October 7, 2025

Family Resources Newsletter – October 2025

Dear CDA Families,

As the weather gets a little cooler and routines settle in, fall is the perfect time to reset and refocus on your family’s health and well-being. The changing season brings opportunities to nurture our bodies and minds in simple, meaningful ways, from enjoying seasonal foods to moving more as a family.

As someone who enjoys walking, reading, and journaling, I’ve found that even a few minutes of self-care each day makes a big difference. Whether it’s a morning walk, preparing a healthy snack together, or writing down what you’re grateful for, taking small steps adds up.

This month, we’re sharing seasonal wellness tips and easy family fitness challenges to help you feel your best all season long.

Seasonal Wellness Tips
  1. Boost Immunity with Seasonal Foods
    Enjoy seasonal produce like apples, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and leafy greens. These are filled with nutrients to help your family stay strong during cold season.
  2. Stick to a Routine
    Regular sleep, consistent mealtimes, and planned times for physical activity (like walks, playtime, or stretching) can help children feel secure and improve overall family wellness.
  3. Keep Moving Indoors
    Turn on some music for a dance break, try simple yoga stretches, or build an obstacle course with pillows or cushions, anything fun that helps kids use up energy and lift their mood/
  4. Stay Hydrated
    It’s easy to forget to drink water when it’s not hot outside. Keep reusable water bottles handy to encourage hydration throughout the day.
  5. Handwashing Reminders
    With flu season around the corner, continue to practice and model proper handwashing, especially before meals and after school or outings.
  6. Warm & Nourishing Meals
    Try hearty, healthy soups or crockpot meals that are easy to prep and perfect for busy evenings.
  7. Prioritize Rest
    As days get shorter, create calming nighttime routines with storytime, warm baths, and calming music. Encourage earlier bedtimes and promote restful sleep for the whole family.
Fall Family Fitness Challenge: Walktober!

Make movement fun with a “Walktober” challenge!

  • Set a Family Step Goal: Start small and celebrate progress weekly.
  • Track Steps Together: Use a simple chart on the fridge or printable tracker.
  • Explore Local Parks: Try a different park or trail each weekend.
  • Walk & Talk: Use walks to connect as a family, talk about your day or share what you’re grateful for.
Fall Family Engagement Ideas

Engaging in seasonal activities creates meaningful moments, encourages learning, and promotes family bonding. Here are some fun ideas:

Fall-Themed Activities:

  • Nature Scavenger Hunt: Collect colorful leaves, acorns, and pinecones for crafts.
  • Leaf Art: Make leaf rubbings or paint them to create seasonal art.
  • Pumpkin Decorating: Paint or carve pumpkins and learn about the history of jack-o’-lanterns.
  • Bake Together: Try easy fall recipes like pumpkin muffins or apple crisp.
  • Family Movie Night: Set up a cozy movie night with a fall-themed or Halloween movie.
  • Gratitude Jar: Write down one thing each family member is thankful for every day in October.
  • Story Sharing Night: Share stories from your childhood or favorite fall memories.
  • DIY Halloween Decorations: Make crafts like paper ghosts or cotton ball spiders together.
Halloween Safety Tips

Help your little ones have a fun and safe Halloween:

  • Choose costumes that are well-fitting and visible at night.
  • Use glow sticks or flashlights while trick-or-treating.
  • Stay in familiar neighborhoods and always accompany young children.
  • Inspect treats before eating and avoid homemade goodies from strangers.
  • If staying home, create a fun indoor “trick-or-treat” experience with family!
Additional Resources
  • Seasonal Recipes & Nutrition Tips, click here.
  • Parent Self-Care Tips, click here.
  • No Tricks, Some Treats, All Fun: Top 5 Fall Activities for Toddlers, click here.

Family wellness isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. Whether it’s enjoying a warm meal together, walking through falling leaves, or setting time aside to be present, these moments matter.

Let this season be a reminder that the healthiest families aren’t those who do everything right, but those who stay connected, support one another, and have fun along the way.

How will your family “fall into wellness” this month?

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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

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If you would like to receive a personal eligibility screening, please complete the form below:

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To receive a personal eligibility screening, please call us at: (619) 427-4411 ext. 1400