Amador C.A.R.E.S.
Comprehensive Approaches to Raising Educational Standards

The CARES program was designed to encourage early care educators to stay in the child care field and further their education in the care and development of young children. The goal of this program is to prepare the children that you care for for school and life by increasing child care quality through support of a stable and educated early care and education workforce.

How do I qualify for a stipend?
You would complete the CARES program requirements for the track that you qualify for by completing ECE/GE (Early Childhood Education/General Education) college units and attend workshops pertaining to your Professional Growth.

New CARES Procedures! 
The list below shows the MANDATORY MEETINGS that you must attend to be in the
2008-2009 CARES program:

1.  Attend one of the following CARES Orientations: The CARES Orientation will provide you with valuable information on how to apply for a CARES Stipend. Please call HRC Child Care Resources to reserve your date, (209) 223-1624.
    ~August 6, 2008 from 6:30-8:30pm
    ~August 11, 2008 from 6:30-8:30pm
    ~September 18, 2008 from 6:30-8:30pm with special guest Linn Violett, Department Chair/
       Professor of Early Childhood with Cosumnes River College

2.  Attend one of the following CARES Worknight meetings:
    ~September 29, 2008 from 6:30-8:30pm
    ~October 14, 2008 from 6:30-8:30pm

3.  Attend a minimum of one of the General Workshops from the following list:
    ~September 10, 2008 from 6:30-8:30pm
       Dr. Ryan Thompson M.D.: ADHD Workshop
    ~October 8, 2008 from 7:00-9:00pm
       Dr. Ryan Thompson, M.D.: Autistic Spectrum Disorder Workshop
    ~November 6, 2008 from 6:00-8:00pm
       Kids in Common Workshop: Fostering Social & Emotional Well-Being
    ~January 13, 2009 from 6:00-8:00pm
       CPIN Workshop: Phonological Awareness
    ~March 12, 2009 from 4:00-6:00pm & 6:00-8:00pm
       Amador Child Care Council Resource Faire

Stipends and incentives are distributed to early childhood educators who maintain ongoing child development education, participate in meetings and community events, and maintain consisent employment at the same child care center or home.  If you are interested in receiving a stipend by committing yourself to working in the early care and education field and continuing your education, please contact Chris Cowan, CARES Coordinator at (209) 223-1624.

To see if you qualify and for more information, check out "Steps to Receive CARES Funding".