Child Development Centers and Preschools

Child Development Philosophy

4Cs image of children is one of potential and possibility. Children naturally possess the willingness to learn and thirst for more; to love, understand and accept. We believe that play and positive relationships are the means for providing these learning opportunities. Experiences in the first five years of a child’s life are crucial to the brain’s development of attitudes towards self, others and learning.

4Cs believes that learning success for young children is dependent upon a number of variables:

Trusting relationships with nurturing, interactive family members, caregivers and teachers
Opportunities for curiosity, exploration and discovery through hands-on, age and developmentally appropriate, play based experiences
Physical and emotional security supported by positive self-esteem
Attention to individual needs and interests
Partnership between family and caregivers

4Cs is committed to the success of the children in our community, to not only meet their immediate needs, but to build the foundation for future leadership and accomplishment.

Superior Staff to Child Ratios

The staff to child ratio (the number of children for which each adult is responsible for) affects the quality of care a child care provider can give to each child. 4Cs exceeds the requirements set forth by the California State Department of Social Services (Title 22) for staff to child ratios. Small group sizes are recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), American Public Health Association ( APHA), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Having a smaller number of children for each adult to care for has been associated with:

Children imitating ealier, and more often, the speech and gestures of others.
Providers having more time to give the best care to children.
Children talking and playing more often.
Children being in distress less often and being less exposed to danger.

To Enroll in a 4Cs Center

Families who need financial assistance to pay for child care or preschool must apply for the Sonoma Childcare Eligibility List (CEL) prior to enrolling at 4Cs. Click the following links for:

or call the 4Cs main office at 707.544.3077 and ask to be added to the CEL. When spaces at a 4Cs center become available, 4Cs uses the CEL to pull a list of families for enrollment.

Spaces are available for private pay tuition families at 4Cs Bennett Valley Child Development Center or 4Cs Paulin Creek Child Development Center. For more information, please contact the center Site Supervisor.

Hours of Operation

The Child Development Centers are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and offer a preschool component from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. daily. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are served throughout the day.

The State Preschools are open Monday through Friday for three hour morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session provides breakfast and the afternoon session provides a snack. Enrollment is for either the morning or the afternoon session. Session times vary depending on the site.

CACFP Non Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339, or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish)

4Cs Centers

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