About Us

Rural Communities Child Care (RCCC) is made up of several programs that provide child care subsidies for children from low-income families and continuing education for child care providers in Lake and Mendocino counties:

Resource and Referral

Our Resource and Referral team provides free child care referrals to child care facilities, community resources and events, free information on starting and managing a family child care home business or child care center, and a resource lending library for child care providers and parents. Specialized workshops are offered for parents and child care providers on family-related topics. The program also provides a community resource directory and community resources on various family-oriented organizations.

The Child Care Food Program 

The Child Care Food Program reimburses family child care providers who provide nutritious meals and snacks to children. Ongoing nutrition training is provided. The Child Care Food Program is currently serving 672 children and reimbursing 64 providers for nutritious meals served to children while in their care.

The Alternative Payment Program

The Alternative Payment Program subsidizes child care payments for eligible families who are working, in school or training, or participating in a welfare-to-work activity.

The role of RCCC is to provide a multifaceted approach to help families. We support parents with case management services and the growth and development of their children are supported with enrollment in programs specific to need. We provide a variety of direct services including individual conferences with families, determination of family eligibility, family needs assessment, assisting families with accessing services, referring families to other community resources, educating parents, maintaining eligibility lists, doing business with child care providers as independent contractors and providing technical assistance to parents and child care providers. We support the family, the child, and the child care community through resources, subsidies, and technical assistance.

Our staff takes pride in their work and commitment to serving children and families. We strive to maintain a non-judgmental attitude in supportive relationships with each other and clients. We believe in fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect, open communication, and cooperation. We strive to practice healthy boundaries and balance these qualities with compassion, mutual support, and flexibility. We recognize initiative, self-discipline, and positive attitudes as leadership qualities and strive to foster these qualities among all staff. 

RCCC is currently serving 512 families, which include 925 children through the Alternative Payment Program alone. There are 391 active child care providers providing child care to families enrolled on the Alternative Payment Program in Lake and Mendocino Counties.