March 9, 2021

Family Resources Newsletter – March 2021

Dear CDA Families,

COVID-19 has disrupted many of our lives in ways we would have never imagined. For me, this past year has felt like a roller coaster ride that seems never-ending. Responsibilities that include having my children home all day and dealing with sibling rivalry, working remotely, cooking, cleaning, and what feels like a hundred other things. Although every person’s situation is different, one thing is clear, we are all dealing with different types of stress and it seems like there is little or no time to take care of ourselves.

It is important to keep in mind that even though we can’t control a lot of what is going on right now, we do have control over ourselves and knowing that we matter too. Recently, I’ve been hearing a lot of talk surrounding the idea of self-love and why it’s important when it comes to parenting. The truth is that we are our children’s first teacher, their role model. Having love, respect, empathy, and compassion for ourselves as parents is one of the best gifts you can teach your child and it serves as a guide for them to follow. It helps their ability to develop a deeper connection and understanding with themselves by increasing their self-worth, inner peace, and strength.

Managing our own stress has a positive impact on our parenting and personal health. Remember, we can’t pour from an empty cup. Below are some tips to practice self-love and care.

1. Empower yourself with positive thoughts and affirmations.

How many times have you heard the phrase “You are your own worst critic?” As humans we tend to be so hard on ourselves. We are not as patient and understanding as we are with others. We are overly critical of ourselves and constantly have negative thoughts. Anytime you start having negative thoughts replace them with empowering thoughts and phrases such as “You are beautiful, you are strong, you are capable, and you are enough, and so on.” This will help you to break the loop of negative self-talk and will shift you to more positive and healthier conversations with yourself.

2. Make time for yourself.

Give yourself a break each day to do something that you enjoy. Whether it’s taking a long bath, a quick exercise, reading a book, watching your favorite movie or show, or simple having some alone time to close your eyes for a silent moment. Don’t feel guilt or shame because you deserve it and it’s essential.

3. Reconnect with others.

With some of the challenges that come with parenting it is easy to put off socializing with others. Make sure to create a positive healthy support system that you know you can count on and won’t judge you. Reconnecting with friends will help you reduce stress and will make you feel loved and supported.

4. Have the courage to be imperfect.

Being a perfectionist can lead to a long road of anxiety and discontent. It can be emotionally and physically exhausting when you hold yourself to an impossible standard. Instead focus on setting realistic goals and expectations for yourself. Allow your children to see that you make mistakes, laugh about it and move on. Give yourself and your children the permission to live a happy life by modeling how perfectly imperfect we all are.  

5. Practice gratitude.

Take the time to recognize what you are grateful for each day. This helps to refocus our attention and thankfulness for what we do have instead of what we don’t.

6. Practice healthy habits.

It is important to be mindful of practicing and maintaining healthy habits, such as having a well-balanced diet and avoid unnecessary snacking, stay hydrated, maintain a good sleep schedule, and stay physically active. Practicing healthy habits, especially during times of stress is crucial for our physical and mental well-being.

7. Set boundaries for yourself.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, many of us find our work and home life transformed into one. It is important to keep a daily routine and set limits so that we don’t burn out. For example, your workspace should be separate from your sleep space. You should also try to follow a work and school schedule to allow for time to refresh and separate from a work day. Having a routine is great for creating better focus on tasks and management of your time. This helps create and maintain self-discipline and responsibility.

Practicing self-love and care on a regular basis will help us to experience the joys of parenting and personal well-being. As we continue to navigate our new normal, I hope these tips will encourage you to be kind to yourself.

Additional Resources

Click the links below for more information.

Upcoming Workshops

For a list of upcoming workshops and events, visit our Workshops page!

Family Resources Team

For individualized assistance with resources or referrals during COVID-19 closure, please contact our Family Resources Team via email or by phone, during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Jennifer Ordinario
Family Resources Supervisor
jordinario@cdasd.org
619-427-4411 x1416		 Lidia Guzman
Family Resources Specialist
Bonita Office
lguzman@cdasd.org
619-310-4114		 Alexandra “Alex” Real
Family Resources Specialist
Kearny Mesa Office
areal@cdasd.org
619-932-2822

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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