2020 First 5 News Clips
Below is an archive of 2020 media coverage of First 5 programs, people, and activities around the state.
How California plans to increase access to Paid Family Leave to support early childhood
EdSource/ December 14, 2020
“’Paid family leave is a key part of the early childhood arena, and it is most critical for low-income families,’ said Sarah Crow, managing director of the First 5 Center for Children’s Policy, a nonprofit child-advocacy organization.”
Riverside County Supervisors Allocate Funds to Assist Child Care Programs
NBC Palm Springs/ December 9, 2020
“In October, First 5 Riverside received an allocation of $688,000 from First 5 California for COVID-19-related assistance to early learning and child care programs.”
More Emergency Supplies Distributed to Child Care Providers
edhat/ December 6, 2020
“The final shipment of emergency supplies through First 5 is scheduled for distribution on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Children’s Resource and Referral locations in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara.”
350 child care centers throughout Santa Barbara County receive new cleaning supplies
KSBY News/ December 5, 2020
“The Children’s Resource & Referral Program of Santa Barbara County (CRRSBC) worked with First 5 Santa Barbara County to distribute free face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant and gloves to 350 child care facilities in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara on Saturday.”
Support for child care helps with economy recovery by helping parents get back to work
The North Bay Business Journal/ November 30, 2020
“For this reason, the Sonoma County Child Care Resiliency Fund was collaboratively established by City of Santa Rosa, Community Foundation Sonoma County and First 5 Sonoma County. “
It May Be the Most Important Test of a Child’s Life. Most Aren’t Getting It
California Health Report/ November 30, 2020
Sarah Crow, the First 5 Center for Children’s Policy managing director, said Help Me Grow has become savvier at leveraging partnerships and funding partners who see the value in the work.
In pandemic, county is pushing money to child care like never before
The Orange County Register/ November 27, 2020
“The $10.1 million sets a new precedent for the county’s cash commitment to supporting child care services, said Kim Goll, president and chief executive officer of First 5, the county’s Children & Families Commission.”
Why Classism Concerns San Diego Educators, Hurt Students
IVN San Diego/ November 23, 2020
“’Having that opportunity for all our little ones is definitely going to make a difference,’ said Alethea Arguilez, executive director of First 5 San Diego. “
Orange County sets up $5 million coronavirus fund for local child care providers
The Orange County Register/ October 27, 2020
“First 5 has orchestrated donations of supplies to child care providers since the pandemic began. The organization also is paying the $150,000 needed for Charitable Ventures to administer the emergency funding, Goll said.”
Santa Rosa approves $2 million child care program with federal funding
Santa Rosa Press Democrat/ October 27, 2020
“First 5 will administer a $500,000 grant program for Santa Rosa child care facilities, and 4Cs will receive $100,000 to double its annual offering of training courses for future providers as well as help with licensing and start-up costs, according to city documents.”
African American and Latina led Families Need and Deserve More, Beginning with Child Care
Los Angeles Sentinel/ October 15, 2020
“As a First 5 California commissioner, I have committed to speaking boldly for the underrepresented children, families, early care and education workforce of California. We have provided emergency supplies and funding, but more is still needed to support the most vulnerable among us.”
First 5 California Dual Language Learner Pilot Study Reveals Significant Challenges
StreetInsider.com/ September 30, 2020
“First 5 California released a new brief by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) as part of the $20 million initiative to promote high‑quality early learning environments for children learning more than one language.” This story also appears in Business Wire.
Children Missing Out On Developmental Services Because Of Labyrinth System
California Health Report/ September 29, 2020
“In California, parents who suspect their child has a developmental delay often wait months or even years to get a formal diagnosis and to obtain services, according to research by the First 5 Center for Children’s Policy.”
Where are all the kindergartners? Pandemic creates rare gap year
Politico/ September 24, 2020
“‘The first five years are so incredibly important in terms of brain development and as a base for lifelong learning and success in school,’ said Erin Dubey, an education administrator for First 5 California, which has been urging families to enroll in kindergarten. ‘When you have children on Zoom for hours a day it is quite a predicament, but we really think the experience of kindergarten is so hugely valuable. We want to see kids remain enrolled in school, albeit an unusual setting.'”
Commentary: Our children’s well-being and social and emotional health is at stake. Here’s why.
The San Diego Union-Tribune/ August 28, 2020
“At the youngest ages, this starts with talking, reading and singing as a way to strengthen relationship bonding between child and their parent or caregiver. To support this, First 5 San Diego compiles a range of resources for this age group, through our network of community partners. ”
First 5 Marin’s executive director reflects on 19 years boosting children
Marin Independent Journal/ August 8, 2020
“It didn’t take Amy Reisch long to realize she wanted to work with kids… Reisch, who was named to the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame this year, will retire from her 19-year post at First 5 Marin at the end of the month.”
Fill Out the Census — Secure the Future for Our Kids
Siliconeer/ August 7, 2020
This op-ed, written by First 5 Fresno Executive Director Fabiola González, talks about the importance of counting all children in the 2020 Census. This op-ed also appears in The LA Post, San Fernando Valley Sun, South Kern Sol, El Semenario, and US News Express.
Sonoma County child care system ’on brink of collapse’
The Press Democrat/ July 27, 2020
“Sonoma County and First 5 Sonoma County, a nonprofit that supports programs stressing the important of early education, funded 88 child care slots in the county through May 1; after that, they transferred the spaces to the state voucher program. First 5 California has donated $4 million statewide.”
First 5 Solano becomes emergency services agency for child care
Daily Republic/ July 23, 2020
“First 5 Solano has become a kind of emergency services agency since the Covid-19 pandemic created a need for child care for essential workers.”
San Mateo County allocates $2 million to aid struggling child care facilities
The Almanac/ July 23, 2020
“The Community Equity Collaborative will work with the Board of Supervisors and a coalition of other organizations that are represented on the county’s COVID-19 Child Care Response Team, including First 5 San Mateo County, the county’s Office of Education, the Child Care Partnership Council, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, 4Cs of San Mateo County and Build Up for San Mateo County’s Children.”
First 5 honors family-friendly employers
Lake County News/ July 21, 2020
“First 5 said it’s proud to announce the winners of its 2020 Lake County Children’s Champion Employer Awards.” This story also appears in the Lake County Record-Bee.
A library is more than books
Mountain Democrat/ July 13, 2020
“Partnering with Health and Human Services, the county Office of Education (EDCOE) and First-5 (a nonprofit organization), five of the county libraries offer county residents a “Hub” of services…”
Merced County child care providers receiving supplies to help during COVID-19 pandemic
Merced Sun Star/ July 8, 2020
“According to Barragan, funding for the materials and stipends is coming from the Local First 5 of Merced County, First 5 of California, the State Department of Social Services and the California Department of Education.”
How and when to talk to young children about racism with First 5 California Commissioner Jackie B. Majors
KTLA 5/ July 7, 2020
This interview with First 5 California Commissioner Jackie B. Majors aired on the KTLA5 morning news.
First 5 Humboldt, Humboldt Area Foundation announce $120K investment to expand child care capacity
The Times-Standard/ July 6, 2020
“First 5 Humboldt and the Humboldt Area Foundation are investing $120,000 to increase child care capacity in Humboldt County during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
First 5 Alameda County receives CA grant to join adverse childhood experiences awareness initiative
The Daily Californian/ June 30, 2020
“The California surgeon general’s office and the Department of Health Care Services recently awarded First 5 Alameda County a $325,470 grant to participate in the state’s ACEs, or adverse childhood experiences, Aware initiative.”
First Five, Changing Tides Announce Shipment of Mission-Critical COVID Gear to Local Child Care Providers
Lost Coast Outpost/ June 29, 2020
“‘Child care providers are essential workers on the front lines of this crisis. They are putting themselves at risk to care for the children of our hospital staff, law enforcement, grocery, and other essential workers. We owe them a debt of gratitude and are glad we can help with these supplies.’ said Mary Ann Hansen, Executive Director of First 5 Humboldt County.”
First 5 Humboldt and Changing Tides Provides Emergency Supplies to Child Care Facilities with Children of Essential Workers
North Coast Journal/ June 29, 2020
“First 5 Humboldt and Changing Tides Family Services recently donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other essential supplies to child care facilities serving children of essential workers and vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Greater support during first five years of life improves a child’s future
San Diego Union-Tribune/ June 27, 2020
A Q&A with First 5 San Diego Executive Director Alethea Arguilez.
California’s Home Visiting Program Aims to Help the Next Generation Rise from Inequality
California Health Report/ June 26, 2020
“The largest is Welcome Baby, launched and funded by First Five Los Angeles starting in 2009, and which reaches about 15,000 women who are pregnant or have babies up to 9 months old.”
First 5 Santa Barbara seeks ELP grants
Santa Ynez Valley Star/ June 16, 2020
“First 5 Santa Barbara has budgeted $150,000 for these grants that are meant to help local education agencies strengthen their efforts to serve children prenatal through age 5 and their families in alignment with their TK-12 efforts.”
First 5 California provides supplies to child care providers
ABC KEYT 3/ June 23, 2020
“First 5 California provides additional critical supplies for child care providers in San Luis Obispo County during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
First 5 seeks family-friendly business nominations
Lake County News/ June 17, 2020
“To this end, the First 5 Lake Commission would like to honor local businesses who have gone above and beyond to support families during the COVID-19 shelter-at-home order.”
Hometown Heroes: Local Child Care Providers Offered Additional Support During Pandemic
Ledger Dispatch/ June 16, 2020
“In collaboration with First 5 California and The Resource Connection Child Care Resources, First 5 Amador helped to coordinate the bulk delivery of cleaning and personal care supplies to our county.”
Hundreds ask San Jose lawmakers to defund police ahead of budget vote
San Jose Spotlight/ June 16, 2020
“‘The proposed $1.5 million investment to stabilize family childcare home providers in the mayor’s message is a strong step in the right direction,’ said Jolene Smith, chief executive officer of FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, adding that without those funds, ’67 percent of our providers will close.’”
Metro’s Mobility on Demand pilot makes emergency food deliveries
Metro/ June 15, 2020
“Metro and our Mobility on Demand partner Via have joined forces with First 5 LA Best Start and their countywide network of nonprofits to deliver food and diapers to vulnerable families during the COVID-19 crisis.”
Day camps and activities for Lake County children and youth permitted with modifications
Lake County News/ June 13, 2020
“With this in mind, Lake County Public Health, in conjunction with First 5 Lake County, has created localized program guidance, aligned with the state’s recommendations, along with a thorough checklist to help program directors prepare for safe reopening.”
Pre-to-3: New ‘data playground’ a destination for info on young children
Education Dive/ June 12, 2020
“In California, for example, First 5 Ventura County uses data from the health and education sectors, as well as parent surveys and data on families’ socioeconomic status, to make decisions about funding programs and service providers. F5VC is one of 58 county-level commissions focusing on early childhood development.”
Supervisors to Review Alternative Incarceration Options Following Racial Inequity Hearing
EdHat/ June 11, 2020
“The Board asked for community leaders Wendy Sims-Moten, Executive Director of First 5 and a Santa Barbara Unified School District Board Member, and Aaron Jones, Director of the Educational Opportunity Program and PhD student at UC Santa Barbara, to lead the discussion.”
INTERVIEW: Angie Dillon Shore On First 5 Continuing To Help Out Despite Difficult Times
KSRO/ June 10, 2020
First 5 Sonoma Executive Director Angie Dillon Shore is interviewed about about how First 5 continues to serve Sonoma County families and community during COVID-19.
Local agencies distribute essential cleaning supplies to daycare owners
ABC 30/ June 9, 2020
“‘It’s so critical for these providers to have supplies while they were struggling to find out if they could be open and how could they take care of children in the midst of the pandemic,’ said Executive Director of First Five Fresno Fabiola Gonzalez.”
Santa Clara Co.: County Expands Child Care Services During Coronavirus Pandemic
SF Gate/ June 5, 2020
“‘A lot of child care homes have shut their doors in response to COVID-19. And a lot of them are struggling to reopen,’ said Dalenna Ruelas Hughes, director of early learning at FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, an organization supporting child development.”
Newsom’s Proposed Cuts to Child Care Rates Have Advocates Worried
KQED/ June 3, 2020
“Margot Grant Gould, policy director for the First 5 Association of California, said California had gone through this before during the Great Recession. ‘We lost a number of child care providers because they simply weren’t able to stay in business for these exact reasons,’ she said. “And we are concerned about what this will look like coming into our COVID-19 recovery and in the recession that we’re currently in at this moment in time.’”
First 5 Humboldt offers free singing, dancing program for kids
The Times-Standard/ May 31, 2020
“Free singing and dancing sessions for young children and their parents or caregivers are being offered by First 5 Humboldt five days a week from the comfort of your home.”
First 5 Announces Its Child-Friendly Businesses
The Business Journal/ May 29, 2020
“First 5 Fresno County, a non-profit organization that works to identify and address problems faced by children ages 0 to 5, and their families, has announced the winners of its 2020 Child-Friendly Business Awards.”
Foundations issue grants to help at-risk populations
Chico Enterprise Record/ May 26, 2020
“The newest grants include… $10,000 for First 5 Butte County to purchase and distribute children’s books and children’s clothing.”
What the reopening of San Diego childcare and early education means for families
KUSI News/ May 26, 2020
“The Executive Director of First 5 San Diego joined Good Morning San Diego to talk about childcare and early education as it relates to COVID-19 especially as the conversation shifts to the accelerated reopening of San Diego and what this means for families.”
Covid-19 acelera las disparidades raciales, de ingresos y de vivienda
La Opinion/ May 23, 2020
In this editorial, published in Spanish, First 5 Contra Costa and a Regional Group parent urge the County Board of Supervisors to extend the initial eviction moratorium to prevent pushing families further into poverty. As COVID-19 lays bare the underlying flaws in America’s social safety net, communities of color remain disproportionately impacted due to callous policies and health inequity.
Will early learning, after-school shift toward home-based care?
Education Dive/ May 22, 2020
“In one example, First 5 California, a state agency that administers funding for programs serving young children — is considering a $1.5 million ‘shared services alliance’ as part of an effort to rebuild the early learning sector.”
First 5 Santa Barbara Commission Seeks Grants for Early Education
Noozhawk/ May 21, 2020
“First 5 Santa Barbara Commission has budgeted $150,000 for these grants that are meant to help local education agencies strengthen their efforts to serve children prenatal through age 5 and their families in alignment with their TK-12 efforts.”
Karen Scott and Tammi Graham Discuss Services for Children through First 5 California
KVCR Inland Empire/ May 20, 2020
First 5 Executive Directors, Karen Scott (San Bernardino) and Tammi Graham (Riverside) discuss how their work helps connect families to crucial programs across the region.
Power of ‘parentese’: Speaking it can make your child a faster learner
The Orange County Register/ May 20, 2020
“In fact, the latest research on First 5 California’s Talk. Read. Sing.® program shows that 88 percent of parents are reading to their young children three times or more per week and 91 percent are singing three or more times per week.”
First 5 donates to families
The Madera Tribune/ May 20, 2020
“First 5 Madera, with the support of the City of Madera Parks and Recreation Department, recently distributed 280 activity backpacks to Madera families with 0-2 year-olds at a drive-thru event at John Wells Youth Center.”
Youngest learners prepare to start school — without the school
Education Dive/ May 19, 2020
“‘When children have never been part of an early learning environment, life in a classroom comes as a shock,’ said Lindsay Dunckel, the school readiness program planner for First 5 Sacramento in California, which works with school districts in the county to run summer transition camps.”
Childcare Providers to Receive Emergency Supplies
Santa Barbara Independent/ May 16, 2020
“On Saturday, local organizations are distributing emergency supplies — including masks, disinfectant and books — to childcare sites caring for vulnerable populations and children of essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic. The supplies come from First 5 Santa Barbara County, a child-advocacy organization funded by tobacco product taxes.”
First 5 of Santa Barbara County provides books and supplies to children of essential workers
KCOY|KEYT|KKFX Santa Maria/ May 16, 2020
“First 5 of Santa Barbara County teamed up with Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara and the Child Care Planning Council to give books and more away on Saturday.”
First 5 distributing supplies to county’s child care providers
Santa Maria Times/ May 14, 2020
“The supplies delivery is part of a First 5 statewide effort launched in mid-April when the First 5 California Commission approved up to $4 million in emergency funding to provide 60 days of supplies to child care providers serving essential workers and resource centers that support vulnerable populations.” This story also appears in the Santa Ynez Valley News.
First 5 Santa Barbara Secures Supplies For Essential Workers’ Child Carers
Noozhawk/ May 13, 2020
“First 5 Santa Barbara has received its first shipment of mission-critical supplies for childcare providers caring for the children of essential workers and vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Without more federal funds, half of all child care centers could close forever
The Hechinger Report/ May 13, 2020
“In Alameda County, California, the nonprofit First Five Alameda has provided masks, thermometers, books and educational materials to centers that are open and providing services for the children of essential workers.”
Emergency Supplies Distributed To Child Care Providers
Edhat/ May 13, 2020
“First 5 Santa Barbara received its first shipment of mission-critical supplies for childcare providers caring for the children of essential workers and vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
$900,000 to Help San Diego Essential Workers Pay for Child Care
Times of San Diego/ May 6, 2020
“First 5 San Diego has donated $500,000 to the San Diego COVID-19 Children’s Fund to help parents with young children who are working in essential jobs pay for childcare, officials announced Wednesday.”
Local child care facilities work hard to provide care
Lake County News/ May 4, 2020
“Carla Ritz, executive director of First 5 Lake, explains, ‘When COVID-19 social distancing precautions were ordered, 30 out of 31 child care centers in the county closed their doors along with 21 out of 70 licensed family child care homes.’”
Child Care Resources in San Diego
ABC 10 News San Diego/ May 1, 2020
“ABC 10News recently talked with Alethea Arguilez, Executive Director, First 5 San Diego and Kim McDougal, Executive Director, Child Care Resources, YMCA San Diego County about the current needs and challenges of providing for our families and their children.”
Coronavirus: First 5 Solano offering childcare for essential employees in Vallejo
Vallejo Times-Herald/ April 30, 2020
“Thanks in large part to First 5 Solano and the Solano County Office of Emergency Services, the Solano County Emergency PopUp Childcare Program is now available in Vallejo.”
Napa agency launches emergency child care program for essential workers
Napa Valley Register/ April 30, 2020
“There is more help on its way: First 5 Napa County is providing supplies that should become available for pick-up in the coming weeks.”
FIRST 5 offers scarce baby supplies in South Bay amid pandemic
San Jose Spotlight/ April 30, 2020
“Now (First 5) has undertaken an additional mission: help those families get the ‘basics’ while some supplies run low at local stores and transportation options remain limited due to the region’s restrictive shelter in place order.”
Commentary: Let’s make sure every child in Orange County is counted in the 2020 census
Los Angeles Times/ April 28, 2020
“First 5 Assn. of California is proud to be one of more than 120 partners California has convened to achieve a complete and accurate count, the largest mobilization of partners in state history.”
This op-ed was written by Kim Goll, Executive Director of First 5 Orange County
Child Care Program Opens For Healthcare Workers, First Responders And Essential Employees
SF Gate/ April 26, 2020
“The Solano County Emergency PopUp Childcare Program is now open to healthcare workers, first responders, disaster service workers and essential employees working in Vallejo. The program is coordinated by First 5 Solano on behalf of the Solano County Office of Emergency Services.”
How California’s stay-at-home order disrupts services for young children
EdSource/ April 23, 2020
“‘Given the concern of increased stress levels and being within a home that might not be as stable and safe as would be ideal, the more we can get support to people to prevent harm to children, the better off we’ll be,’ said Gina Daleiden, executive director of First 5 Yolo County, a county commission that operates several home visiting programs in the county.” This story also appears in CBS SF Bay Area.
Childcare needed for essential workers
Village Life/ April 21, 2020
“(The Care Corps) is made possible through strong partnerships with Choices for Children, First 5 El Dorado, Head Start and State Preschools, Boys & Girls Club and EDCOE Charter Extended Day.”
Coronavirus: First 5 Alameda County awards $3 million grant to community organizations
East Bay Times/ April 17, 2020
“With families out of work facing critical shortages of food and supplies for children, First 5 Alameda County announced a $3 million dollar grant to help distribute food, diapers, wipes, and cleaning supplies to local parents and caregivers in need.” This story also appears in The Mercury News
First 5 California Commission Provides $4 Million in Emergency Funding for Child Care Providers, Community
Business Wire/ April 17, 2020
“The Commission (First 5 California), acting on the urgent nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, approved up to $4 million to support the acquisition and distribution of county-identified essential supplies for babies and young children, in addition to much-needed sanitation items.”
Counting all California kids for census a new challenge under stay-at-home order
EdSource/ April 15, 2020
“Now, many First 5 commissions are taking census tote bags and children’s books to food banks and school food distribution sites to give out there instead. Some counties are also making banners that grocery stores and convenience stores can put up outside to show they’re still open and promote the census at the same time.”
Coronavirus emergency creates child care issues in Monterey County
Monterey Herald/ April 14, 2020
“United Way Monterey County President and CEO Katy Castagna said her organization has been working with officials from First 5 Monterey County, the Monterey County Office of Education and the Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative to deal with child care problems created by the novel coronavirus outbreak and the shelter-in-place order.”
Parents Need Help With An Expensive Commodity: Diapers
Valley Public Radio/ April 14, 2020
“‘Calls are nonstop to agencies,’ she said, including her own, First 5 Fresno County and the Fresno EOC. “They’re just nonstop. Diapers. Diapers, formula, water, beans and rice.’”
Child Care Crisis
Comstock’s Magazine/ April 13, 2020
“The Great Recession cut a path of destruction through the region’s child care market. Licensed centers went under, home-based providers lost their houses and providers moved away, says Child Action administrative analyst Kelli Newman. Between 2010 and 2014, Sacramento County lost about 6,000 licensed child care slots for children up to age 5, according to data from the First 5 Sacramento Commission, a county-appointed funding agency.”
Eureka celebrates ‘Week of the Young Child’
The Times-Standard/ April 12, 2020
“The city of Eureka is honoring Week of the Young Child through Friday as a way to recognize the role that children, families and those who care for them play in the community. The city, in partnership with Changing Tides Family Resources, Eureka City Schools, First 5 Humboldt, Humboldt County Office of Education… are encouraging all of the community to participate in shelter-in-place activities to celebrate throughout the week.”
Essential workers now eligible for subsidized child care in California
Lake County Record-Bee/ April 8, 2020
“Both the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the Santa Barbara County Education Office are helping to coordinate child care for the children of health care workers, by pairing up hospitals with child care centers and other programs at city parks and recreation programs, school districts and other agencies like the YMCA and First 5.”
Child care available for Sonoma’s essential workers
Sonoma Index-Tribune/ April 6, 2020
“‘The COVID-19 crisis, as did previous disasters, shines a bright light on how absolutely critical child care is to the basic infrastructure of our community,’ said Angie Dillon-Shore, executive director of First 5 Sonoma County…”
A working parent’s shelter-in-place quandary: Keep paying for childcare you can’t use?
San Francisco Chronicle/ April 5, 2020
“‘Will a lot of them come back? Well, we don’t know,’ said Michele Rutherford, project director of early care and education for First 5 Alameda County, a public agency that funds child care and preschool programs.”
California Announces Partnerships, Strategies to Count Youngest Children in 2020 Census
Los Angeles Sentinel/ April 2, 2020
“Through their All Kids Count campaign, First 5 Association of California is using the campaign to complement its outreach to young children and their families and has forged a partnership that brings together California’s largest networks working with children aged zero to five in California.”
California Surgeon General Burke Harris Partners with First 5 California to Raise Awareness of Talk. Read. Sing.®
Yahoo Finance/ March 30, 2020
“California’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, is partnering with First 5 California to help promote its landmark Talk. Read. Sing.® campaign in a new television and radio campaign.”
Sonoma County expands emergency child care program to support health care workers treating coronavirus patients
Santa Rosa Press Democrat/ March 30, 2020
“Angie Dillon-Shore is the executive director of First 5 Sonoma County, which is helping distribute the $100,000 in state tobacco tax money. She said the program, which is offering child care workers a hazard pay premium, could be a much-needed boost for the local child care industry.”
Child-care providers need supplies, coronavirus guidance as day-care system suffers
Los Angeles Times/ March 26, 2020
“The early childhood education systems ‘are quite complex, so we are … [working] to make it easier for families to navigate,’ said Kim Pattillo Brownson, vice president of policy and strategy at First 5 LA, a leading child advocacy organization.”
Kid Reporter Lilly Wiser holds a press conference on Covid 19
Lake County Record-Bee/ March 25, 2020
“The organization First 5 Lake County recently organized a “Kids press conference” on COVID-19, sheltering in place and school closures that took place at the Board of Supervisors’ chambers in Lakeport.”
First 5 opening call center
Appeal-Democrat/ March 20, 2020
“First 5 Yuba and Sutter County Children and Families Commission is hosting a call-in center for families after new guidelines announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom and health officials.”
DNUSD, First 5, Child Care Council Keep Youngest Del Norters Learning, Fed During COVID-19 Emergency
Lost Coast Output/ March 19, 2020
“First 5 Del Norte Director Angela Glore said her organization has been giving away resource packets for parents of 0-5-year-olds at the Family Resource Center of the Redwoods.”
School districts and Foodbank provide services amid COVID-19 closures
Santa Maria Sun/ March 19, 2020
“Another concern facing students and their families is finding child care during normal school hours. First 5 Santa Barbara County Executive Director Wendy Sims-Moten said the county doesn’t necessarily need more child care capacity, but rather should look to creative solutions to use the capacity that already exists.”
New resource for children with special needs
Plumas News/ March 18, 2020
“First 5 Plumas County Children and Families Commission announced the purchase of two pediatric LiteGates for young children who receive mobility/physical therapy services.”
Experts: CA Risks Major Census Undercount of Children 0-5
Multiple Publications/ March 13, 2020
“In the 2010 census, it’s estimated that California missed counting one million children. Jessica Berthold, communications director with the First Five Association of California, says the state could lose out on a huge amount of federal money if families ignore their census forms.” This story appears in KNZR-AM, KKBB-FM, KMUE-FM, KMUD-FM, KLAI-FM, KLLY-FM, East County Magazine, and others.
Southern California Edison is counting on its customers to participate in the upcoming 2020 Census
Los Angeles Sentinel/ March 12, 2020
“’We’re all in this together,’ said Jessica Berthold, communications director for First 5 Association of California, a nonprofit child advocacy organization. ‘The Census is so important for making sure young children and families thrive in our state, which is what First 5 is all about.’”
East Bay parks to be renovated after receiving large grants
East Bay Times/ March 6, 2020
“In both cities, parent advocacy groups — from First 5 Contra Costa, Healthy & Active Before 5 — served as community partners for the projects, holding community workshops to create a vision and design for the parks.”
California Voters Turn Down Measure To Fund Schools
KCBS Radio/ March 4, 2020
“One of the few local tax measures to claim victory is Measure C in Alameda County, with a 61% voter approval to raise the sales tax by a half percent to pay for childcare and early education. Kristen Spanos, CEO of First 5 Alameda, told KCBS Radio that she’s pleased with the community’s investment in kids as a priority.”
Half-cent sales tax for early child care in Alameda County gets voters’ nod
The East Bay Times/ March 4, 2020
“First 5 estimates the additional tax also will create 4,000 to 5,000 new subsidized spots in the first year or two and could help about 21,000 children by funding improvements to early child care programs.”
Is this normal? New tool helps parents assess child’s development, identify delays
The Bakersfield Californian/ March 1, 2020
“It’s called Help Me Grow and consists of a set of two questionnaires that parents complete online or by phone. First 5 Kern recently launched the program with the goal of increasing the rate of early childhood screening, which in Kern County is currently about 15 percent to 20 percent.”
San Jose Councilmember Sylvia Arenas has dedicated her life to public service
San Jose Spotlight/ February 27, 2020
“An advocate for families and children, District 8 San Jose Councilmember Sylvia Arenas said she is not a politician — she’s a public servant… That role started the day she launched her start in childhood development and education, working for agencies such as FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, a statewide program that brings critical services to young children, and Gardner Health Services, a health center that provides services to low-income families.”
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 administer the money if the measure passes.”
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 supervisors, the First 5 Sacramento Commission and City Council all made the right investments.”
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 to quality Early Learning for California’s young children and working families, as well as a focus on supporting parents to reduce child poverty and improving early childhood health and wellness.”
Price of Paradise: Families faced with high cost and lack of child care on the Central Coast
KSBY 6 News/ February 10, 2020
“As employees with the Child Care Planning Council and First 5, Bowlay and Wendt are looking at child care issues in the county to find out what’s working and what’s not.”
Keysight Technologies plans to build on-site child care for workers, public
The North Bay Business Journal/ February 5, 2020
“The chamber conducted research for almost two years, funded by the First 5 Commission of Sonoma County, involving interviews with companies across the country that have on-site child care, collecting provider information and assessing a range of models and processes as well as the return on investment in child care.”
DUSD preschool is honored by Kern Early Stars
The Delano Record/ February 3, 2020
“The celebration, co-sponsored with Kern Early Stars by First 5 Kern and the Early Childhood Council of Kern, feted the accomplishments of preschool and child care providers including state preschool programs, family child care homes and private preschool and day care centers, during the first year of their journeys during the 2018-2019 year to provide children and families with enhanced care and education.”
Opinion: To Close California’s Achievement Gap, We Must Teach All Parents About Early Brain Development
California Health Report/ January 31, 2020
“Getting this information into the hands of parents is why First 5 California launched its “Talk. Read. Sing.” campaign—to close the awareness gap among parents.”
January 2020 named Positive Parenting Awareness Month
TP Online Daily/ January 24, 2020
“First 5 Santa Cruz County, which manages the Triple P — Positive Parenting Program, announced that ACR 140 (Mark Stone, D-Scotts Valley) passed unanimously out of the State Assembly declaring January 2020 as Positive Parenting Awareness Month.”
Santa Rosa’s Child Parent Institute helps new mothers, children through traumatic struggles
The Press Democrat/ January 24, 2020
“The perinatal mood disorder program is home-based, so clients typically receive services from providers for an hour a week in their own homes. It’s funded by First 5 Sonoma County and two therapists in the program also accepts MediCal recipients.”
Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Named to Riverside County Children and Families Commission
Record Gazette/ January 23, 2020
“Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Judy D. White was sworn in as a commissioner for First 5 Riverside, the Riverside County Children & Families Commission, during a Commission meeting on Jan. 22.”
Family Impact Center brings help to troubled families
Benito Link/ January 23, 2020
“Family dinner is just one of the programs offered by First 5 San Benito’s new Family Impact Center, which opened on Jan. 14. Lisa Faulkner, executive director of First 5, said the goal is to create a one-stop resource for families in need.”
CA Asian Americans celebrate statewide Paid Family Leave extension
Asian Journal/ January 22, 2020
“In other words, PFL is something that employed AAPI’s already pay for through the California State Disability Insurance (CASDI) tax that can be found on payroll documents. First 5 California, an organization dedicated to educating guardians about caring for a child in its critical first five years of life, said in a statement that the AAPI community should take advantage of “this benefit they’ve already paid for.’”
Dr. Ruth Fernández named executive director of First 5 Contra Costa
The Richmond Standard/ January 15, 2020
“First 5 Contra Costa has announced the hiring of Dr. Ruth Fernández as its executive director. Fernández previously served as Deputy Director at First 5 Contra Costa, the nonprofit that invests in programs and activities that benefit Contra Costa County children from prenatal through 5 years old —the most important time in children’s development.”
California Voices: Education leaders speak out on Gov. Newsom’s budget proposals
EdSource/ January 15, 2020
EdSource spoke to 40 education leaders about Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget proposals, including Deputy Director of External and Governmental Affairs at First 5 California Erin Gabel.
New California law benefits mothers with private rooms at workplaces
ABC30/ January 14, 2020
“‘If you work at a place with more than 50 employees, you have to have a dedicated room where moms that are breastfeeding or pumping can go. It has to be private. It is clear in the law that it cannot be in the bathroom. It has to be a private dedicated room with a place to sit, with a table, near a sink and near a refrigerator,’ said Fabiola Gonzalez, First 5 Fresno Deputy Director.”
California governor wants to expand preschool and create new early child development department
EdSource/ January 10, 2020
“‘I think it definitely signals a clear indication that the governor is really focused on the whole child, and to bring together all the various ways in which the government serves families in need,’ said Kim Pattillo Brownson, vice president of policy and strategy for First 5 Los Angeles, a county commission focused on children from birth to 5 years old.”
Paid Family Leave Expansion Needs Echoed by California Voters and Governor Newsom
Business Wire/ January 10, 2020
“A new public opinion poll conducted by Change Research demonstrates that California voters strongly support the expansion of Paid Family Leave which was recently proposed by the Newsom Administration. The online poll, funded by First 5 California, is inclusive of 1,315 registered voters…”
Child Haven joins Solano officials recognizing Positive Parenting Month
Daily Republic/ January 8, 2020
“With funding through First 5 Solano, several local agencies have been trained and supported over the past year to provide the evidence-based and best practice “Triple P,” or Positive Parenting Program, to more than 1,000 local families and caregivers with children ages 5 and younger.”
Early Childcare Providers Are Spending Their Own Money To Take Care Of LA’s Kids
LAist/ January 6, 2020
“In addition to the 11 state and federal programs that directly fund services, the report prepared by Capito, an independent consultant, and First 5 LA identified more than 20 L.A. County programs with more than $76 million meant to support providers.”
