Childcare Matrix Preview

Childcare Scale and Indicators

● Not Started
Example childcare matrix for review. Selecting criteria in one status row will automatically clear any selections in the other rows so only one level is scored at a time.
Status Access Affordability Quality / Safety Reliability Score
Thriving Childcare of choice is consistently available and fully meets family needs. Childcare cost is affordable without creating financial strain. Provider is licensed, trusted, and offers high-quality developmental support. Care is dependable, stable, and aligns with work, school, and transportation schedules.
0/4
Stable Childcare is available and generally meets family needs. Childcare is manageable, though the family may need to budget carefully. Care is safe and appropriate, with no major concerns. Childcare is dependable with only occasional disruptions.
0/4
Safe Childcare is available, but options are limited or not the family’s preferred choice. Childcare is affordable only with subsidy, family support, or tradeoffs in other expenses. Care is acceptable, but quality, supervision, or developmental support is limited. Care is somewhat inconsistent and may require backup arrangements.
0/4
At-Risk Childcare is difficult to secure and often does not meet family needs. Childcare costs create significant financial strain or instability. Quality or safety concerns exist, or the setting lacks appropriate structure. Childcare frequently breaks down and disrupts work, school, or appointments.
0/4
In-Crisis No dependable childcare is available. Childcare is completely unaffordable or unavailable due to cost. Available care is unsafe, inappropriate, or unacceptable for the child. Lack of childcare prevents consistent work, school, treatment, or essential daily functioning.
0/4
Selected Status None
Criteria Met 0 / 4
Auto Score 0
California Foster Forum Healthy Lifestyles Assessment Platform

California Foster Forum

Healthy Lifestyles Assessment Platform

From Crisis to Thriving

Built on Van Buren's Theory of Cognitive Learning and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Platform Overview

What It Is

A comprehensive multi-domain assessment tool designed to evaluate individual and family well-being across customizable critical life areas, enabling evidence-based tracking of progress from crisis to thriving.

Evidence Base

Built on Van Buren's Theory of Cognitive Learning and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, providing a scientifically-grounded framework for understanding developmental progress and human potential.

Rating Scale

Five status levels measuring progression:

Thriving → Stable → Safe → At-Risk → In-Crisis

Seven Areas Crisis Examples

  • Employment
  • Child Education
  • Adult Education
  • Health & Wellness
  • Childcare
  • Community Participation
  • Nutrition

Scoring Approach

For each domain, review criteria across four indicators and select applicable items. Then assign a score from 1–4 based on the number of criteria met. Aggregate scores across all domains to track overall progress and identify priority areas for intervention.

How to Use the Assessment

Follow these five steps to complete a comprehensive assessment and track progress over time:

1

Review Each Assessment Category

Carefully read through each domain table and review the criteria listed in each status row (Thriving, Stable, Safe, At-Risk, In-Crisis). Understand what each indicator measures before making selections.

2

Mark Applicable Criteria

Use the radio buttons in each cell to mark criteria that apply to the current situation. Select one indicator per column that best matches the individual or family's circumstances.

3

Select the Total Score

In the rightmost Score column, choose a score from 4 (all criteria met) to 1 (one criterion met) based on how many indicators apply in that status row.

4

Repeat Across All Seven Domains

Complete the assessment process for all domains: Employment, Child Education, Adult Education, Health & Wellness, Childcare, Community Participation, and Nutrition.

5

Save Progress and Generate Reports

Save your assessment results regularly and generate reports to track improvement over time. Higher scores indicate better outcomes, with Thriving representing optimal status and In-Crisis requiring immediate attention.

The 5 Status Levels

Each assessment domain uses a five-level scale to measure progression from crisis to thriving:

Safe

Basic needs met with some vulnerabilities. Adequate functioning but with gaps. Moderate risk; may need supplemental support.

Color Legend

Green (Thriving/Stable) - Optimal to Good
Yellow (Safe) - Adequate with Vulnerabilities
Red (At-Risk/In-Crisis) - High Risk to Critical

Employment Scale and Indicators

Status Indicator 1 Indicator 2 Indicator 3 Indicator 4 Score
Thriving 4
Stable 3
Safe 2
At-Risk 1
In-Crisis 0

Child Education Scale and Indicators

Status Indicator 1 Indicator 2 Indicator 3 Indicator 4 Score
Thriving 4
Stable 3
Safe 2
At-Risk 1
In-Crisis 0

Adult Education Scale and Indicators

Status Indicator 1 Indicator 2 Indicator 3 Indicator 4 Score
Thriving 4
Stable 3
Safe 2
At-Risk 1
In-Crisis 0

Health & Wellness Scale and Indicators

Status Indicator 1 Indicator 2 Indicator 3 Indicator 4 Score
Thriving 4
Stable 3
Safe 2
At-Risk 1
In-Crisis 0

Childcare Scale and Indicators

Status Indicator 1 Indicator 2 Indicator 3 Indicator 4 Score
Thriving 4
Stable 3
Safe 2
At-Risk 1
In-Crisis 0

Community Participation Scale and Indicators

Status Indicator 1 Indicator 2 Indicator 3 Indicator 4 Score
Thriving 4
Stable 3
Safe 2
At-Risk 1
In-Crisis 0

Nutrition Scale and Indicators

Status Indicator 1 Indicator 2 Indicator 3 Indicator 4 Score
Thriving 4
Stable 3
Safe 2
At-Risk 1
In-Crisis 0