Welcome to Choices for Children in Alpine County
Choices for Children was originally funded in Alpine County, in 1981 by the State Department of Education, Child Development Division to provide child care resource and referral services, child care subsidy services and child care food services.
Through these 3 distinctive programs, Choices for Children, Alpine County, offers a full range of information and services for our community, our families, their children and the people that provide care for those children in particular.
Choices for Children has established partnerships with a variety of community agencies and actively participates in collaborative efforts to provide high quality services to all families. We take pride and ownership in our services and it shows!
Choices for Children is a non-
profit agency (Tax ID 942376637) and a United Way organization. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to our Giving Fund, please click here for additional information. The money that you contribute goes to work right here in our community. Your gift makes a difference!
Since it’s inception, the Resource & Referral Program has provided a vital link between families and child care providers in our rural community. Services include suppport in developing, operating and licensing a quality child care facility; identifying and providing training and eduction to be a knowledgeable parent and child care provider; guidance in choosing a child care provider and finding financial and family resources; and advocating for families and child care providers.
Our Alternative Payment Program administers state and federal funds for eligible low income parents to assist paying for child care services. Parents meet income requirements and have a need for child care while they work, look for employment, attend training, or participated in CalWORKS activities. Parents who are incapacitated, who have children at risk of abuse or neglect, or have children with special needs may also be eligible. Parent have the option to choose any public or private licensed or exempt child care program(s).
In 2005, the Legislature added Education Code 8227, which funded the Centralized Eligibility List (CEL). This legislation authorized one single eligibility list in each county in California. This CEL is web based and connects income eligible families to all subsidized child care and development programs throughout Alpine County.
The primary goal of the Child Care Food Program is to provide nutritious meals to children birth to 12 years, in the community, while introducing them to a variety of foods and teaching them healthy eating habits to carry with them their entire life. As an added bonus, family child care providers receive training and monetary reimbursement for preparing and serving those nutritious meals. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services and the California Department of Education.