New For You
At YMCA Childcare Resource Service
Stay connected to YMCA Childcare Resource Service!
Simply fill out our form to receive updates on the latest parenting workshops, support groups, family-friendly events, and community resources.
FAMILY RESOURCES
YMCA Mental Health Warmline
A free, non-crisis phone service for new and expecting parents, caregivers, and individuals seeking mental health support. Download the flyer for more information. English | Español
Free Medi-Cal Services
Neighborhood Networks will pair you with your own care manager, who can help you set health goals, connect with needed services, and improve your overall health. Download the flyer for more information. English | Español
Need Help Paying for Child Care? Eligibility for child care subsidies has been extended to families who participate in government programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFRESH (SNAP), California Food Assistance Program, WIC, The Federal FoodDistribution Program on Indian Reservations, Head Start, Early Head Start, or other means-tested government programs. Learn more at www.childcaresandiego.com.
Get Support with the tough stuff and help your child thrive. BrightLife Kids — a CalHOPE program by Brightlife — is designed by youth behavioral health experts to give you and your child the emotional and behavioral support your kids need to succeed. Download the flyer for more inorfmation. Sign up for free at brightlife.kids.
NEW FACEBOOK GROUP FOR RESPITE FAMILIES & PROVIDERS
JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP!
The Y is committed to ensuring that everyone has the care and environment they need to flourish. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to join our new private Facebook group for YMCA Respite families and providers!
This group is a supportive space for families and providers to share respite care needs, provider availability, resources, and encouragement with one another. We hope it makes respite care a little easier and helps you feel more connected to our community!
IMPORTANT Notices for providers
An update on child care funding
You may have seen recent news coverage about a proposed pause on future federal child care funding in several states, including California. While this action was announced, it is currently under legal review, and a federal court has temporarily blocked the pause from taking effect. We will continue supporting families and child care providers as usual. We are closely monitoring the situation and will share updates if new information becomes available.
As Kim McDougal, Senior Vice President of Social Services & Chief Impact Officer, shared in a recent San Diego Union Tribune interview, “Child care providers are some of the most hardworking, selfless, incredible humans—raising our future generation.” We see that dedication every day, and we remain deeply committed to supporting you and the vital role you play in our community.
If you have questions or would like to talk through concerns, please contact us at crsapprovider@ymcasd.org.
Introducing our new training platform: learning stream
We’re excited to share that our upcoming YMCA CRS Resource and Referral Trainings for this year are now available, along with an important update to how you will register for trainings moving forward. We have transitioned to a new registration platform, Learning Stream, and will no longer be using the ECE Workforce Registry for training registrations.
How to Register for Trainings:
To continue registering for YMCA CRS Resource and Referral Trainings, please create an account with Learning Stream. Once your account is set up, we encourage you to take some time to explore the trainings currently available and become familiar with the new system. Additional trainings will be added to the calendar as the year progresses, so we recommend checking back regularly for new opportunities.
Questions? Contact our Training Manager, Dani Cruz at acruz@ymcsd.org or email mytraining@ymcasd.org
Complete Your Non-Operational Reimbursement Form
The 2025-2026 Non-Operational Days Reimbursement Request Form is available in CareConnect for your review and completion. Licensed providers may request payment for up to 10 Non-Operational (closure) days per fiscal year. To receive payment for these days, you must do the following:
- Complete and submit the Non-Operational Days Reimbursement Request Form.
- Submit your typed daycare business policies that support your closure schedule.
UPDATE YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE
Access the My Child Care Plan platform to update your profile quickly and conveniently from home or the office. This helps us continue to refer your program.
Update the “About Me” Section: Take the opportunity to enhance your child care referral profile by highlighting what makes your program stand out. You can claim and complete your child care profile on the My Child Care Plan platform, or you can fill out the About Me Form and a staff member will add the information to your profile for you.
Need help? Call the Referral Line at 1-800-481-2151. CRS staff will guide you through the process and ensure your profile is up to date. You can also request a text or email as an alternative method to update, or by completing this Form. [OR]
NOTE: In order to meet federal requirements, all licensed child care facilities are now listed on California’s consumer education website, MyChildCarePlan.org. If you operate a licensed child care program in California, your facility should now be included in the child care search directory. LEARN MORE
Provider RESOURCES
IECMH Network
Infant and Early Child Mental Health Network offers no cost infant and early childhood mental health consultation services, supports and resources for all early learning and care providers in California.
New Website for Child Care Providers
Have you heard the news? YMCA CRS recently launched a new website for child care providers in San Diego! Click here to explore our newest resource hub for providers looking for tips, tools, and new ideas for growing their business. Be sure to share it far and wide!
BUSINESS SUPPORT
On-Site Photography Services
We offer on-site photography sessions where a staff member will visit your child care program and help you capture photos to use for social media and digital marketing. If you are interested in having someone come to your program to take photos, please fill out this form or call the Resource and Referral line to speak to a Childcare Navigator at 1-800-481-2151.
upcoming trainings
Create Your Own Child Care Website
Are you looking to expand your reach, attract more families, and streamline your child care operations? This introductory seminar will guide you through the essential steps of building an effective online platform to showcase your services, connect with prospective parents. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right platform to crafting compelling content that highlights your unique strengths.
- Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2026 – Register Now
- Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM (PST)
- Location: Jackie Robinson YMCA, 151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102
share your provider story
Your experiences matter
Your stories help show the real impact of child care in our community. We’d love to hear about moments that make you proud—whether it’s a child’s growth, a family milestone, or how your program supports working parents.
If you’re open to sharing a short story or reflection, please email us at crs@ymcasd.org. With your permission, stories may be featured in future newsletters or shared to help raise awareness about the importance of child care and the role providers play every day.
Community Events
FREE TAX PREPARATION SUPPORT
If you earned less than $70,000, you may qualify for free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Select YMCA locations are hosting this service from February to April 2026. Appointments are required; call 2-1-1 or visit www.ymcasd.org/caleitc for details.
- Copley-Price Family YMCA | Mondays, 12:30pm – 5:30pm
- Border View Family YMCA | Tuesdays, 3:30pm – 7:00pm
- Jackie Robinson Family YMCA | Thursdays, 11:30am – 4:00pm
Know someone who might benefit from this support? Send them a flyer! English | Español
Medi-Cal Transformation (CalAIM) Events
YOUR MEDI-CAL BENEFITS JUST GOT BETTER!
The YMCA of San Diego County, in partnership with the County of San Diego, hosted a series of free events across the region to raise awareness of Medi-Cal Transformation, also known as CalAIM, and new services now available to Medi-Cal members, such as Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports.
If you or someone you care for receives Medi-Cal, watch this webinar to learn more about these resources and how you can get connected!
Additional Resources:
Webinar resources will also be posted to the SDAIM website, where ECM and CS flyers are available in 8 languages.
Thank you for your help in spreading the word and connecting more members of the San Diego community to these valuable services! Please email SDAIM.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov if you have additional questions.
CHILD CARE PROVIDER APPRECIATION & WELLNESS BRUNCH
March 8th | San Diego Made Factory | 11am-2pm
In honor of International Women in Care day, Children First Collective is hosting a special brunch to give child care providers an opportunity to relax, unwind, and feel celebrated.
What to expect:
- Enjoy a delicious brunch while networking with fellow providers!
- Take part in our Create-Your-Own Bouquet Station!
- Get your makeup done by a makeup artist!
- Refresh your professional image with complimentary professional portraits!
Fee child care will be provided on-site for children who are potty-trained. Click here to register
BUILDING BONDS COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
TRAINING FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
The YMCA’s Building Bonds community workshop provides support, guidance, and resources to caregivers of children and youth who have experienced trauma. Through a focus on Connection, Empowerment, and Collaboration, Building Bonds helps caregivers build trust, develop co-regulation strategies, and strengthen family resilience.
Contact Larry Banks at lbanks@ymcasd.org with questions. Click here to register.
Upcoming Trainings:
- March 16 | 10am-12pm, Virtual (Zoom)
- March 18 | 10am-12pm, Virtual (Zoom)
- March 24 | 10am-12pm, Virtual (Zoom)
This initiative is part of the California Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) and is supported by Heluna Health and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Learn more about Building Bonds here.
Shoot your shot - Career & Resource Fair
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 10AM-2PM
Do you know a young adult who is seeking employment? Invite them to join us at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA for San Diego’s premier youth career and resource fair hosted by YMCA Youth & Family Services! A March Madness-themed event designed for young adults ages 16-24 looking to connect with employers and explore career opportunities.
If you know a young adult who would benefit from this event, please encourage them to attend! They can bring their resume, “shoot their shot” and discover what’s next. There will be free food, giveaways, a live DJ, and so much more.
KEEP IN TOUCH
CONNECT ON SOCIAL media
CONTACT US
If you have any questions or concerns, our team is here to help! Call us at (619) 521-3055 during regular business hours or send an email: childcareresourceservice@ymcasd.org and we’ll get back to you soon!
