Community Connection for Child Care

FREE Tattoo Removal 🎉

Services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to change depending on volunteer availability.

📍 Please enter through the 2920 H Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301, entrance.
📲 For any updates or changes, please check our story for the latest information.

Thank you for your patience and support!

Volunteer with CALM Zoo!

Ready to make a difference for the animals you love? Our next Animal Care Volunteer Classes are coming up, and there are TWO opportunities to join this quarter!

Work alongside our amazing CALM Animal Keepers, get a behind-the-scenes look at animal care, and learn how you can play an important role in supporting the animals at CALM Zoo. During orientation, you’ll discover what it’s like to be a CALM animal care volunteer and how your time and dedication can make a meaningful impact every day.

To sign up, create a profile through our volunteer portal: calmzoo.org/volunteers
(Must be 16 years or older for this volunteer position)

The $25 orientation fee includes your volunteer t-shirt and class materials. Payment will be collected upon arrival.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait — sign up today!

Good tips for anyone struggling with overwhelm! Remember above all to be kind to yourself. 💙

Graphic credit: Beth Tyson Trauma Consulting

In our Kiddos in the Kitchen program, kids ages 4–7 will mix, measure, and create simple recipes in this fun two-day cooking class — plus each child gets their own apron to take home! Spots are limited, so register early at
https://loom.ly/FbEXTS4

Self regulation skills can be a real challenge for kids (and adults!). The Alert Program helps students understand the basic theory of sensory input as it relates to their arousal states, or the internal engine of their body. The primary focus is to help children learn to monitor, maintain, and change their level of alertness so it is sufficient for a situation or task.

The basic premise of the program is that the body is similar to a car engine. When the engine is running in its’ optimal state, things run smoothly. If the engine is running too fast or too slow, problems arise.

Therapists often use “Lightning McQueen” as an example of the fast car who gets into trouble.

One quote from the program that is helpful for children to understand is:

“If your body is like a car engine, sometimes it runs on high, sometimes it runs on low, and sometimes it runs just right.”

The thing to remember is all of the zones are OK! They are not something to get out of or move to another color/zone. It's ok to have an engine running fast or slow. And the just right level depends on the task at hand or environment. Is it OK to be at a high level during a show or at the movies? Not really. Is it OK to be at a high level at recess or when playing? Sure. It all depends. (There are infinite examples)

It's a tool to support function!

Alert Program: https://www.theottoolbox.com/alert-program-self-regulation-program/