First 5 Association of California

First 5 in the News: First 5 opens new resource centers for families The First 5 Family Resource Center at Lakeside in Oroville has opened its doors, and the opening was a day filled with fun! The center is funded through First 5 Butte County Children & Families Commission where parents can find support, children can learn and play, and the community can grow stronger. Read more from Enterprise-Record: https://ow.ly/sRNu50T9oXR

Imagine a world where every child has access to the mental health support they need. First 5 Center for Children's Policy has just released a new brief outlining key policy solutions for California to tackle this issue head-on! Download "The Impact of California's Mental Health Service Provider Shortage: Inequitable Access to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Services" brief: https://ow.ly/7H0H50T4zIA

Imagination knows no bounds, and neither should a child's opportunity to play and learn! Congratulations to First 5 Napa County, Napa County Health and Human Services, and Children's Museum of Napa Valley for the successful unveiling of The Imagination Station! Watch the Video: https://ow.ly/uaNr50T2a4N

For decades, apprenticeship has been a popular career pathway for occupations such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters. In early care and education, however, there was limited uptake of the model. Recently, that has changed — and fast. Read more from EdSurge: https://ow.ly/3uLV50SSr8x

As Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications at First 5 Monterey County, Nina Alcaraz reminds us of the power of bringing children into important spaces. Their presence is motivation for staying committed to balancing our present and future while honoring the past. #WeAreFirst5

The latest brief from the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center is out, highlighting what states did in 2024 to support our littlest ones and their families. From expanding access to healthcare to boosting childcare support, states are stepping up in big ways. Download the "2024 Prenatal-to-3 Legislative Highlights" brief: https://ow.ly/SZZR50SLKwT

For 20 years, Irma Rangel has been a part of First 5 Tulare County's mission to serve children and families, from mental health professional to now a First 5 commissioner. She shares a story on the power of #EarlyIntervention and #Prevention and how First 5 can play a crucial role throughout a child's growth into adulthood. #WeAreFirst5

The positive effects of ensuring that students have teachers of the same race as them can happen across all programs, despite their funding sources. Read "As we expand universal preschool access, let’s ensure teachers mirror their students’ ethnicity" from EdSource: https://ow.ly/fpcT50SIM4S

The future of California's children depend on the systems' ability to change and understand the deep need for equity and diversity. Hear from First 5 Monterey County Executive Director, Francine Rodd, about their involvement in our REDI Core Team's commitment to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion for creating lasting change. #WeAreFirst5

Cradle-to-Career was a long time coming. California was one of only 11 states that did not have a data system with formal connections across two or more of the four core areas — early learning, K-12, post secondary and workforce. Read more from EdSource: https://ow.ly/AuHG50SCxuk