Empowerment Park in Arden Arcade opened last weekend with ramps, whirl spinners and a bankshot court built for every mobility level.

The Florida-based chain will add 60,000 square feet of centers in Folsom, Rocklin, Dixon, Turlock, Lincoln and Roseville amid a statewide childcare shortage.

A retired U-2 spy plane pilot told Mather Airport students that STEM matters even for artists, not just engineers.

Every student at Sacramento New Technology Early College High walks the stage with college credit — some with an associate degree already in hand.

West Sacramento's Elkhorn Village K-8 is opening a $55 million modernized campus with new mass-timber buildings, classrooms and student spaces.

A Valley Vision poll finds 17% of local parents have left work because childcare is unaffordable, and providers and neighbors warn spots and programs are disappearing.

Registration fees, deposits and pricey gear are pushing Sacramento families to their limits, with national data showing a sharp rise in what parents spend on kids’ sports. Local leagues and nonprofits say help is available but strained.

Nevada County offers free classes for new/expecting parents through its Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health program.

The Salvation Army distributed more than 20,000 toys to nearly 5,000 Sacramento children at a Cal Expo drive-through, pairing gifts with meals and trees this holiday. Volunteers and partners helped sort and load donations for pre-registered families.

Folsom Public Library invites builders to its 7th Annual LEGO® Building Contest with the theme "ADVENTURE." Prizes for multiple age categories; submissions due January 24.

Folsom Zoo Sanctuary announces its "Wild Nights and Holiday Lights" event, featuring light displays and live entertainment, from December 5-22, with tickets available online.

A regional child support agency released "My Sticker Calendar" to assist with co-parenting scheduling, featuring artwork by local youth and offered for free at agency offices.

The City of Davis announces an afterschool program, "PM Zone," with activities and homework help, available Monday to Friday at a monthly cost of $188-$290.