March 5, 2026

Family Resources Newsletter – March 2026

Dear CDA Families,

Is it just me, or does this time of year feel extra tiring? With daylight savings time and the weather starting to warm up, our routines can feel a little off. Longer days, shifting schedules, and rising temperatures can leave everyone feeling a bit stretched.

The good news? March is the perfect time for a spring reset. As the season changes, it’s a great opportunity to refresh our routines, spend more time outdoors, and create simple habits that help our families feel balanced and energized.

Remember, a reset doesn’t require big changes. Often, the smallest shifts make the biggest difference.

Simple Ways to Reset as a Family

Try one or two small changes this month:

– Move bedtime a little earlier
– Open windows for fresh air and sunlight in the morning
– Drinking more water during warmer days
– Limit screens before bedtime
– Cleaning out one small space at a time
– Choose one healthy habit for the family

Even small shifts can help your home feel calmer and help everyone recharge as we transition into spring.

March Family Reading Challenge

In honor of Read Across America, try setting aside 10 minutes each day to read together as a family this month. Reading together helps children build language skills, imagination, and confidence.

Ideas to make it fun:

– Let your child choose the book
– Take turns reading pages
– Read together before bedtime
– Visit your local library to pick new books and/or participate in Storytime

Enjoy the Warmer Weather

As the days get warmer, take advantage of the sunshine!

Family ideas:

– Take an evening walk after dinner
– Visit a local park or playground
– Ride bikes or scooters
– Have a simple picnic or outdoor snack

Fresh air and movement can help improve sleep, boost mood, and help everyone recharge.

Family Check-In

Take a few minutes to check in with your family:

– What has been feeling hard lately?
– What would make this week feel easier?
– What are we you excited about this spring?

Even short conversations can help children feel supported and connected.

Spring Snack Recipe: Frozen Yogurt Berry Bites

A cool and kid-friendly snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 container of plain or vanilla yogurt
– 1 cup fresh or frozen berries
– Honey (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Spoon yogurt onto a lined baking sheet.
  2. Add berries on top.
  3. Freeze for 2–3 hours.
  4. Enjoy!

Let kids help assemble their own. It makes healthy eating fun and engaging.

Free Resources

 

  • Tax Help & Tax Credits for Families

Tax season is here, and free help is available.

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) offers free tax preparation for families who qualify. Trained volunteers help ensure you receive eligible tax credits.

Find a local VITA site: https://freetaxassistance.for.irs.gov/s/sitelocator

You can also call or visit the 2-1-1 website: https://211sandiego.org/financial-assistance-tax-information/

  • CalEITC

The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is a refundable credit for working families with low to moderate incomes. If you qualify, you could receive money back, even if you owe little or no taxes.

Many families may also qualify for:

– Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
– Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)

Learn more: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/personal/credits/california-earned-income-tax-credit.html

  • San Diego Public Library

Free storytime, family programs, and reading activities are offered throughout the month. Find events near you: https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/events/month

  • 2-1-1 San Diego

A free and confidential service that connects families with local resources and more. Dial 2-1-1 or visit:  https://211sandiego.org

Spring reminds us that growth happens in gradual, small steps. As the season changes, give yourself and your family permission to reset, recharge, and move forward one small step at a time.

Wishing your family, a fresh and health start to spring.

With care,
Jennifer Ordinario
Family Resources Supervisor

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

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

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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