Children and Family Services
Impact
Numerous studies show that when children receive high quality care and education during their early years of life, they are better prepared for school, become better readers, and are more likely to graduate high school. These outcomes benefit every child and family, and our community as a whole.
Community Action Marin has provided high quality early childcare and education to the families of Marin for over 30 years. We have grown to become the largest provider of subsidized childcare in the county, serving 550+ families each day at 10 campuses from Marin City to Novato, and San Rafael to West Marin.
We proudly serve as the lead agency for all federally-funded Head Start programs in Marin, plus operate a network of our own Child Development Programs to bring the same quality services to families who may not qualify for Head Start.
The Numbers
The amount of a child’s brain that is developed by age 6
Percentage of working families that seek childcare in order to stay employed
Percentage of families with children under the age of 6, in which both parents work
Programs
Through our programs, Community Action Marin sets children up to do well in school and later in life by giving them a safe, caring, home-away-from-home to have fun, learn, and explore. The agency’s Whole Family Approach works to ensure that needs are met and outcomes at the individual, agency, and community levels are achieved to strengthen well-being.
Early Childhood Education
Community Action Marin offers quality education programs for each age group. These programs are designed to provide children with the skills they need to support every stage in their development. Our programs support families so that parents can work and know their children are being taken care of and learning. Our educational programs help families thrive.
Home Visiting Program
Our at-home childcare is an individualized program option designed for any family who may not have regular access to transportation or would prefer a personal visit from a home visitor. In this program, parents and their home visitor partner together to plan fun-filled learning activities for the child based on the developmental goals of their age group. Each month social activities are also planned so that children and parents can come together for a learning and interactive experience with others in the program.
Family Childcare Network
The Early Head Start Family Childcare Network (FCCN) is a group of licensed Marin County childcare providers. These high-quality childcare environments are for children prenatal–3 years of age and combine the standards of a first-rate childcare center with the personal touch and familiarity of a home environment. Children are cared for in safe and healthy surroundings and enjoy developmentally and age-appropriate activities, and nurturing interactions with licensed Family Childcare providers.
Learning Gardens
A longtime highlight of our Children and Family Services, our Learning Gardens program is growing in exciting ways to increase healthy eating choices and access to fresh fruits and vegetables among the families we serve.
What we Provide
High quality childcare
Developmentally age-appropriate programs
Lunch and snack provided
Safe and caring place for kids to have fun, learn, and explore
Staff speak both English and Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are eligible; expectant women, children 0-5 years of age and their families. These groups must live in Marin County and meet federal poverty guidelines, receive public assistance, or are foster children.
For pre-natal – age 5, programs are full day, full year and include comprehensive health, nutrition, education, social services, and family development.
For children age 5+, programs take place after the school day ends. The program is full time during the summer.
Our Preschool Centers for children ages 3 – 5, focus on support for dual language learners,
Children in the program receive meals that meet or exceed nutritional guidelines as established by the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Take a look at a sample menu to see the healthy and nutritious meals children receive.
