Asthma-Friendly Child Care
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children and a leading cause of hospitalization and school absenteeism. In California, about one child in six under 18 years of age has been diagnosed with asthma. Childhood asthma is on the rise in southern Alameda County and is the most common special need among children in child care programs in southern Alameda County, according to a survey of 4C’s providers.
Identifying the prevention and management of childhood asthma as a health priority, the Greater Southern Alameda County Area of Kaiser Permanente awarded 4C’s a grant to train and assist child care providers and parents on asthma prevention and management. Our project focuses on reducing asthma triggers and practical tips for removing them. Participating providers and parents receive training and resources onsite as well as a “green cleaning kit” that includes safer alternatives to commonly used toxic cleaning products.
Most children with asthma do well in child care when the child care provider, family and medical provider work as a team. Removing these triggers not only helps the children and adults with asthma, but creates a healthy environment for everyone.
For more information contact 4C's Child Health & Nutrition Deparment at 510-582-2182.
Spanish Parenting Classes
Spanish-speaking parents in southern Alameda County can receive parenting support from a special program offered by 4C’s. This program is funded through a community grant from Every Child Counts/First 5 Alameda and is a partnership with Hayward Adult School.
Parents have the opportunity to build on their parenting strengths and discuss their concerns in a supportive environment. They also learn more about child development and topics such as self-esteem, temperament, discipline, difficult behaviors, health, and nutrition. Through group learning and discussion, mothers and fathers build confidence and skills that contribute to positive parent-child relationships.
The parenting support classes are offered weekly in several sessions throughout the year. “Family Read Nights” are also offered, giving parents and children the opportunity to cuddle and enjoy reading books together. For more information, contact 4C’s Resource and Referral Department at 510-582-2182.
Support for Families with Children with Special Needs
4C’s is committed to serving families with children with special needs. Our Inclusion Services staff provides individualized services to parents seeking child care for their children with special needs. We also help parents find agencies and resources to support their child’s development. In addition we partner with the Family Resource Network to offer several support groups in southern Alameda County, including a group for parents of children with autism.
For assistance, contact 4C’s Referral Program at 510-582-2182.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides free tax preparation services for eligible low and moderate income families. We are part of a larger multi-county coalition called Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Our tax preparers are volunteers trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). VITA provides free electronic filing of taxes.
VITA helps families who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (a refundable federal tax credit for low- income working families).
Our VITA site is located in 4C’s Hayward office and operates from February through end of tax season – April 15 – each year. We normally are open on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and the first four Saturdays.
People are asked to make appointments. We do serve a limited number of walk-ins. For appointments and eligibility for this program, please call 510-582-2182.
Whole Foods, Healthy Kids
4C’s Child Nutrition Program offers the “Whole Foods, Healthy Kids” program. This program is designed to encourage parents and child care providers to serve more whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Participating parents and child care providers receive a whole food guide book with information and recipes using all types of whole grains and fresh produce. The guide offers tips on how to make changes in “baby steps”, gradually introducing more whole foods into children’s diets. Also included are fun food activities to do with children at home and in child care settings.
Parents and providers are challenged to make the “Whole Foods Pledge” to serve at least one whole grain, one fresh fruit and one fresh vegetable to children every day. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. The response to this program has been overwhelmingly positive from everyone, including children.
For more information, contact 4C’s Child Health & Nutrition Department at 510-582-2182.