We are committed to supporting families in their search for quality, affordable and convenient child care options. Funded by the California Department of Education, Child Development Division, YMCA Childcare Resource Service offers free child care referrals and resources to families in San Diego County so parents and guardians can make informed decisions about child care. The following blogs focus on our commitment to quality care and development of all children. Click here to learn more. If you'd like to receive the latest YMCA Community Support Services news, click here.

 

NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH: GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN | May 20, 2019

When it comes to foster care, the child welfare system has as much of an effect on the caregivers involved as it does on the youth.

NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH: A ‘BRIDGE’ TO STABILITY | May 6, 2019

By accessing our services, resource families, formerly known as foster families, can increase their ability to create a safe, stable environment for the children in their care.

NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: A NETWORK OF ABUSE PREVENTION ADVOCATES | April 29, 2019

Teachers and other school staff play a critical role in keeping kids safe and continuing the nurturing environment of a child’s home or, in some cases, providing a safe space for children who face adverse experiences with their families.

NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: THE ROLE OF KINSHIP CAREGIVERS | April 22, 2019

Children who have been victims of abuse and neglect become involved with the Child Welfare System, and in San Diego County, these children are most often placed with relatives or other supportive adults instead of the traditional foster home model.

NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: A FOCUS ON YOUNG PARENTS | April 15, 2019

You don’t need to have children yourself to recognize that becoming a parent is a transition filled with as many challenges as there are triumphs. 

NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: CHILD CARE PROVIDERS AS PREVENTION ADVOCATES | April 8, 2019

Child care settings become an extension of a child’s home and present a crucial opportunity for child care providers to become not babysitters but change agents in the field of child development.

NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: IT STARTS WITH US | April 1, 2019

Across the United States, nearly 3 million children are victims of maltreatment each year, and in San Diego, an estimated 10% of children are vulnerable to instances of abuse and neglect, based on data from the County’s Child Welfare Services department.

MY VISIT TO SACRAMENTO | February 28, 2019

At a very young age, we’re told we have a voice that can be used to change the world around us, but we don’t always know when or how that’s supposed to be done.

IMPACTS OF BEHAVIOR SERVICES | February 27, 2019 

I would like to tell you about a former child who attended my daycare and his story. C started with us in May 2017 at the age of seventeen months. Written by Martha H.

YMCA INVITED TO CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION SUMMIT | February 22, 2019

Playing with our young children – be it peek-a-boo, tickle fights, or dance parties – is not only one of the great joys of parenting.

TAKING THE CAPITOL BY STORM | February 20, 2019

You probably know that the YMCA serves infants and toddlers with its camps, swim lessons, and even our Child Watch services while you exercise. But did you know we also help the youngest San Diegans outside of the walls of the YMCA?

MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE VEGETABLES | November 28, 2018

Child care is an opportune setting with unlimited possibilities to introduce young children to a variety of vegetables.

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES | November 8, 2018

The Strengthening Families Framework that YMCA Childcare Resource Service has selected to guide our work is an evidence-based approach that identifies five Protective Factors that, when present and robust in families, help prevent child abuse and neglect, as well as support optimal healthy growth and development in children.

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY FOR ALL | September 27, 2018

As parents, we make choices every day, and some of them are harder than others: pay the increasingly expensive cost of child care or have enough money to pay this month’s rent? 

OPPORTUNITIES TO THRIVE | September 6, 2018

The YMCA is proud to be part of the solution that addresses the gaps in the domains of the Annie E. Casey Foundation report: economic well-being, education, and family and community. Download our summary in the post.

NATIONAL CHILDHOOD OBESITY AWARENESS MONTH HEALTHY LIVING TIPS | September 5, 2018

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as a leading community-based organization dedicated to improving health, the YMCA CRS offers the following tips to help families in San Diego County incorporate healthy eating and regular physical activity into their lives.

ABOUT YMCA CHILDCARE RESOURCE SERVICE | August 29, 2018

At YMCA Childcare Resource Service, we provide a multi-dimensional approach to caring for children. 

TIPS FOR OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS | July 19, 2018

Everyday is an opportunity to nurture the relationship between families and child care programs.

BUILD RESILIENCE | July 19, 2018

All children face challenges throughout their upbringing that can range from minor disappointments to traumatic experiences.

SPRING CHILDCARE CURRICULUM IDEAS | July 19, 2018

BUCKLE UP! | July 19, 2018

Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR OUTDOOR PLAY AREA SAFE | July 19, 2018

CHILD CARE PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY | May 11, 2018

It is a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers, and other educators of young children everywhere.

FREE PREVENTIVE HEALTH & TRAINING COURSES | May 4, 2018

Childcare Resource Service (CRS), in collaboration with the California Department of Education, is now providing no-cost training on a variety of topics related to Preventive Health and Safety.

"HOW TO CALM DOWN WHEN I'M FEELING UPSET" | May 2, 2018

Download a quick, easy to print out, social story about all of the different things we can do to calm ourselves down when we are having some “big” or “fast” feelings.

101 SENSORY ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO AT HOME! | April 24, 2018

TIPS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL WALKING DAY! | April 4, 2018

BACK TO SCHOOL JITTERS | August 9, 2016

It's the time of year when new nervous children are coming into your childcare. Some may seem a little anxious while others come in crying their eyes out.

WAYS TO AVOID SUMMER LEARNING LOSS | June 21, 2016

As the school year comes to an end, many children and families look forward to how they will spend their summer break.

IT TAKES HEART | May 2, 2016

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016, IS PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY! It is a special day to recognize child care providers, teachers, and educators of young children everywhere.

5 STEPS TO CHOOSING CHILDCARE | January 14, 2015

Follow these steps to help you choose the child care program that works best for your family. 

BEATING THE BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES | August 25, 2014

It's that time of year again, back to school time! Before you break out the backpacks and school supplies, ask yourself if you and your child are fully prepared for the upcoming year.