 | OverviewThe 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 $125 - $300 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 Elaine Kabish at Solano Family & Children's Services, at 707-863-3950 ext. 123 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:
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 Hanney, 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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