• Child Nutrition
• Community Action
• Disabilities Services
• Early Head Start
• Family Advocacy

• Head Start
• HEAP
• Home Base
• Mental Health Services
• State Preschool

Child Nutrition

What is CACFP?

CACFP is the Child and Adult Care Food Program, a Federal program that provides healthy meals and snacks to children and adults receiving day care. It plays a vital role in improving the quality of day care and making it more affordable for many low-income families.

 

How do I apply?

Application packet is given upon enrollment.

 

Where are meals prepared?

Over 3,000 meals and snacks per day are prepared at the Central Kitchen. Menus are distributed at each site.

 

Where are meals served?

Meals are served at the centers.

Community Action

What is Community Action?

Community action is the philosophy of programs created during the "War on Poverty" in the 1960s to develop mechanisms to reduce or eliminate poverty in our communities. Contra Costa Community Services Department is the community action agency for the county.

 

What is unique about community action agencies?

Most poverty-related organizations focus on a specific area of need, such as job training, health care, housing or economic development. Community Action Agencies address multiple needs through a comprehensive approach, develop partnerships with other community organizations, involve low-income clients in the agency's operations, and administer a full range of coordinated programs designed to have a measurable impact on poverty.

 

What services are provided?

Service provision is adjusted each year according to needs identified through the Community Action Plan. In 2002, the service areas include housing, food, seniors' access to health care, after school programs and service accessibility.

 

Who is eligible?

Residents who meet certain income guidelines could be eligible.

 

How can I find out more?

Call the department at (925) 646-5910 or send an e-mail to cyoungblood@ccccsd.org.

Disabilities Services

How do I know if my child needs a special program?

If your child has a demonstrated problem which prevents him or her from functioning effectively in a general school program without special assistance, then your child might be eligible for a special education program.

 

If I have a child with special needs, at what age do I notify the district that my child may need special services?

 

Notify your teacher or Site Supervisor as soon as possible, or the office of the Disabilities/Mental Health Manager, Phone: (925) 646-5931.

 

If I want to have my child assessed for special problems that I am concerned about, where do I seek help first?

Contact your teacher or the Site Supervisor. If your child is not as yet attending school, call the local Unified School District, and ask for the Student Services/Special Education Department.

 

How do I know if my child is eligible for special education services? Who determines needs?

A multi-disciplinary assessment team determines a child's eligibility and needs, with input from the child's parents and teacher. Together they will determine the child's special education needs, and will develop an IEP (Individualized Educational Plan).

 

If I am not happy with my child's special education placement, what can I do?

Call your center Site Supervisor to request that the IEP Team review the IEP for consideration of alternatives.

 

How long will my child receive special education?

A child who is eligible for services receives special education assistance as long as the IEP team and parents agree that special assistance is needed. This will be based on the on going evaluation of your child's needs.

 

Are there special education preschool services available?

Yes, 3 and 4 year old preschool needs are assessed by a multi disciplinary team with input from the child's parents. An IEP team meeting, including the parents, is held to determine the child's needs and to develop an appropriate program. A number of options are available. Local School Districts also provide services for a limited number of toddlers under the age of 3.

 

Will my child participate in general education school programs?

Yes, if appropriate. The objective of special education is to include the child with special needs in the general program as much as is appropriate.

 

If I want to visit the school program or my child's classes, what procedure do I follow?

Call the center your child attends. The center staff will help arrange a convenient time for both you and the teacher.

 

If I am not happy with my child's present progress in school, whom do I contact first? If I still do not get the situation solved satisfactorily, to whom can I speak?

First, contact your child's teacher. If you are not able to resolve the problem, then speak to the Site Supervisor. If you are still unable to resolve your concerns, and believe your child needs special education services, you may refer your child for assessment to determine if a special education program is appropriate.

 

If I want conferences about my child's progress, what can I do?

Contact your child's teacher.

 

If I feel my child needs special counseling, what do I do?

Contact your child's teacher or Site Supervisor. The Disabilities/Mental Health Manager may assist as well.

 

Whom do I contact if I want to do volunteer work for the special education classes?

Call the Site Supervisor of the center your child attends, or your child's teacher.

 

What if my child's physical impairment or health problems cause him to miss school regularly?

Your child's teacher and Children's Services Manager will work together with an IEP team to plan an appropriate program. If there is an extended absence, home teachers are available, if appropriate.

 

What if my child needs to be given medication at school?

Medication must be given under the school's supervision with written medical authorization. It is your responsibility to get the medication to school. It cannot be transported on the school bus.

 

Under what circumstances will my child receive special transportation?

Special arrangements will be made if the School District IEP Team determines that age, disabling condition, or distance prevents your child going from home to school.

Early Head Start

What is Early Head Start?

The Early Head Start program, which serves low-income pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers from birth to age three, was established by the 1994 Head Start Reauthorization Act. Early Head Start programs are operated under grants awarded by the federal government. For more details, visit the Early Head Start fact sheet at or the Head Start Bureau Home Page.

 

When will you have space for my child?

It depends upon when space becomes available, as well as your eligibility ranking on the waiting list

 

Where is my child on your waiting list?

We have the capability to access a "waiting list" report, which changes daily, to check your ranking status.

 

When is it a good time to teach my child to go to the bathroom?

Your child will let you know when he/she is ready to start potty training.

Family Advocacy

What is Family Advocacy?

Family Advocacy is advocating for families and children to have resources and services available so that they can improve their lives. It is also empowering parents to be their own advocate and to advocate for their children. Everyone has heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." That saying sums up Family Advocacy pretty well. It takes a whole community to be responsive to the children and families within it so that these children and families can prosper and grow into responsible citizens and someday give back to the community that raised them.

 

What is the role of a Family Advocate?

Family and Children Services (FACS) realizes that children cannot learn if they are in poor health, don't have enough to eat, or if they don't have a stable home. Parents cannot support their children's learning if they are worried about where they will sleep, how they will pay the utilities, or where they will get food for breakfast. When families enter our program, the Family Advocate assesses where the family is, where they are coming from, and where they would like to go. Some families are further along the road to self-sufficiency than others. A Family Advocate in the FACS program is there to help families to identify their strengths and interests and build on them so that each family can achieve its goals.

 

What is a Family Partnership Agreement?

A Family Partnership Agreement is the process of identifying the strengths and interests and needed resources of each family and assisting them in setting and achieving their goals. It begins upon enrollment with a Parent Interest Survey. Later, when the family feels comfortable with the Family Advocate, they will sit down together to plan goals and the steps to achieve those goals, and identify appropriate community resources.

 

Parent Involvement: what's in it for me?

FACS programs require that we have parents involved in nearly every aspect of our programs. We welcome parents to help in the classes, we offer internships for office skills, and we hire parents as Teacher Assistant Trainees. Parents plan activities for parent meetings and we have parents who are elected from each center on a County Wide Policy Council. Parents can use this work experience on job and college applications. The most important benefit of all is the look of pride on your child's face when he/she sees his/her parents involved in their school. You are the biggest influence your child will ever have. When you value their educational experiences enough to get involved, your child will learn how important learning is and they will be well along the road to success.

 

What is the Policy Council?

The Policy Council, an elected group of parents from each center, shares in the planning and decision-making, along with the staff and the Director and the County Board of Supervisors. They must approve all major decisions about the program, including hiring new staff and annual budgets and grant applications. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to gain leadership skills, experience and knowledge about how businesses operate. Parents can help plan program that meet THEIR needs and the needs of their children.

Head Start

Who is eligible for Head Start?

Children between the ages of three and five from families that meet the Federal poverty guidelines are eligible for Head Start services. Programs throughout the country establish priorities for enrolling children based on community needs and available funds.

Ten percent of the enrollment opportunities in each program may be filled by children that exceed the low-income guidelines. There is also a requirement that ten percent of enrollments should be offered to children with disabilities. During the 1998-1999 operating period, 13 percent of the Head Start enrollment consisted of children with disabilities.

How do I sign up for Head Start?

Call (925) 646-5540 to find the location of a center near you. The center Site Supervisor or Family Advocate there will determine eligibility and assist with enrollment.

 

How much does it cost?

Free to income qualified families.

 

How long is the program (number of months)?

All programs are Full Year.

 

What are the hours for the program?

Part day is 8 AM-12N or 1-5 PM. Full day for families who are working or attending job training is full day 6:30 AM to 6 PM, with hours based on time needed, but must need at least 6 hours a day, five days a week, M-F.

 

What will my child be learning?

The program's curriculum, environment (indoor and outdoor), choice and implementation of activities, and child guidance strategies are designed to maximize opportunities for each child to develop social and cultural competence.

HEAP

What is LiHEAP?

LiHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This program assist those who qualify with the cost of their PG&E with funds that are provided by the State and Federal Governments.

 

How do I apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)?

You must complete an application for services with Contra Costa County Community Services Department. CCC residents only may apply in this county, but there is a HEAP office in every county of CA. To obtain an application for CCC you may call 925-646-5756 and leave your name, address, and phone number on the voicemail. An application will be sent to you by mail. Or you may go by the HEAP office at 2425 Bisso Lane, Suite 120, Concord, CA, 94520.

 

How long does it take to process my application?

A HEAP application takes two to three weeks to process once it is received in our office. If you qualify the amount of funds that you have been approved for will show up on your PG&E bill two to three billing cycles after processing.

 

What do I do if I get a 15 day notice?

A Should you get a PG&E 15 day notice to terminate service, and you are unable to pay you may call our office for an appointment at 925-646-5935. You will be given an appointment and instruction on what to do next and what to bring to that appointment. If all documentation required is not brought at time of appointment we will not be able to qualify you for assistance and keep PG&E from shutting off your service.

 

How long does this appointment usually take?

Most appointments are completed in about 30 to 45 minutes.

 

What do I do if I get a 48 house notice?

A Should you get a PG&E 48 hour notice to terminate service, and you are unable to pay the bill, you may call our office for an appointment at 925-646-5935. You will be given an appointment, instruction on what to do next, what to bring to that appointment. If all documentation required are not brought to the appointment we will not be able to qualify you for assistance or make the call to keep you from being shut off should you qualify.

 

How does PG&E know that HEAP will help with the 48 hour notice bill?

A Once the application has been processed and you qualify for funds, Intake staff will call PG&E's agency line and guarantee to pay qualified amount. At which time termination will be stop or services will be restored whichever the case may be. The amount you qualify for may not be enough to pay the bill and you will be required to co-pay before Intake staff can make that call.

 

What documentation do I need to apply?

A Complete and return Energy Intake Form, Statement of Citizenship, Alienage, and Immigration status for Public benefits. They must have original signatures. No copies will be accepted. If you are born in the USA a birth certificate for you, your child, or marriage license will prove citizenship. You will need to verify your income with one of the following and all within six weeks of application unless verification is only yearly; pay stubs, unemployment verification, TANF verification, Social Security verification, disability verification, 1040 Tax Return for self employed status. And a current PG&E bill; this bill must not be older then six weeks of application date.

 

What if I don't have a birth Certificate proving my citizenship?

You will not be qualified for services.

 

Why do I have to prove my citizenship, I was born in this country?

It is the law. These funds are provide to Contra Costa County residence by the State of California and the Federal Government, CCC has signed a contract to provide those services and the regulation states that we must require prove of citizenship before granting assistance.

 

What if I don't have any income?

You will be required to sign and certify, under penalty of prudery that you have had no income within that time period. It will be taken under consideration.

Home Base

Are there any other home-based options?

Yes. Home Start is a Home Base Model for providing Head Start services to children and their families in collaboration with Exempt Providers in Contra Costa County. Exempt Providers are family child care providers who are exempt from having a license , because they care for only one family's children besides their own. They provide child care services to parents who are in transition from welfare to the general work force. Usually, Exempt Providers are relatives or friends The program builds bridges for the Exempt Providers and families to link them to the local community and resources.

 

What's the difference in services between home-based and at the centers?

All services provided to the home-visited family are the same quality as those given in centers. The only difference is the home setting, which is used as the learning environment, and the parent is the primary educator. The home visitor role is to be the facilitator. For Early Head Start, the parent-child bonding and attachment is one of the most important home visitation goals.

 

What kind of nutrition education is provided?

Nutrition objectives are accomplished through both home visits and group socialization activities. The emphasis is on helping parents learn to make the best use of existing resources. Parents receive information and guidance on menu planning, consumer education, and money management.

Mental Health Services

What is Mental Health?

Mental Health can be considered as a general state of well being where a person's emotional life is well integrated and can help him/her to function appropriately within personal relationships and social situations.

 

Why would a preschool age child have problems with emotional and Mental Health?

Today's families are experiencing increasing social and economic pressures which can make it hard to sustain solid and healthy marital relationships. Latest research in child development has found that even very young children can be seriously affected by early life traumas, such as loss of a parent, divorce, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse in the family or frequent change in living situations. Young children can react to such trauma with various emotionally problems and troublesome behaviors.

 

How do I know if my child has emotional problems and might need help?

There are some behavioral indicators that can help determine if a child may be experiencing emotional difficulties: increased aggressiveness towards peers and adults; excessive crying or clinging; prolonged sadness and withdrawal; change in eating habits; bedwetting and regression to earlier behaviors.

 

What kind of Mental Health services do you offer for children?

The Mental Health unit is staffed by Mental Health Preschool consultants and Mental Health interns. Consultants can make observations in the child's classroom and meet with teachers and parents. Mental Health Interns can provide direct services to the child through play therapy.

 

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a particularly appropriate approach to counseling young children who are experiencing emotional difficulties, because play comes naturally to children. Through the manipulation of specific toys, the use of a sandtray and in the presence of a caring, sensitive and empathic adult, the child can show his/her feelings more adequately than through words.

 

Where are play therapy services provided?

Many of our school sites have special playrooms set up which contain sandtrays, toys and manipulatives to help with the safe expression of the child's feelings.

 

Who would be counseling my child?

We employ Mental Health Interns who are receiving training in play therapy and sandplay and work under the direct supervision of clinicians licensed in the State of California.

 

Will other people know about what my child is saying in therapy?

Mental Health services are completely confidential. Only the counselor/Mental Health Intern and their supervisor will know what takes place in the play therapy room.

 

Will I get to know how my child is doing in therapy?

Initially, the counselor will want to meet with the child's parent(s) for an assessment and to learn more about the child and his/her family. Whenever appropriate, the counselor will have meetings with the parent(s) to help the parent(s) understand their child better and to support the parent/child relationship.

 

How can I start the process to get Mental Health Services for my child?

Contact your child's teacher or the Family Advocate at your child's school site. You will have to sign a form giving permission for Mental Health Services. You can also contact the Mental Health Manager or Assistant Mental Health Managers who can provide you with the appropriate paperwork to fill out.

State Preschool

How do I enroll my child?

Go to the center and speak with the Site Supervisor or Family Advocate. Children who are four years old are given priority over children who are three years of age.

 

What are the hours?

Our half-day programs run from 8:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. or 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

 

What is the curriculum?

Our curriculum is High Scope Base, which is child centered, individualized, developmentally and age appropriate, culturally sensitive, with a written plan.

 

What are the teacher's qualifications?

All teachers currently have 24 units in early Childhood Education and either already have their teacher permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Office in Sacramento, or they are in the process of applying for it.

 

Are meals served?

Children enrolled in the morning session receive breakfast and lunch. Children enrolled in the afternoon session receive lunch.