September 10, 2025

Family Resources Newsletter – September 2025

Dear CDA Families,

September is Self-Care Awareness Month, a reminder that caring for yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Between work, parenting, school schedules, and everything in between, it can be easy to forget about your own well-being. When you care for yourself, you’re better equipped to care for your family.

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. It could be enjoying a cup of coffee before everyone else wakes up, going for a short walk, or taking a few deep breaths between tasks. Personally, my favorite self-care routine is taking walks, reading something inspiring, and journaling to reflect and reset. These small moments help me stay grounded and I encourage you to explore what helps you feel recharged.

We know this time of year can feel especially busy as families juggle routines, responsibilities, and changing schedules. That’s why this month, we’re focusing on simple, doable ways to care for yourself and support your family’s emotional well-being. We’ve gathered resources that we hope will bring you peace and balance this season.

Self-Care Challenge: 7 Days of Simple Acts

Try one small self-care action each day this week! Share your favorite with a friend or a family member to encourage the habit of self-care at home.

Day 1: Do something creative (color, draw, craft)

Day 2: Write down three things you are grateful for

Day 3: Take a 10-minute stretch break

Day 4: Take a walk in nature

Day 5: Write down one thing you are excited about

Day 6: Give yourself a mini hand massage with lotion

Day 7: Take a few deep breaths, you’ve got this!

Quick Self-Care Tips for Parents
  • Start small. Even 5 minutes can make a difference.
  • Create tech-free moments. Try a screen break during meals or before bed.
  • Set a boundary. Say “no” when you need to protect your time or energy.
  • Breathe. Deep breathing calms the body and mind, do it together with your child.
  • Let go of guilt. Self-care is not selfish, it’s an act of love.
Self-Care Resources

Caring for Yourself While You Care for Children: Tips from Zero to Three to help parents try brief mindfulness practices

Parent Toolkit: Mental Health – Practical tools for families

https://brightlife.kids/: Free CalHOPE-supported wellness coaching and workshops for parents and children

Guided Meditation – Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 6 PM – 7 PM : Chula Vista Public Library – Free crafts, games, story time, and family-friendly wellness resources

Remember, your well-being matters. Even in the busiest seasons, giving yourself a moment to pause can make all the difference. Whether it’s through a walk, a book, or just a deep breath, self-care can bring more patience, connection, and peace to your day, and to your child’s. You deserve it.

Upcoming Workshops

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

Workshops

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:

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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