August 1, 2025

Family Resources Newsletter – August 2025

Dear CDA Families,

The start of a new school year brings many changes, new teachers, classmates, schedules, and expectations. While some children may feel excited to return, others may experience stress, uncertainty, or even fear. These mixed emotions are completely normal, especially during times of transition.

One powerful way we can support our children during the school year is by helping them recognize and express their feelings. When children learn how to understand and manage emotions, they’re better equipped to handle challenges, build positive relationships, and thrive both in and out of the classroom.

This month, we’re focusing on practical ways to reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and create safe spaces for children to share what they’re feeling. By tuning in and creating calm, consistent routines at home, you can help your child feel more confident and prepared for the year ahead.

Signs Back-to-School Stress

Children may not always say they’re feeling stressed, but here are some common signs:

  • Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
  • Complaints about stomachaches or headaches
  • Mood swings, clinginess, or irritability
  • Avoiding school talk or saying “I don’t want to go”

These signs are normal during transitions. With support, most kids adjust within the first few weeks.

Tips to Help Your Child Cope with Stress
  • Talk it Out
    Ask open-ended questions like “What are you looking forward to?” and “Is there anything you’re worried about?” Listen calmly and reassure them that their feelings are okay.
  • Practice the Routine
    Start waking up and going to bed earlier. Practice the morning routine and drive by the school together. A little practice helps children feel more in control.
  • Create a Calm Corner
    Set up a cozy spot at home with books, soft pillows, or calming items where your child can take a break when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
  • Model Calm Behavior
    Kids take their cues from you. Take a few deep breaths together when things get tense. Even short moments of calm can help reset the day.
  • Stay Connected
    Check in with your child daily after school. A quick walk, snack time chat, or bedtime talk gives them space to share.
  • Parent-Teacher Partnerships: Start Strong
    One of the best ways to support your child is by building a positive relationship with their teacher from the start.
Try These Tips
  • Attend back-to-school night or send a friendly email introducing your family.
  • Share helpful information: learning styles, strengths, or any challenges.
  • Ask how you can support learning at home.
  • Stay in touch regularly to celebrate progress and address concerns early.
Activity: Make a “Worry Box”

Materials: small box, paper, crayons, tape

  1. Decorate a box together and label it “Worry Box.”
  2. Invite your child to draw or write things that make them worried.
  3. Place the paper inside and talk about how sharing the worry can help us feel better.
  4. Use this as a tool to open up and find solutions together.
You’re Not Alone

Back-to-school season brings a lot of emotions for children and parents. Just remember, you’re doing a great job. It’s okay to take it one step at a time. Keep checking in with your child and self and reach out for support when needed.

Free Resources and Community Events
  • ABC’s of Managing Back-to-School Stress – CLICK HERE
    Join us for an in-person workshop focused on recognizing and responding to stress, anxiety and worry as your child returns to school.
  • BrightLife Kids – A CalHOPE Program by Brightline- CLICK HERE
    Offers free mental health support and coaching for California families with kids and teens.
  • Parent Toolkit- CLICK HERE
    Tips and tools by age for school, health, and emotional development.
  • San Diego Unified Family Resources- CLICK HERE
    Information provided to help support you and your student.
  • San Diego Public Library Events- CLICK HERE
    Storytimes, crafts, and school prep activities for children.
  • Summer Movies in the Park- CLICK HERE
    Free family movie nights throughout August.
  • Feeding San Diego – Free Meal Distributions- CLICK HERE
    Locate free food distribution sites near you:

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

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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