April 29, 2024

Family Resources Newsletter – May 2024

Dear CDA Families,

Welcome to May, a month filled with sunshine, blooming flowers, and exciting celebrations! We’re excited to share some wonderful events and activities for you and your children to enjoy together this month.

Provider Appreciation Day (May 10th)

Provider Appreciation Day is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to those who care for and educate our children. Teachers, daycare providers, and other educators play a vital role in shaping the lives of our little ones and supporting families.

Tips to celebrate:

  1. Encourage your children to create handmade thank you cards or artwork to show their appreciation.
  2. Consider a small token of appreciation, such as gift cards, flowers, or a treat bag filled with goodies that providers can enjoy during their well-deserved breaks.
  3. Offer to volunteer as a family at your child’s school or daycare center.
  4. Advocate for resources and opportunities that support professional development and wellbeing.
  5. Encourage acts of kindness and appreciation within your family and community. Whether it’s a simple thank you, a compliment, or a random act of kindness, spreading positivity and gratitude will create a culture of appreciation that benefits everyone.
Mother’s Day (May 12th):

Mother’s Day is a special time to recognize and celebrate the endless efforts, support, and unconditional love that moms and other parent figures have in our lives! Celebrate the special bond between mothers and children with heartfelt activities.

Tips to celebrate:

  1. Encourage children to express their love and appreciation through drawings, poems, or a special song. Have them create handmade cards or crafts.
  2. Plan breakfast in bed or a family picnic.
  3. Consider planting flowers together as a symbol of love and growth.
  4. Create a memory jar together, filling it with notes of gratitude and cherished moments.
International Family Day, also known as Global Family Day (May 15th):

Celebrate the diversity and strength of families around the world on International Family Day!

Tips to celebrate:

  1. Plan a multicultural dinner with dishes from different countries.
  2. Watch family-friendly movies from various cultures.
  3. Create a family tree to explore your roots together.
National Bike Month:

Get active as a family and explore the outdoors during National Bike Month to promote physical fitness and bonding time together.

Tips to celebrate:

  1. Take family bike rides through scenic trails, parks, or neighborhoods.
  2. Create a scavenger hunt along the way, search for landmarks or natural wonders, and reward yourselves with a refreshing treat at the end.
Mental Health Awareness Month:

Prioritize mental wellness as a family by engaging in activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and open communication. For young children, a positive mental health environment lays the groundwork for resilience, emotional intelligence, and lifelong well-being.

Tips to celebrate:

  1. Designate a “mindfulness corner” in your home where family members can unwind and practice relaxation techniques together, such as deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, or yoga sessions.
  2. Encourage open discussions about emotions and support each other’s well-being. Create a safe space for your children to express their feelings and thoughts. Encourage open dialogue and active listening, validating their emotions and offering support.
  3. Healthy Habits: Establish routines that prioritize sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. A well-rested body and nourished mind are better equipped to handle stress and challenges.
  4. Creative Expression: Encourage your children to express themselves creatively through art, music, or storytelling. Creative outlets provide a healthy means of processing emotions and expressing inner thoughts.
  5. Random Acts of Kindness: Challenge your family to perform random acts of kindness for others throughout the month. Simple gestures like writing a thank-you note, helping a neighbor, or donating to a charity can boost mood and cultivate empathy.
Memorial Day Weekend (May 25th – 27th):

Memorial Day is a time of reflection and remembrance, honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. It’s also an opportunity for families to come together and reflect on the importance of freedom, sacrifice, and community.

Tips to celebrate:

  1. Attend a Memorial Day Ceremony: Participate in local Memorial Day ceremonies or parades as a family. It’s a meaningful way to show respect and gratitude for the men and women who have served our country.
  2. Visit a Veteran’s Memorial: Take a trip to a nearby veteran’s memorial or cemetery to pay your respects. Bring flowers or flags to place on the graves of fallen soldiers and take a moment to reflect on their service and sacrifice.
  3. Learn About Military History: Take this opportunity to teach your children about the significance of Memorial Day and the history of the military. Watch documentaries, read books, or visit museums to learn more about the sacrifices made by our armed forces.
  4. Write Thank You Letters: Encourage your children to write thank you letters to active-duty service members or veterans. Expressing gratitude for their service can have a profound impact and teaches children the importance of appreciation and empathy.
  5. Volunteer in the Community: Honor the spirit of service by volunteering as a family in your community. Whether it’s serving meals at a local shelter or participating in a community cleanup, giving back is a meaningful way to honor the legacy of those who have served.

We hope these ideas inspire you to embrace the spirit of May and strengthen the bonds within your family. Remember, every moment shared together is an opportunity for growth, connection, and love.

 

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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.

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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