July 8, 2026

Family Resources Newsletter – July 2026

Dear CDA Families,

One of my favorite childhood memories is spending long summer days outside riding my bike around the neighborhood, playing baseball in the street with friends, and staying outside until the sun began to set. Summer always felt like a time for adventure and making memories with family and friends. Looking back, it’s often the simple moments that become the most meaningful.

As parents and caregivers, we all want our children to enjoy everything summer has to offer while staying safe along the way. Whether your family is heading to the beach, visiting a park, riding bikes, or simply spending more time outdoors, a little planning can help make this summer both fun and memorable.

Summer Safety Reminders

Stay Cool and Hydrated

  • San Diego summers are perfect for spending time outdoors, but warmer temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. Remember to:
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply every two hours or after swimming.
  • Wear lightweight clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
  • Plan outdoor activities during the cooler morning or evening hours.

Look before You Lock

Even on mild days, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes. Help children stay safe:

  • Always check the back seat before locking your vehicle.
  • Keep parked vehicles locked.
  • Teach children that cars are never a safe place to play.
  • Look Before You Lock—it could save a life.

Make Water Safety a Priority

  • Whether you’re visiting the beach, pool, lake, or splash pad, active adult supervision is essential. Water Safety Tips:Never leave children unattended near water.
  • Designate one adult to actively supervise swimmers.
  • Use properly fitted life jackets when appropriate.
  • Consider enrolling children in age-appropriate swim lessons.

Ride Safe

Summer is a great time for bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and roller skates. Before heading out:

  • Wear a properly fitted helmet.
  • Use protective gear when appropriate.
  • Follow traffic rules and stay alert.
  • Check bikes and scooters regularly to ensure they’re in safe working condition.

Unplug, Explore, and Connect

Summer is the perfect time to unplug from screens and spend quality time together as a family. Many of the best summer memories come from simple activities that encourage creativity, conversation, and outdoor play.

Try setting aside a Screen-Free Hour each day and enjoy activities such as:

  • Visit your local library.
  • Explore a neighborhood park or nature trail.
  • Ride bikes or take a family walk.
  • Create arts and crafts together.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch outdoors.
  • Plant flowers or start a small garden.
  • Play catch, soccer, or other outdoor games.
  • Watch the sunset together.
  • Enjoy a family game or cook a meal together.

Community Resources & Summer Events

2026 Summer Reading Program

It’s not too late to join the fun! Visit your local library for free storytimes, crafts, STEM activities, family events, and reading opportunities throughout the summer.

Many San Diego County libraries offer Discover & Go, which provides free admission passes to participating museums and attractions with your library card.

Families receiving CalFresh (SNAP) benefits may also qualify for free or reduced admission at participating museums through the Museums for All program.

Get Outside & Explore

Enjoy San Diego County’s beautiful parks, beaches, and nature areas, such as Balboa Park, Mission Trails Regional Park, Waterfront Park, and Mission Bay Park.

Free Community Events

Check your SD Parks and Recreation: 2026 Summer Events or city website: City of San Diego for free summer concerts, Movies in the Park, farmers markets, festivals, and other family-friendly events.

July Family Challenge

Create a Summer Bucket List with your family! Choose five fun activities you’d like to do together before summer ends. Ideas include:

  • Read five books together.
  • Visit a new park.
  • Have a family picnic.
  • Ride bikes together.
  • Visit the library.
  • Make homemade popsicles.
  • Attend a free community event.
  • Watch a sunset together.

The best summer memories are often made by spending time together, exploring new places, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re enjoying a day at the beach, discovering a new park, reading together at the library, or simply playing outside, we hope your family has a safe, healthy, and joyful summer.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Summer 2026!

Warmly,

Jennifer Ordinario
CDA Family Resources Supervisor

Upcoming Event

Our Annual Back to School Resource Fair is coming up. Backpacks with school supplies will be given to the first 400 children who attend the event (until supplies last). See you there!

Workshops

We’re Here to Help

For individualized assistance with resources or referrals, please contact our Family Resources Team.

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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