May 7, 2026

Family Resources Newsletter – May 2026

Dear CDA Families,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to pause and reflect on how our mental and emotional well-being show up in our daily lives. Mental health affects how we manage stress, care for our families, and navigate everyday challenges. Building awareness is an important first step toward understanding, balance, and overall well-being.

This month, I’ve been more intentional about finding small ways to slow down and recharge. One thing that has really helped me is taking time to plan my week in my calendar, adding a little creativity with colors, notes, and even stickers. It may seem simple, but it has become a calming routine that helps me feel more organized, present, and grounded.

Spending just a few quiet minutes planning allows me to pause, reflect, and feel more in control of my time. It’s been a good reminder that caring for our mental health doesn’t always require big changes. Often, it’s the small, meaningful routines we build into our days that make the biggest difference.

Mental wellness looks different for everyone. I encourage you to find what brings you even a moment of calm or joy, it can be an important part of taking care of yourself.

Why Mental Health Matters

Taking care of your mental health helps you:

  • Manage stress and daily challenges
  • Build stronger relationships with your children and loved ones
  • Support your child’s emotional growth and development
  • Feel more balanced and confident in everyday life

Mental Health Awareness Month also encourages open conversations and helps reduce stigma, so families feel supported and not alone.

Simple Ways to Support Your Mental Health

Small steps can make a big difference. You might try:

  • Checking in with yourself – Take a few moments each day to notice how you’re feeling
  • Staying connected – Reach out to a friend, family member, or someone you trust
  • Taking breaks – A short walk or quiet moment can help reset your day
  • Creating routines – Consistency can bring a sense of stability
  • Asking for help – Reaching out is a sign of strength
Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Well-Being

Children also experience stress and big emotions. You can support them by:

  • Encouraging open conversations about feelings
  • Listening without judgment
  • Creating safe and predictable routines
  • Modeling healthy ways to manage stress

Simple check-ins like, “What made you feel happy today?” can help children feel seen and supported.

Mental Health Resources & Support

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers helpful information for individuals, parents, and caregivers, including educational materials, coping strategies, and conversation starters to support mental well-being.

Learn more: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health

You can also explore additional support and services here:
https://www.findsupport.gov/

Closer to home, San Diego County offers several free and confidential resources:

Mental health is part of our everyday lives. Taking time to reflect, staying informed, and showing kindness to ourselves and others all contribute to overall well-being. Even small moments of pause or simple routines can make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for taking a moment this month to reflect on mental health and well-being. Our Family Resources team is here to support you with guidance, resources, and connections whenever you need it.

With care,
Jennifer Ordinario
Family Resources Supervisor

Upcoming Workshops

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

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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