CARES/Professional Developmnt
The new CARES
Plus Kick off Event is June 18, 2011,
download the flyer!
The Children's Network is pleased to announce the new Solano Comprehensive
Approaches to Raising Educational Standards (CARES)/Professional Development
Program. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of child care and
development services by increasing the educational levels and retention
rates of the workforce.
There are various components of this program:
Solano CARES - Stipends for Education:
The stipend portion of the program will fall under First 5 California CARES
Program requirements. Due to decreased funding the Entry and Permit Tracks
will be the only tracks offered this year (for providers working in licensed
centers or family child care settings). A limited number of stipends ranging
from $100 - $150 per unit for successfully completed coursework are
available on a first-come, first-served basis. The
Solano CARES/Professional Development Program Matrix describes
the specific requirements in more detail. Participants must work a minimum
of 30 hours per week with at least one child, not your own, under the age of
5.
Stipends for Professional Growth Activities (Title V Program Staff Only):
Providers working in child care centers contracting with the California
Department of Education (CDE) to provide subsidized child care services
(i.e., State Preschool, General Child Care) with the minimum of a Teacher
Level Permit may receive an annual stipend of $150 for completion of 21
hours of professional growth activities which meet their professional goals
as stated in their Professional Development Plan.
Family, Friend and Neighbor Caregivers (License Exempt Providers):
The Children's Network is contracting with Solano Family and Children's
Services to provide trainings for caregivers who are license exempt or
informally care for at least one child under the age of 5, not their own,
for a minimum of 15 hours per week. Participants will receive materials such
as children's books and safety equipment for successfully completing a
specified training. Contact Denise McBride at Solano Family & Children's
Services, at 707-863-3950 ext. 122 for more details.
On-Site Trainings:
Licensed centers and licensed family child care homes can access an Expert
Pool of trainers to conduct onsite and/or near site trainings for their
programs at no cost to them. Interested participants must first complete a
training needs assessment.
Training Database:
Individuals looking for professional development opportunities in and around
Solano County are encouraged to utilize the online searchable database which
includes a list of current courses and trainings offered for child care
professionals. Visit
www.childnet.org/training.
Technical Assistance and Support:
Program staff are available to provide free technical assistance and support
to participants including but not limited to information on how to:
Obtain a Child Development Permit
Develop a Professional Development Plan
Access educational opportunities that will lead to a higher level Child
Development Permit and/or a college degree
Anyone interested in participating in any of the components of the Solano
CARES/Professional Development Program must meet with program staff to
complete a Professional Development Plan. For more information, or to
participate in the Solano CARES/Professional Development Program, contact
Shelia Smith, Professional Development Program Coordinator, at 707-421-7229
ext. 124.
The Solano CARES/Professional Development Program is a project of the Solano
County Child Care Planning Council and is administered by the Children's
Network of Solano County. The program is made possible by grants from the
First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission, First 5 California, and the
California Department of Education.  
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