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Stipends available for teachers, care providers 

Stipends for eligible preschool teachers and child care providers are still available from the Alameda County Children and Families Commission and the Child Development Corps. 

Stipends range from $500 to $5,000 and are aimed at retaining qualified teachers.  

The lowest paid child care teachers in Alameda County average $14,000 annually with a turnover rate of 32 percent.  

The deadline to apply for a stipend is June 30. For eligibility requirements call 667-7451. 

West Berkeley debuting weekly market 

Beginning July 8 there will be a new weekly market held in West Berkeley on University Avenue, between Third and Fourth Streets.  

Held every Sunday through the end of October, at least 40 local artists, farmers and nonprofits will participate from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Sponsored by the non-profit West Berkeley Neighborhood Development Corporation, with start-up funding from the city, the West Berkeley Market will be a family-oriented venue.  

It will emphasize good quality and reasonably priced crafts, produce, specialty foods, and other products and services with an international and “green” theme, according to a West Berkeley Market press release. 

Four special events are already planned including an Opening Day Celebration on July 8, International Family Day on Aug. 19, Art Day on Sept. 16, and Spirit Day on Oct. 28. Vendors interested in the market can call 654-6346 ext. 6 for information and applications. Priority will be given to lower-income vendors from west and south Berkeley and those who offer products or services that they produce themselves. 

Host families needed  

for adult foreign students 

Language Studies International is looking for host families for its foreign adult students. The English school for foreign students has a homestay option to allow the students to experience life with American families during their program. Due in part to the housing crisis, the school has been unable to find hosts for all of the 800 - 1,000 students who attend each year, according to a letter from Steven Franklin, Registrar and Accommodations Coordinator for LSI. 

Hosts of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate, including singles. Hosts are paid $182.50 per week to provide breakfast, dinner and a private room to a foreign student, and can choose a short-term (two – four weeks) or a yearlong stay.  

The host can live anywhere in the East Bay as long as the student can easily commute to downtown Berkeley. For more information or to apply to host a student for the peak period from mid-July through September, call LSI at 841-4695.