Chief Executive Officer's Welcome Message
For more than 50 years, 4Cs of Alameda County has been a trusted partner for families, children, and child care providers—connecting our community to resources, support, and one another. Every day, we work to ensure families can find and afford quality child care, and that providers have the tools, training, and funding they need to deliver the very best care.
It is truly an honor to join 4Cs as your new Chief Executive Officer. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Renee S. Herzfeld for her decades of extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication to children and families across Alameda County. She has built an incredible foundation—one that I am humbled and excited to carry forward.
Our services are here for everyone: free child care referrals, an extensive database of licensed providers, payment assistance, access to essential needs, and a team of specialists who speak multiple languages. We’re also here for providers, offering training, business support, and professional development to strengthen the quality of care in our community.
As I begin this new chapter with 4Cs, I am excited to listen, learn, and partner with you—families, providers, and community leaders—to build an Alameda County where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.
Thank you for visiting our website. I look forward to the journey ahead with all of you.
In community,
Takija T. Gardner
Chief Executive Officer
P.S. Your contribution helps us continue this important work. You can securely donate online here. For more on our commitment to transparency, view our latest 990 here.
Our Mission
Community Child Care Council (4Cs) of Alameda County exists to develop and coordinate resources to strengthen families and children.
Our Vision
By 2029, 4Cs of Alameda County will implement a fully funded and sustainable model resource hub that provides a responsive and innovative system of services that support the well-being of all in collaboration with the communities we serve.
Our Strategic Plan
4Cs created a new strategic plan report to support our mission and create our vision in alignment with our core values.
Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Commitment Statement
4Cs of Alameda County values and celebrates the diverse perspectives, talents, backgrounds, and cultures in our communities. Through our core values and daily practices, we strive to foster a culture of belonging and equitable treatment among our team members and the families we serve. This is reflected in how we actively create safe, welcoming, and supportive spaces for our employees and clients to thrive. The cornerstone of our work at 4Cs is deeply rooted in being a community-responsive agency. We are committed to uplifting and amplifying the voices of families, children, child care providers, and community members. In collaboration with these community members and partners, we are committed to improving and positively impacting the lives of tomorrow through our programs and services.
Our Core Values
The agency uses Results-Based Accountability (RBA) as a data-driven, decision-making process to improve the effectiveness of all programs.
4Cs is proud to be an agency partner supporting fathers in all facets of our programs and services.
4Cs staff are trained in the Strengthening Families Framework and use it to guide all interactions and supports.
