Early Learning Institute

Summer breaks have begun, and temperatures are soon to rise. We all know what that means...It's pool time.
We spend a bit on water safety every year(check back next month!), and for good reason- drowning remains the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1-4. This year, the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center launched an adorable campaign aimed at educating parents on water safety. We encourage everyone to check it out before hitting the pool or lake!
https://www.sgprc.org/be-splash-safe-with-olly-the-sea-lion/

Last week, we posted about how California ranks 49th out of 50 child affordability. This raises the question "where IS raising a child in the USA affordable?
Well, in the case of child care, the answer is NOWHERE.

A new report confirms what families across the country already know: child care is unaffordable everywhere in the United States.

Parents are stretching budgets past the breaking point just to access care so they can work, attend school and support their families. Meanwhile, early educators remain underpaid for the essential work they do.

When child care costs more than families can reasonably afford, everyone feels the impact, especially babies and toddlers during the most important years of development.

We need bold investments in affordable, high-quality child care and stronger support systems for families nationwide. Read the article: https://bit.ly/4tyeYOA

A fantastic reminder for all those families with little ones on summer break- you can rent parking passes from over 200 state and regional parks from your local library!

350 additional Sonoma County Regional Parks passes will be added to the Sonoma County Library collection as of June 1, 2026!

“Libraries are designed to open doors — not only to knowledge, but to experiences people might not otherwise have,” said Library Director Erika Thibault. “Our partnership [with Sonoma County Regional Parks] reflects that purpose, creating new pathways for residents to explore, connect and spend time in the spaces that make Sonoma County special. It’s about making opportunity visible, tangible and within reach for everyone we serve.”

Learn more: https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/sonoma-county-increases-access-to-parks-with-expanded-library-pass-program