4Cs offers a range of child care services in the Sonoma Valley – Sonoma Sun

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Sonoma Sun

The Community Child Care Council (4Cs) of Sonoma County launched the Sonoma Valley Early Care and Education Partnership Program in March 2022. Director Juan Fresse is focused on providing families in the Valley the support they need to utilize quality child care to benefit their family. All transfer services are available in both English and Spanish.

The 4Cs Alternative Payment/Voucher Program is an important program that provides financial assistance for all or part of the cost of child care to 93 families and caregivers in the Valley. This allows more parents and carers to work, go to school or seek employment. Funded by the California Department of Human Services, the program strengthens the economic security of local families and supports child development through early education.

Eligibility depends 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 telephone interview in English or Spanish; or fill out a Child Care Eligibility Listing Form online. Sonoma4Cs.org/4Cs-preschools.

4Cs also operates two preschools in Sonoma. 4Cs Flowery Preschool is a morning program on the campus of Flowery Elementary School and has a total of 16 spots for 2-year-olds. For 3- to 5-year-olds, the 4Cs Sonoma Child Development Center offers a full-day, year-round program on the Sassarini Elementary School campus with a total of 32 spaces. For information about the two preschools and space availability, call (707)544-3077 or online at Sonoma4Cs.org/4Cs-preschools/

Fresse helps connect people to available childcare and preschool programs. He has also focused on building additional child care capacity within the community by providing information, training and support to Sonoma Valley residents who are currently licensed or interested in becoming a licensed provider (family child care or center). The number of infant/toddler child care spaces in Sonoma Valley has grown a total of 116% since the founding of the Sonoma Valley Early Care & Education Partnership, with a current capacity of 67 spaces. Additionally, the number of licensed family child care providers has doubled, including two that are in the licensure process, bringing a total of 10 family child care homes available in Sonoma Valley.

Monthly child care referrals in Sonoma Valley have increased over 300% since 2022. 4C’s referral service provides a list of providers with availability, licensing information, hours of care and contact information, as well as guidance on what to consider when evaluating options. Case managers are willing to provide information about other services that may be able to help a family. To use the service, call (707)544-3077.

Director Fresse has also focused on making connections within the Sonoma Valley child care industry, promoting collaboration and awareness among organizations, providing training 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, the company is a trusted resource with more than 50 years of experience. 4Cs envisions a thriving community where every child, family and employer has access to quality child care and early learning.

By Anna Pier