Child Care Coordinating Council

read moreAs the Resource & Referral (R&R) agency in our community, Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo County (also known as 4Cs) is here to support parents, providers, and our local community in finding, planning for, paying for, and accessing affordable, quality child care. We also provide referrals to programs and services that support children and families' needs, including food resources; housing resources; mental health support; legal assistance; and other safety net services. We provide developmental screenings and enhanced child care referrals for children who may have special needs.

read moreFamilies have a wide variety of different kinds of early childhood programs available, and only you will know what is right for your family. Here is a deeper look at the most common kinds of early childhood care and education environments offered in San Mateo County. An academic program stresses a program more closely matched with ideas of formal schooling. Children are encouraged to play part of the day but other times more formal lessons are introduced. These may focus on pre-reading, pre-math, and language skills.

read moreChoosing a child care provider is a large responsibility for a parent or guardian. 4Cs understands this is an important decision and we want to help you find the best fit for you and your child. We are here to support you and to answer questions that come up before, during, and after the selection process. It is important that you visit the provider, observe the environment, and ask questions. Remember, the most important part is finding the right environment for you and your child. When you find a potential provider, we strongly encourage you to review their licensing history (available at the facility).

read moreQuality Counts San Mateo County helps improve early learning program quality by setting standards for quality, measuring early learning programs using these standards, and providing quality improvement support based on areas where the programs want to grow. Quality Counts wants to help you help the children in your program, by giving you the tools, training, and resources you need. Any early child care educator licensed for two or more years, in good licensing standing, and serving children from birth to age five in San Mateo County is eligible to apply to participate in Quality Counts.

read more4Cs believes that families are their children's first teachers and the most important influences in their lives. We support parents in understanding their child's development and increasing knowledge around common topics such as potty training, positive discipline, and challenging behaviors. Throughout the year, 4Cs offers a variety of workshops on child development topics. Please visit our calendar to view upcoming workshops. We also strive to continuously meet the needs of parents and welcome feedback about topics that interest you.

read moreFor resource referrals (including issues such as housing, legal, food, mental health, or financial matters), please call (650) 517-1460 or email info@sanmateo4cs.org. View our upcoming training and events. From parent support such as free tax return preparation to provider support like advice on how to operate your own child care business and many more.

read moreFamilies know the needs of their child best - making you the best advocate of important topics and community issues. 4Cs works to support you in using your voice for kids in San Mateo County. Here are some ways to stay informed and speak up for kids. 4Cs convenes and supports parents through the Parents Voices program, a state-wide, grass-roots initiative to improve access to child care for all families in their communities, in California, and in the United States. Parent Voices combines leadership development, advocacy, and community organizing in its efforts to increase funding, improve quality, and provide better access to child care.