With the generous support of Castle & Cooke, the 2006 "Links to Literacy" activity calendar provides developmentally appropriate early learning opportunities, promotes early childhood literacy and improves children's school readiness.

Available on-line and with printed copies at Community Connection for Child Care, the calendar offers parents and providers weekly low-cost activities to do with infants and preschoolers of all abilities to encourage children to explore the world around them. The calendar also features literacy enrichment advice, storytelling tips, snack ideas and arts and crafts each month.

Download the PDF version of the calendar

Greg & Steve are back in town and better than ever! A Bakersfield favorite for more than 20 years, the 2006 concert series is being held at a new location at Valley Baptist Church (get directions to 4800 Fruitvale Ave in Rosedale) from March 7 to 10. The new venue will feature a greater seating capacity than previous venues, ample parking for buses, large video screens and great sound.

Greg & Steve’s singable lyrics and catchy melodies are set to a contemporary beat. Their motto is "Educate, Motivate, Enrich, and Entertain." Parents and teachers find Greg & Steve's tunes a fun way to teach children basic concepts such as colors and numbers, as well as friendship and cooperation. Check them out on Thursday at 12:00 on TV 29 News!

Tickets are now ONLY available at the door and there is LIMITED SEATING. Tickets are only $6 per person. Children under 2 years are free! A purchase order, check or money order will be required to purchase tickets payable to CCCC and there are no refunds. Seating is on first come first-served basis, NO SAVED SEATS. Accommodations can be made for children with special needs but please be sure to note those special needs on the ticket receipt. Please call Cindy Burns at 861.5202 to make special arrangements. If your child care program does not have a way to “GET” to the 2006 Greg and Steve concerts, Golden Empire Transit (GET) can be an easy, affordable and reliable way to travel!

Click here for more purchasing information, parking maps and GET bus flyer!

The Wendy Wayne Scholarship was established to support students completing their studies in early childhood education with books and tuition. The applicant must currently be a student studying in the field of early childhood education and currently working in the child development field.

To apply:

• Submit an application (download application). Please print or type.
• Attach two (2) letters of recommendation (From an instructor, employer, or an early childhood professional).
• Attach verification of student status.
• Attach a one-page statement outlining how this award will help meet educational and career goals.

An application can be picked up at the Child & Family Services building located at 2000 24th Street, Bakersfield, or call 661.861.5217 for more information. Applications must be received by Tuesday, March 14, 2006. Mail completed applications to :

Linda Hudson
c/o Maria Haynes
Downtown Child Development Center
1130 17th Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
661.636.4550

The 9th annual award will be presented on March 25, 2006 at the 21st Annual Professional Recognition Luncheon sponsored by the Kern Association for the Education of Young Children and Community Connection for Child Care.

A group of 200 children from low-income families were invited to take part in Mervyn's 13th annual ChildSpree at the East Hills Mall on August 6, 2005. Forty of these children were selected from CCCC CalWORKs program to take part in this nationwide event. Accompanied by volunteers from CCCC, Mervyn's, 20/30 club, CASA, and Youth Connection, each of these deserving children went on a $100 back-to-school shopping spree for new clothes and shoes — a childhood tradition they might not otherwise experience. Each child also received a 10 percent discount on all purchases made during the event as well as another 10 percent discount from Mervyn's. Participating children received breakfast from McDonalds and a backpack full of school supplies from American General Media and Rainsoft.

“Some kids have never experienced the excitement and satisfaction of a back-to-school shopping trip before,” said Beckie Diltz, Mervyn's store manager and CCCC Foundation Board Member. “ChildSpree is an opportunity for them to choose new clothes, make their own decisions and return to school feeling confident.”

Over the last year, CCCC has refocused its efforts to outreach to the community with a focus on improving the quality of care that children receive. These efforts have included revamping of the Advisory Board into the CCCC Foundation Board after a long hiatus. The Board has added new members and is now meeting more frequently. In addition to raising Agency awareness and importance of quality child care, the Board is also playing a central role in securing outside funding through fundraising like Cartridges for Kids and grants. The Foundation Board is excited to announce its partnership with these following organizations to develop innovative projects and obtain new provider resources to enhance quality countywide.

United Way-Quality Child Care Training Project
Objective: Research shows that quality early care and education can give all children an equal chance to succeed and stay on course--socially academically, and developmentally. Expand current training efforts in English and Spanish throughout the County on various topics such as children with special needs, health and safety, nutrition and early literacy.

Kaiser Permanente-“Get Ready, Get Set…Get Fit 4 Life”
Objective: CCCC will extend nutrition and physical activity training, healthy recipes and resources to the teachers and parents of preschool children in licensed child care centers within the City of Bakersfield. This project is designed to address childhood obesity and help children “thrive” by establishing healthy eating and activity habits in the early years.

Castle & Cooke-“Links to Literacy” Activity Calendar
Objective: Support the development and production of the 2006 “Links to Literacy” activity calendar, in an effort to provide developmentally appropriate early learning opportunities, promote early childhood literacy and improve children’s school readiness. The calendars will also provide a comprehensive list of resources that will help connect the project’s audience with local programs and service providers that benefit children. CCCC plans to make copies of this calendar available at each office location and to staff providing home visitations. In an effort to increase access to this calendar, CCCC will also post this project on the web.

Kern Community Foundation
Objective: Increase the supply of learning materials within CCCC’s Lending Library in order to increase check-out options for caregivers and promote children’s healthy growth and development. This grant would allow CCCC to expand its outreach and help parents, caregivers, child care providers, and educators increase their capacity to promote children’s health, social/emotional development and improve their learning readiness.

CCCC greatly appreciates the partnerships and generosity of these private and public organizations and looks forward to matching their resources with the Agency’s expertise in child care operations, health and safety and early childhood development to ensure good beginnings for all Kern children. We will be sharing more information about these exciting projects as they are launched!

April 22 is Earth Day, a time to celebrate the environment and protect the planet for our children. On Earth Day 2005, the CCCC Foundation Board is pleased to announce the unveiling of its new environmentally friendly fundraiser, Cartridges For Kids. This unique fundraiser has helped thousands of educational and nonprofit organizations nationwide reach fundraising goals...and now it is here in Kern County!

Every year millions of pounds of inkjet, laser, fax and copier cartridges as well as cell phones are tossed into landfills. Teaming up with Cartridges For Kids will help keep these items out of the landfills and generate funds for projects that are a priority for Kern County. Participanting organizations, businesses and families collect empty toner and inkjet cartridges as well as used cell phones, and for every item recycled through this program a donation is made to the CCCC Foundation. Money raised will help CCCC continue to create and support innovative programs that educate child care providers and families about the importance of quality child care and car seat safety.

By making this small commitment, you can celebrate Earth Day everyday and make a lasting impact on the lives of others in our community. Learn how you or your organziation can help Kern County children with Cartridges for Kids by clicking here!