Welcome to SBC CARES
and CONNECTIONS

The CONNECTIONS Project is an educational support grant designed to aid Child Development students and Early Care Professionals in the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties). Participation in CONNECTIONS is absolutely free – there is no cost at any time. Listed below are the services we offer to participants.

Tuition Assistance
Participants can request tuition reimbursements (up to $100 for college-level ECE courses and/or general education classes leading to a Child Development Permit/Degree). Completion of courses with a grade of C or higher is required.

Textbook Reimbursements
Participants can request textbook reimbursements (up to $100 for college-level ECE courses and/or general education classes leading to a Child Development Permit/Degree). Completion of courses with a grade of C or higher is required.

Participant Stipends
Workshop stipends are available to parents and educators for some programs. These funds may be used to defer the costs of transportation and/or child care.

College Credit for Training
Several community-based workshops are approved for college ECE credit. To receive this credit, CONNECTIONS participants must complete the credit assignment (each training will have a different assignment). Once a grade is given, CONNECTIONS will pay the credit fee and the participant will receive credit at low or no cost from UCR Extension.

Reduced-Cost Training
SBC-CONNECTIONS sponsors Early Childhood Education workshops and inservice for ECE professionals and parents, with reduced fees for participants.

Behavioral Intervention Programs
Professional assistance to help early care educators develop specific skills for the classroom management of behavior problems in children.

Tutoring Assistance
CONNECTIONS will offer tutoring assistance in basic skills for college success (available in English and Spanish).*

Mentoring Programs
Mentoring for Family Child Care workers, and center-based and novice Early Care professionals will be offered.*

* Some locations may have limited availability.

PLEASE NOTE: All applications subject to approval; reimbursements are awarded on an individual basis and are not guaranteed.

The SBC CARES and CONNECTIONS Projects are funded by First 5 San Bernardino.