First 5 Alameda County Joins Live Q&A with Congressman Eric Swalwell
First 5 Alameda County Chief Executive Officer Kristin Spanos sat down for a Facebook Live Q&A with Congressman Eric Swalwell on August 21. The conversation centered on the challenges that children and families are facing during the pandemic, particularly around access to food and other necessities, including diapers/wipes, educational materials, cleaning products, and personal hygiene items. The […]
First 5 Counties: 2020-21 State Budget Prioritizes Young Children & Families on Multiple Fronts
ALAMEDA, CA — The 58 First 5 county commissions greatly appreciate the collaborative effort undertaken by Governor Newsom and the legislature to pass and sign a budget that prioritizes young children and their families, and maintains our shared vision of an equitable California. Amid the challenges wrought by a global pandemic, this budget supports policies and […]
Final CA Budget Must Prioritize Child Care, Programs That Support Families
ALAMEDA, CA (June 15, 2020) – Child care and other programs that support families must be prioritized in the final 2020-21 state budget, which now awaits Governor Newsom’s action, said First 5 Association, First 5 California, and First 5 LA on Monday. Specifically, First 5 believes the following elements must be included in a final budget […]
A Warm Welcome for Our New Executive Director, Melissa Stafford Jones
First 5 Association of California announces and warmly welcomes its new Executive Director, Melissa Stafford Jones, who will join the organization on July 6, 2020. Ms. Stafford Jones will lead the pursuit of First 5’s vision that California’s success be measured by the well-being of its youngest children, along with the overall strategy and direction […]
The 58 First 5 counties are united against racism in all forms.
The 58 First 5 counties across California are united against racism in all forms, and in the mission that every child has a right to grow up healthy and safe. We strive for equity and inclusion for every child, every family, and every member of society. We pledge to continually examine and evolve our work, […]
First 5 Centers in Contra Costa Put On Graduation Ceremony Parade for Families with Preschoolers
After a year-long Kindergarten readiness class taught at the Delta and Antioch First 5 Center, families lined up in their cars decorated with hand-made signs while graduation music played, bubbles floated in the air, and celebrated their accomplishment in a unique, yet memorable way. In previous years, a large and intimate celebration was held at the […]
First 5 Response to May Budget Revision: Child Care is Critical to Making California Healthy Again
ALAMEDA, CA (May 14, 2020) – Governor Newsom and legislative leaders face tough decisions to address the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of California’s people and its economy. While the task is undeniably difficult, child care must be prioritized to make California healthy again, said First 5 Association, First 5 California […]
Voters in some California communities will be called on to pay for more child care
EdSource: February 20, 2020 “‘We know there is a huge gap between the need and the actual slots available currently. It would really be helpful to close the gap,’ said Erika Kuempel, a spokeswoman for First 5 Alameda County, a county commission dedicated to helping families with children under 6 years old. The commission would […]
Our campaign is reducing black child deaths in Sacramento. Here’s how you can help
Sacramento Bee: February 12, 2020“About a year ago, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors received a report explaining the campaign’s success in reducing deaths in Sacramento County, where African American children have died at twice, and sometimes closer to three times the rate, of other kids. What we learned unequivocally confirmed that, years earlier, county […]
Early Quality Matters in Nevada County
Sierra Sun: February 11, 2020 “Quality Counts California is funded by First 5 California and the CA Dept of Education. By signing the Budget Act of 2019, Governor Newsom builds on the work of First 5 CA by providing a historic level of funding of $5.3 billion for early childhood initiatives that will improve access […]