April 7, 2026

Family Resources Newsletter – April 2026

Dear CDA Families,

April is a time when many communities focus on supporting children and strengthening families. As I reflect on this month, I’m reminded that strong families aren’t built through perfect days, but through everyday moments, showing up, listening, and doing the best we can with what we have. Those small, consistent efforts help children feel safe and supported.

I’ve learned that even in the busiest or most challenging days, simple actions can make a meaningful difference. Taking a moment to check in with our children, spending time together, or reaching out for support when needed can have a lasting impact on their well-being. These actions help build a strong foundation for our children.

Families grow stronger over time in small, meaningful ways through patience, support, and care. This month, we’re sharing ideas and resources that highlight ways families can build strength and resilience together.

Five Protective Factors that Help Families Thrive

Many family support programs use the Strengthening Families Five Protective Factors to support families in building strong foundations for children.

  1. Parental Resilience: The ability to manage stress and overcome challenges helps parents stay strong and present for their children.
  2. Social Connections: Having supportive relationships with friends, family, neighbors, and community members helps families feel connected and supported.
  3. Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: Learning about how children grow and develop can help parents better understand their child’s needs and behaviors.
  4. Concrete Support in Times of Need: Access to resources and services such as food, housing, health care, and community programs that can help families navigate difficult situations.
  5. Social and Emotional Competence of Children: Helping children express their feelings, build friendships, and solve problems supports healthy development and confidence.
Family Activity: Building Family Strengths

Try focusing on one protective factor each week this month.

  1. Week 1 – Parental Resilience
    Take a few minutes for yourself each day to reset. A quiet moment with a cup of coffee, a short walk, or a few deep breaths can help you recharge.
  2. Week 2 – Social Connections
    Reach out to someone you trust. Call a friend, connect with another parent, or spend time with family.
  3. Week 3 – Knowledge of Parenting
    Learn something new about your child. Talk with their teacher, read a parenting article, or attend a workshop.
  4. Week 4 – Concrete Support
    Explore community resources that may support your family, such as local libraries, community centers, or family programs.
  5. Week 5 – Children’s Social and Emotional Skills
    Ask your child simple questions about their day like:

What made you happy today?
What was the hardest part of your day?

Small steps like these help create stronger families and supportive environments where children can thrive.

Community Resources

San Diego Public Library
Free Storytimes, family programs, and children’s activities are offered throughout the month.
Explore events: https://www.sandiego.gov/events

2-1-1 San Diego
A free and confidential service that connects families to local resources such as food assistance, housing support, health services, and family programs.
Dial 2-1-1 or visit: https://211sandiego.org

Child Welfare Information Gateway
Information and resources that support strong families and child well-being.
https://www.childwelfare.gov

With care,
Jennifer Ordinario
Family Resources Supervisor

Upcoming Workshops

We have FREE workshops all year round. Click the button below for more information and register today:

Workshops

We’re Here to Help

For individualized assistance with resources or referrals, please contact our Family Resources Team via the contact form on our workshops page:

Contact Form

Share

Call To Action

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

CDA Reimbursement Schedule
Family is authorized with a variable schedule

Variable schedules are reimbursed for the actual care hours provided that are within the hours authorized. The reimbursement will not exceed the amount billed by the provider or the full-time (FT) or part-time (PT) RMRC listed on the certificate for child care services. CDA will not reimburse for child absences, provider holiday or closure days on a variable schedule. If the full billed/invoiced amount is not paid, the parent is responsible for the difference directly to the provider.

Reimbursement of provider non-operation days/holidays

The number of reimbursable provider holidays and/or non-operation days is limited to a maximum of 10 days per fiscal year. Once these allowable limits are exceeded, reimbursement will be prorated for future closure days.

Reimbursement of registration fees, material fees, insurance fees

Fees for registration, material and/or insurance may be reimbursed if the current reimbursement amount does not exceed the Regional Market Rate Ceiling (RMRC). Reimbursement of these fees is limited to one (1) per child, per fiscal year and will be made in a single payment when requested on the child’s attendance record.

Note: For providers with programs that have multiple fees in one year or where it has been determined that the reimbursement amount exceeds the RMRC, the excess fees will be the responsibility of the parent.

License-Exempt Providers

When child care is authorized for a total of 25 or more hours per week the Full Time Weekly RMRC will be used. When child care is authorized for a total of less than 25 hours per week the Part Time RMRC will be used.

View the State’s RMRC by County See the full Program Guidelines

Congratulations! You may be eligible for CDA’s program.

Let’s get started:

We’re sorry, you may not be eligible for CDA’s program.

If you would like to receive a personal eligibility screening, please complete the form below:

We’re sorry, it appears you may have different need for child care services than those listed.

To receive a personal eligibility screening, please call us at: (619) 427-4411 ext. 1400