It's All Fun and Games at Child Care Resource Center's Family Play Day

Families from the San Bernardino community enjoyed a day full of games and activities at the Child Care Resource Center’s 2nd Annual Family Play Day. The free event was held at the center’s office on Saturday, April 18, through the morning and early afternoon and children, parents, and community members were all welcomed to join in the day’s festivities. This community event had over 20 booths set up, with activities that included musical performances, art projects, face painting, educational activities, physical games, and plenty of prizes. From bubble stations to planting your own flower in a cup, there was something for everyone to enjoy at the event. Not only were food, drinks, and activities all free, but each child also went home with a free book of their choice, as well as a bag of fruits and vegetables from the farmers market. There were also raffles held which sent lucky winners home with various prizes and gift baskets. The Child Care Resource Center’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Olenick, said the Center has been holding a similar annual event in Van Nuys for many years, and the original idea was to get child care providers to advertise their programs. According to Olenick, the Resource Center’s overall mission is “to cultivate child, family, and community well-being, and improve the depth and breadth of the children and families they come from.” The Child Care Resource Center has also just entered into The Early Head Start Childcare Partnership, and through it they will be able to offer this head start experience to nearly 150 children. The center continues to have an impact through helping parents achieve greater economic, personal and social outcomes, as well as helping them look for child care. It also supports child care providers through training, technical assistance, and professional development. Saturday’s family play day is just one example of the ways in which the Child Care Resource Center strives to improve both personal and familial well-being within the community.