! 2007 PROVIDER FORUMS

 WEBSITE RESOURCES w w w. p a r e n t v o i c e s . o r g w w w. k i d s h e a l t h . o r g w w w. c c r c l a . o r g

February 6th in the Van Nuys office February 8th in the Antelope Valley office May 22nd in the Van Nuys office May 24th in the Antelope Valley office Forums will start at 6 p.m. to allow time for providers to meet with CCRC Payment technicians to sign up for direct deposit or a Provider Pay Card (PPC). The forum agenda will start at 7 p.m. For more information on CCRC Provider Forums please call External Relations at 818-256-1035.

Did You Know? CCRC Needs Your Public Rate Sheet By Michelle Sobelman, CCRC Resource & Referral

In the Contracting Department, we often receive questions about whether a licensed provider needs to submit a brochure or flyer including their child care rates and terms, in addition to posting it inside their child care facility, next to their license. The answer is YES!

Music is a great way to introduce creativity, rhythm and even math skills to children. Set up a music band of children with plastic containers. Have a fun performance in your living room and cheer on the band! You can even help kids make their own instruments and drums!

MARCHING DRUM What you need: • empty oatmeal container • yarn • pen • 2 pencils • 2 empty spools of thread • construction paper • crayons What you do: Let the child decorate the empty oatmeal box with construction paper, felt and/or crayons for a colorful effect. Place the cover on the container. Use a pen to make a hole in the center of the cover and in the center of the bottom of the container. Through these holes, pull and tie a piece of yarn long enough to hang from the child’s neck to their waist. Do not leave child unattended with yarn to prevent choking!

The California Department of Education (CDE) is now requiring all licensed child care providers to submit your “Public Rate Sheet” showing the usual and customary rates, or the rates they charge the public.

For the drumsticks, place the spools at the ends of the pencils, secure with glue if necessary. Hit to play.

In order to ensure that there will be no disruption in payment or authorized child care hours, mail or bring in a copy of your Public Rate Sheet by January 31, 2007.

What you need (suggestions): • Empty coffee and/or vegetable cans • Empty plastic soda bottles • Dry beans • Plastic containers

Right now CCRC is working on making sure each licensed provider is up to date on this new State requirement and has this information on file in order to continue serving our providers and our families. If you do not currently have information posted regarding the rates you charge the public, CCRC can assist you in professionalizing your business and can provide Public Rate Sheet samples and one-on-one assistance to helping you create your own facility’s Public Rate Sheet. This will help ensure consistency, give your business a professional feel, and help you when you need to provide information to parents and potential clients. If you would like more information about the Public Rate please call Jesse in the CCRC Northridge office at 818-256-1000 or in the Antelope Valley office at 661-949-0615.

TUPPERWARE DRUM SET

What you do: Empty coffee and vegetable cans make fun noises when tapped with a metal spoon and plastic containers are perfect for drums. Line up empty soda or vinegar bottles and blow across the top of each bottle to create your own flute. Toss some coins, rice or dry beans into an empty tin can, cover with a washcloth secured by a rubber band, and shake for fun maracas, make sure there are no sharp edges. Gently tapping the sides of empty cans or bottles makes a pretty sound, but use caution with smaller children.

By Heather Malley, CCRC School Readiness Initiative (SRI) Program Evaluator

W

hen parents want to prepare their child for school, they often have questions about parenting support services or learning about activities that they can do at home with young children. Parents should know that CCRC’s school readiness program offers fun and free ways to learn how to support your child in getting ready to enter kindergarten. Through CCRC’s School Readiness Initiative (SRI), the Parents as Teachers Program (PAT) offers a year of monthly visits with a Parent Educator for parents who have children 0-5 years old living in specific areas. These visits include fun parent and child activities, which also teach the family about the age and stage of their child as they grow throughout the year. These learning activities help the child build important school readiness skills. Each year, the PAT program holds four fun parent gatherings where all enrolled families can meet other parents in the same area and learn about other parent resources in our program.

Other parent support services include our Mommy (and Daddy) and Me classes held at three local schools where parents and children engage in fun and educational activities with other parents for three hours each week. The class provides a preschool environment where a Parent Educator leads the group in inside learning activities, songs, and outdoor play activities. This is also an opportunity for parents to get to know their local school and to meet other parents with young children. This wonderful part of CCRC’s program is made possible through collaboration with the Van Nuys Community Adult School Department of Adult Career Education. Space is limited for some of these programs. To learn more about school readiness resources for your family, call CCRC today at 818256-1000 ext. 2016.

abc

SCHOOL READINESS: It’s For the Whole Family

Message from the CEO In This Issue

Cover Story

p. 1

News

p. 2

Health

p. 3

Fun & Events

p. 4

• Child Care Resource Center A non-profit organization, the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) has been supporting families in finding good quality child care as well as child development services and programs for their children. Over the last 30 years, the organization has grown to serve a variety of community needs, making CCRC a vital community resource. Main Office 16650 Sherman Way Van Nuys, CA 91406 818/756-3360 Northridge Office 8510 Balboa Blvd. Northridge, CA 91325 818/256-1000 Antelope Valley Office 42281 10th Street, West Lancaster, CA 93534 661/949-0615 Call Toll Free 1-866/674-KIDS

www.ccrcla.org CCRC Perspectives a quarterly publication of the Child Care Resource C e n t e r. Editor: Juliet Mothershed. For questions, comments or info, please call 818/256-1000

CCRC Provider Payments Now Made Easy & Electronic

I

n 2007 CCRC is launching a new payment system for its contracted child care providers. CCRC now offers Provider Pay Cards (PPC) in addition to Direct Deposit as a way child care providers can receive their payments electronically. Direct Deposit is an electronic deposit straight to your bank account that works just like a regular deposit you make at the bank. PPC works just like a debit/ATM card giving electronic access to payment funds at any point of sale.

Starting July 2007, CCRC will have a completely “paperless” payment system with no more checks being sent through the mail allowing a safe and secure payment method with convenient access for child care providers. All payments will then be issued by a Direct Deposit to a bank account of the provider’s choice, or through PPC. Over the next few months CCRC will be working with its community of child care providers to inform them on both payment options. CCRC will now be able to make child care payments easier, electronically, safer and with complete confidentiality. By going “paperless” child care providers will avoid long lines at the bank, mix-ups with the post office, stolen checks and costly check cashing fees commonly associated with paper checks. Providers can sign up for direct deposit now by contacting your provider payments technician at: 818-756-3396. To sign up for a Provider Pay Card (PPC) you can to set an appointment to sign up in person by contacting Jesse at (818) 756-3373 or (661) 261-3126. PPC Sign ups will also be available at CCRC Provider Forums. To read more about CCRC new payment system get connected at www.ccrcla.org!

appy 2007 to all of you! The beginning of a new year is an exciting time to talk about change and there are good changes happening with CCRC! This summer CCRC will consolidate its two San Fernando Valley Offices in Van Nuys and Northridge and move them both to a new office in Chatsworth. This will allow CCRC to serve the community better by having all of our resources in one convenient location with plenty of parking and a lobby designed to give guests the best customer service. The new office will also be the new home for the San Fernando Valley CCRC Book, Toy and Resource Library. Now when you visit us on business you will also be able to have access to the library for your children. Please be assured that even during the move, services will not be halted in any way and CCRC will continue to provide all needed resources even while we make this great transition.

H

You may have noticed that we are utilizing technology to modernize our services. Last year we added on-line referrals for parents and families looking for child care. This year we are changing our payment system. Over the next few months, we’ll be introducing this new system that you can read more about in this issue. We’ll be talking about all these new changes during the 2007 Provider Forums and I hope to see you there: February 6th and May 22nd in the Van Nuys office, February 8th and May 24th in the Antelope Valley office. Best Wishes for 2007! Michael Olenick CCRC President & CEO

Be Prepared for Tax Season!

Child Care Centers: Reduce Your Utility Bills in 2007!

Big tax credits for working parents and caregivers add up to thousands of dollars

he California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program (C-PEEP) can help eligible child care centers reduce their monthly utility bills. Did you know that changing just one regular light bulb to a compact fluorescent bulb saves approximately $20 per year? If you have 10 light bulbs in your child care center that can mean a savings of $200 each year!

E

very year, hundreds of people miss out on valuable tax credits. Don’t let this happen to you! Tax credits worth thousands of dollars can make tax season a good thing for working parents or guardians of dependent children.

Don’t be afraid to ask your income tax professional about these credits for individuals with children or other dependents: • Federal Earned Income Credit – up to $4,536 • Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit – up to $2,100 • California Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit – up to $1,050 • Child Tax Credit – up to $1,000 Parents or guardians of children can be eligible for these credits even if they do not owe any income taxes. Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) a local non-profit is spreading the word and wants parents and caregivers to take advantage of federal and state tax credits available to them when they do their taxes. For information on free tax preparation assistance or on child tax credits, call Child Care Connection at (800) KIDS-793, or visit: • www.irs.gov • http://www.parentvoices.org/ resources.htm.

T

Efficiency Program (CPEEP) can help you call the Low Income Investment Fund at: 415-489-6145 or email [email protected]. You can also visit the website at: http://www.liifund.org. On the home page, under child care, click the link to the California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program.

The program is funded by the California Public Utility Commission through Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE).

The California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program is a collaboration of organizations: Low-Income Investment Fund, California Child Care Resource and Referral Network, California Head Start Association, Intergy Corporation and the California Department of Education (consultation and support).

C-PEEP replaces older, energy-intensive equipment and provide a variety of facility upgrades to assist you in controlling your energy costs, and reducing your operational costs. The program covers about 80 percent of qualified equipment and installation costs. This can mean that for a small amount of money, a center can achieve reductions in energy use that will quickly recover its cost and can save child care providers money. Eligible childcare centers include Head Start, state-contracted and private centers served by: Southern California Edison (SCE) or San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE). Priority is given to centers housed in buildings at least 25 years old, centers serving low-income families and/or centers that have the greatest potential for energy savings as determined by a free energy audit. For more information on how the California Preschool Energy

SAVE THE DATE! 2007 PROVIDER FORUMS

 WEBSITE RESOURCES w w w. p a r e n t v o i c e s . o r g w w w. k i d s h e a l t h . o r g w w w. c c r c l a . o r g

February 6th in the Van Nuys office February 8th in the Antelope Valley office May 22nd in the Van Nuys office May 24th in the Antelope Valley office Forums will start at 6 p.m. to allow time for providers to meet with CCRC Payment technicians to sign up for direct deposit or a Provider Pay Card (PPC). The forum agenda will start at 7 p.m. For more information on CCRC Provider Forums please call External Relations at 818-256-1035.

Did You Know? CCRC Needs Your Public Rate Sheet By Michelle Sobelman, CCRC Resource & Referral

In the Contracting Department, we often receive questions about whether a licensed provider needs to submit a brochure or flyer including their child care rates and terms, in addition to posting it inside their child care facility, next to their license. The answer is YES!

Music is a great way to introduce creativity, rhythm and even math skills to children. Set up a music band of children with plastic containers. Have a fun performance in your living room and cheer on the band! You can even help kids make their own instruments and drums!

MARCHING DRUM What you need: • empty oatmeal container • yarn • pen • 2 pencils • 2 empty spools of thread • construction paper • crayons What you do: Let the child decorate the empty oatmeal box with construction paper, felt and/or crayons for a colorful effect. Place the cover on the container. Use a pen to make a hole in the center of the cover and in the center of the bottom of the container. Through these holes, pull and tie a piece of yarn long enough to hang from the child’s neck to their waist. Do not leave child unattended with yarn to prevent choking!

The California Department of Education (CDE) is now requiring all licensed child care providers to submit your “Public Rate Sheet” showing the usual and customary rates, or the rates they charge the public.

For the drumsticks, place the spools at the ends of the pencils, secure with glue if necessary. Hit to play.

In order to ensure that there will be no disruption in payment or authorized child care hours, mail or bring in a copy of your Public Rate Sheet by January 31, 2007.

What you need (suggestions): • Empty coffee and/or vegetable cans • Empty plastic soda bottles • Dry beans • Plastic containers

Right now CCRC is working on making sure each licensed provider is up to date on this new State requirement and has this information on file in order to continue serving our providers and our families. If you do not currently have information posted regarding the rates you charge the public, CCRC can assist you in professionalizing your business and can provide Public Rate Sheet samples and one-on-one assistance to helping you create your own facility’s Public Rate Sheet. This will help ensure consistency, give your business a professional feel, and help you when you need to provide information to parents and potential clients. If you would like more information about the Public Rate please call Jesse in the CCRC Northridge office at 818-256-1000 or in the Antelope Valley office at 661-949-0615.

TUPPERWARE DRUM SET

What you do: Empty coffee and vegetable cans make fun noises when tapped with a metal spoon and plastic containers are perfect for drums. Line up empty soda or vinegar bottles and blow across the top of each bottle to create your own flute. Toss some coins, rice or dry beans into an empty tin can, cover with a washcloth secured by a rubber band, and shake for fun maracas, make sure there are no sharp edges. Gently tapping the sides of empty cans or bottles makes a pretty sound, but use caution with smaller children.

By Heather Malley, CCRC School Readiness Initiative (SRI) Program Evaluator

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hen parents want to prepare their child for school, they often have questions about parenting support services or learning about activities that they can do at home with young children. Parents should know that CCRC’s school readiness program offers fun and free ways to learn how to support your child in getting ready to enter kindergarten. Through CCRC’s School Readiness Initiative (SRI), the Parents as Teachers Program (PAT) offers a year of monthly visits with a Parent Educator for parents who have children 0-5 years old living in specific areas. These visits include fun parent and child activities, which also teach the family about the age and stage of their child as they grow throughout the year. These learning activities help the child build important school readiness skills. Each year, the PAT program holds four fun parent gatherings where all enrolled families can meet other parents in the same area and learn about other parent resources in our program.

Other parent support services include our Mommy (and Daddy) and Me classes held at three local schools where parents and children engage in fun and educational activities with other parents for three hours each week. The class provides a preschool environment where a Parent Educator leads the group in inside learning activities, songs, and outdoor play activities. This is also an opportunity for parents to get to know their local school and to meet other parents with young children. This wonderful part of CCRC’s program is made possible through collaboration with the Van Nuys Community Adult School Department of Adult Career Education. Space is limited for some of these programs. To learn more about school readiness resources for your family, call CCRC today at 818256-1000 ext. 2016.

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SCHOOL READINESS: It’s For the Whole Family

Message from the CEO In This Issue

Cover Story

p. 1

News

p. 2

Health

p. 3

Fun & Events

p. 4

• Child Care Resource Center A non-profit organization, the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) has been supporting families in finding good quality child care as well as child development services and programs for their children. Over the last 30 years, the organization has grown to serve a variety of community needs, making CCRC a vital community resource. Main Office 16650 Sherman Way Van Nuys, CA 91406 818/756-3360 Northridge Office 8510 Balboa Blvd. Northridge, CA 91325 818/256-1000 Antelope Valley Office 42281 10th Street, West Lancaster, CA 93534 661/949-0615 Call Toll Free 1-866/674-KIDS

www.ccrcla.org CCRC Perspectives a quarterly publication of the Child Care Resource C e n t e r. Editor: Juliet Mothershed. For questions, comments or info, please call 818/256-1000

CCRC Provider Payments Now Made Easy & Electronic

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n 2007 CCRC is launching a new payment system for its contracted child care providers. CCRC now offers Provider Pay Cards (PPC) in addition to Direct Deposit as a way child care providers can receive their payments electronically. Direct Deposit is an electronic deposit straight to your bank account that works just like a regular deposit you make at the bank. PPC works just like a debit/ATM card giving electronic access to payment funds at any point of sale.

Starting July 2007, CCRC will have a completely “paperless” payment system with no more checks being sent through the mail allowing a safe and secure payment method with convenient access for child care providers. All payments will then be issued by a Direct Deposit to a bank account of the provider’s choice, or through PPC. Over the next few months CCRC will be working with its community of child care providers to inform them on both payment options. CCRC will now be able to make child care payments easier, electronically, safer and with complete confidentiality. By going “paperless” child care providers will avoid long lines at the bank, mix-ups with the post office, stolen checks and costly check cashing fees commonly associated with paper checks. Providers can sign up for direct deposit now by contacting your provider payments technician at: 818-756-3396. To sign up for a Provider Pay Card (PPC) you can to set an appointment to sign up in person by contacting Jesse at (818) 756-3373 or (661) 261-3126. PPC Sign ups will also be available at CCRC Provider Forums. To read more about CCRC new payment system get connected at www.ccrcla.org!

appy 2007 to all of you! The beginning of a new year is an exciting time to talk about change and there are good changes happening with CCRC! This summer CCRC will consolidate its two San Fernando Valley Offices in Van Nuys and Northridge and move them both to a new office in Chatsworth. This will allow CCRC to serve the community better by having all of our resources in one convenient location with plenty of parking and a lobby designed to give guests the best customer service. The new office will also be the new home for the San Fernando Valley CCRC Book, Toy and Resource Library. Now when you visit us on business you will also be able to have access to the library for your children. Please be assured that even during the move, services will not be halted in any way and CCRC will continue to provide all needed resources even while we make this great transition.

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You may have noticed that we are utilizing technology to modernize our services. Last year we added on-line referrals for parents and families looking for child care. This year we are changing our payment system. Over the next few months, we’ll be introducing this new system that you can read more about in this issue. We’ll be talking about all these new changes during the 2007 Provider Forums and I hope to see you there: February 6th and May 22nd in the Van Nuys office, February 8th and May 24th in the Antelope Valley office. Best Wishes for 2007! Michael Olenick CCRC President & CEO

Be Prepared for Tax Season!

Child Care Centers: Reduce Your Utility Bills in 2007!

Big tax credits for working parents and caregivers add up to thousands of dollars

he California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program (C-PEEP) can help eligible child care centers reduce their monthly utility bills. Did you know that changing just one regular light bulb to a compact fluorescent bulb saves approximately $20 per year? If you have 10 light bulbs in your child care center that can mean a savings of $200 each year!

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very year, hundreds of people miss out on valuable tax credits. Don’t let this happen to you! Tax credits worth thousands of dollars can make tax season a good thing for working parents or guardians of dependent children.

Don’t be afraid to ask your income tax professional about these credits for individuals with children or other dependents: • Federal Earned Income Credit – up to $4,536 • Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit – up to $2,100 • California Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit – up to $1,050 • Child Tax Credit – up to $1,000 Parents or guardians of children can be eligible for these credits even if they do not owe any income taxes. Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) a local non-profit is spreading the word and wants parents and caregivers to take advantage of federal and state tax credits available to them when they do their taxes. For information on free tax preparation assistance or on child tax credits, call Child Care Connection at (800) KIDS-793, or visit: • www.irs.gov • http://www.parentvoices.org/ resources.htm.

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Efficiency Program (CPEEP) can help you call the Low Income Investment Fund at: 415-489-6145 or email [email protected]. You can also visit the website at: http://www.liifund.org. On the home page, under child care, click the link to the California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program.

The program is funded by the California Public Utility Commission through Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE).

The California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program is a collaboration of organizations: Low-Income Investment Fund, California Child Care Resource and Referral Network, California Head Start Association, Intergy Corporation and the California Department of Education (consultation and support).

C-PEEP replaces older, energy-intensive equipment and provide a variety of facility upgrades to assist you in controlling your energy costs, and reducing your operational costs. The program covers about 80 percent of qualified equipment and installation costs. This can mean that for a small amount of money, a center can achieve reductions in energy use that will quickly recover its cost and can save child care providers money. Eligible childcare centers include Head Start, state-contracted and private centers served by: Southern California Edison (SCE) or San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE). Priority is given to centers housed in buildings at least 25 years old, centers serving low-income families and/or centers that have the greatest potential for energy savings as determined by a free energy audit. For more information on how the California Preschool Energy

SAVE THE DATE! 2007 PROVIDER FORUMS

 WEBSITE RESOURCES w w w. p a r e n t v o i c e s . o r g w w w. k i d s h e a l t h . o r g w w w. c c r c l a . o r g

February 6th in the Van Nuys office February 8th in the Antelope Valley office May 22nd in the Van Nuys office May 24th in the Antelope Valley office Forums will start at 6 p.m. to allow time for providers to meet with CCRC Payment technicians to sign up for direct deposit or a Provider Pay Card (PPC). The forum agenda will start at 7 p.m. For more information on CCRC Provider Forums please call External Relations at 818-256-1035.

Did You Know? CCRC Needs Your Public Rate Sheet By Michelle Sobelman, CCRC Resource & Referral

In the Contracting Department, we often receive questions about whether a licensed provider needs to submit a brochure or flyer including their child care rates and terms, in addition to posting it inside their child care facility, next to their license. The answer is YES!

Music is a great way to introduce creativity, rhythm and even math skills to children. Set up a music band of children with plastic containers. Have a fun performance in your living room and cheer on the band! You can even help kids make their own instruments and drums!

MARCHING DRUM What you need: • empty oatmeal container • yarn • pen • 2 pencils • 2 empty spools of thread • construction paper • crayons What you do: Let the child decorate the empty oatmeal box with construction paper, felt and/or crayons for a colorful effect. Place the cover on the container. Use a pen to make a hole in the center of the cover and in the center of the bottom of the container. Through these holes, pull and tie a piece of yarn long enough to hang from the child’s neck to their waist. Do not leave child unattended with yarn to prevent choking!

The California Department of Education (CDE) is now requiring all licensed child care providers to submit your “Public Rate Sheet” showing the usual and customary rates, or the rates they charge the public.

For the drumsticks, place the spools at the ends of the pencils, secure with glue if necessary. Hit to play.

In order to ensure that there will be no disruption in payment or authorized child care hours, mail or bring in a copy of your Public Rate Sheet by January 31, 2007.

What you need (suggestions): • Empty coffee and/or vegetable cans • Empty plastic soda bottles • Dry beans • Plastic containers

Right now CCRC is working on making sure each licensed provider is up to date on this new State requirement and has this information on file in order to continue serving our providers and our families. If you do not currently have information posted regarding the rates you charge the public, CCRC can assist you in professionalizing your business and can provide Public Rate Sheet samples and one-on-one assistance to helping you create your own facility’s Public Rate Sheet. This will help ensure consistency, give your business a professional feel, and help you when you need to provide information to parents and potential clients. If you would like more information about the Public Rate please call Jesse in the CCRC Northridge office at 818-256-1000 or in the Antelope Valley office at 661-949-0615.

TUPPERWARE DRUM SET

What you do: Empty coffee and vegetable cans make fun noises when tapped with a metal spoon and plastic containers are perfect for drums. Line up empty soda or vinegar bottles and blow across the top of each bottle to create your own flute. Toss some coins, rice or dry beans into an empty tin can, cover with a washcloth secured by a rubber band, and shake for fun maracas, make sure there are no sharp edges. Gently tapping the sides of empty cans or bottles makes a pretty sound, but use caution with smaller children.

By Heather Malley, CCRC School Readiness Initiative (SRI) Program Evaluator

W

hen parents want to prepare their child for school, they often have questions about parenting support services or learning about activities that they can do at home with young children. Parents should know that CCRC’s school readiness program offers fun and free ways to learn how to support your child in getting ready to enter kindergarten. Through CCRC’s School Readiness Initiative (SRI), the Parents as Teachers Program (PAT) offers a year of monthly visits with a Parent Educator for parents who have children 0-5 years old living in specific areas. These visits include fun parent and child activities, which also teach the family about the age and stage of their child as they grow throughout the year. These learning activities help the child build important school readiness skills. Each year, the PAT program holds four fun parent gatherings where all enrolled families can meet other parents in the same area and learn about other parent resources in our program.

Other parent support services include our Mommy (and Daddy) and Me classes held at three local schools where parents and children engage in fun and educational activities with other parents for three hours each week. The class provides a preschool environment where a Parent Educator leads the group in inside learning activities, songs, and outdoor play activities. This is also an opportunity for parents to get to know their local school and to meet other parents with young children. This wonderful part of CCRC’s program is made possible through collaboration with the Van Nuys Community Adult School Department of Adult Career Education. Space is limited for some of these programs. To learn more about school readiness resources for your family, call CCRC today at 818256-1000 ext. 2016.

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