Mono County Child Care Council

Growing Together

Early childhood news, Council updates, Workforce Pathways questions, and resources for our local child care community.

Newsletter issues

November 2026 · Volume 1, Issue 2

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Mono County Child Care Council

Growing Together

Early Childhood News & Resources
NOVEMBER 2026 · VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Welcome to November! This issue celebrates two local child care educators and shares a few timely updates and resources.
COUNCIL CORNER
A fresh look for the Child Care Council
Explore our redesigned website for Council news, meeting information, the Child Care Finder, UPK Mixed Delivery and workforce resources. Our News & Updates page will also help you revisit past issues.
CELEBRATING OUR CHILD CARE COMMUNITY
PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT
Meet Maria Rosas of Little Smiles Inhome Daycare
Little Smiles Inhome Daycare advertisement
Maria Rosas began caring for children while raising her own. She saw an opportunity to be present for her children while also caring for other families and earning an income. What she enjoys most is teaching children from an early age, watching them grow, and helping guide them as they prepare for their next steps. She wants more people to understand the care, preparation, and ongoing training that go into running a family child care program.
“We are teachers, too.”
RETIREMENT TRIBUTE
Thank you, Etelvina Garcia de Rios!
Cherubs Academy · Mammoth Lakes
Etelvina Garcia de Rios
After 15 years as a child care provider in Mono County, Etelvina Garcia de Rios of Cherubs Academy retired on October 22, 2026. Her daughter Dayean shared that Etelvina’s love of early education and the important foundation it gives children inspired her work. She especially loved watching how much little ones could learn—even communicating through sign language at a young age. Dayean reflected that children absorb everything like sponges: every day, every hour, every minute is an opportunity to learn. Letting them go when they were ready for preschool was the hardest part, but also among the most rewarding moments, because Etelvina could see how much they had grown. Thank you, Etelvina, for fifteen years of dedication to local children and families!
“Every moment is an opportunity for them to learn.”
WORKFORCE PATHWAYS
Keep Your Records
Workforce Pathways Grant participants: please continue saving certificates, transcripts, and other milestone documentation. Check-ins will begin being scheduled in January 2027, and Kevin will reach out to participants directly. Supporting documents are due May 1, 2027. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Kevin at klian@monocoe.org.
FOR CHILD CARE LEADERS
Celebrate the Year, Look Ahead
As the year winds down, take a moment to celebrate what your team has accomplished—every small success matters! Looking toward 2027, what would you like to build on or try differently? These optional checklists can spark conversations about family connections, supporting staff, and running your program. They're reflection tools, not California licensing guidance.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Help Keep Local Kids Warm This Winter
Thanks to our community's generosity, MCOE has winter clothing available for children and youth in Mono County, while supplies last. If you work with families who could use a little extra warmth this season, please help spread the word. Request forms are available in English and Spanish—your connection could make a real difference!
COMMUNITY VOICES
What should the Council hear about?
What is working for local families and child care providers—and what needs attention? Share your ideas through our short, anonymous feedback form to help inform future Council discussions.
WORKFORCE NOTE
Have a child care opening?
Programs are welcome to share vacancies for possible inclusion on the Council’s Jobs & Careers page.
Keep Growing Together
Like this issue? Share it with someone in our child care community.
Have an early childhood event, resource, or opportunity for a future issue? I'd love to hear from you.
Kevin Lian · Mono County Child Care Council Coordinator · Mono County Office of Education · klian@monocoe.org
Growing Together is an informational publication of the Mono County Child Care Council, coordinated through the Mono County Office of Education. Featured opportunities and services may be provided by partner organizations; please check directly with those organizations for current details.