|
|
 |
Dear Friends,
As the season changes, the holidays bring the promise of cooler temperatures, time with loved ones, and the laughter of children. Still, for many in our county it is a time of difficult choices, challenges, and transitions. We at First 5 Monterey County continue to connect families to quality programs that ensure young children reach their full potential.
Just a few examples highlighted in this issue include: support for community events; collaborative funding for the new “2-1-1” telephone support line; receipt of two new grants from the Packard Foundation to improve and expand playgroups and resources for parents; and technical assistance for quality child care in centers and home-based environments.
The sad irony of the economic downturn is that some of the hard choices parents are making can actually be in the best interests of their children. Less Halloween candy and fattening desserts during the holidays could improve dental and physical health. Less money spent on upscale toys and games in exchange for more family time sharing stories and books will enhance bonding and attachment of children to their loved ones. As Fred Rogers once said, “pretending doesn’t require expensive toys.” In a season of choices, challenges, and transitions,  First 5 Monterey County is here to help families make informed choices, successfully navigate the transitions, and remind us all that childhood doesn’t last forever, but the experience lasts a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Francine Rodd
Executive Director
P.S. In January, First 5 Monterey County will be hosting an event celebrating the importance of childhood, the impact of First 5 Monterey County services in the county, and the stories of families benefiting from local programs. Learn more in the First 5 Monterey County Updates section.
In March 2009, the California Department of Education (CDE) awarded the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) several contracts for state-funded child care programs in Monterey County. The CDE contracts increased MAOF’s presence in Monterey County, making it the largest child care provider in the area. MAOF has operated child care centers in Salinas since 1977 and now serves nearly 2,000 children in Monterey County who receive care through its network of licensed home-based providers and early education centers.
 |
…to visit MAOF's website. |
|
|
|
Child care in Monterey County is a vital resource to thousands of working families. Research also shows that quality child care is important to the future success of children thoughout school and in life. Recognizing this important role in our community, First 5 Monterey County is committed to improving child care quality through technical assistance and workforce development by partnering with local providers.
Currently, the staff at the Tanimura & Antle Early Learning Center, operated by MAOF, is receiving technical assistance through First 5 Monterey County to enhance the early education experience of children. Utilizing research-based resources and best practices, an early education consultant is working collaboratively with the administrators, teachers, families, and children to develop approaches that enhance program quality and support early learning. Research has shown that technical assistance for early childhood educators significantly increases teachers’ ability to put new skills into practice.
Building upon the success of this work and the need to reach out to children being cared for at home, First 5 Monterey County is investing in a pilot technical assistance project serving home-based family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care providers in Salinas or Greenfield.
|
…to find out more about this First 5 Monterey County funding opportunity. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Packard Foundation has awarded First 5 Monterey County two grants for enhancing programs that target families with children ages 0-3. Funds will increase and expand quality programs that help parents better support their children during critical years of early brain development.
The first program will build upon the success of First 5 Monterey County's distribution of the Kit for New Parents. The Kits are a free resource developed by First 5 California for families with young children. In a study by the American Journal of Public Health, parents who used the Kits demonstrated improved parenting skills. Kits are available in English, Spanish, and Asian languages and contain information on nutrition, safety, quality child care, health, discipline, and early learning. With funding from Packard, First 5 Monterey County will increase the number of distributors so that more expecting parents receive the Kit before their children are born and obtain the maximum benefit of the information. The grant funds will also be used to localize the Kit to include resources specific to Monterey County, including connecting parents to 2-1-1.
The second program focuses on expanding and supporting playgroups for children ages 0-3 and their parents or caregivers. Playgroups are a valuable opportunity for parents to connect with their peers while learning ways to support their child from the playgroup leader and other participants. Children benefit from a stronger relationship with their caregiver and the opportunity for socialization with other children. The grant will support best practices at existing playgroups offered at the Castroville, Seaside, Alisal, and King City Family Resource Centers and Salinas and Soledad adult schools. First 5 Monterey County will also expand playgroups to the Pajaro Family Resource Center with the Packard funds. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
In February 2009, United Way of Monterey County launched 2-1-1 services for the local community, in part with funding from First 5 Monterey County.
Navigating the many services provided by nonprofits and government agencies can be confusing and intimidating. By placing a confidential call to 2-1-1, individuals reach trained specialists who can assess the caller’s needs and connect them to the help they seek. 2-1-1 is simple to remember and available free of charge in multiple languages including English and Spanish around the clock, seven days a week.
Currently, over 600 organizations and services are available in the Monterey County 2-1-1 database, which is still growing. The program expects to handle about 15,000 calls annually and assist callers on a wide range of issues, including food, shelter, rental assistance, child care referral, parenting classes, senior’s issues, and much more. Please help us spread the word about this beneficial local resource by sharing information with family, friends, and community members.
|
…to download a bilingual 2-1-1 flyer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The First 5 California Family Resource Express Van stopped by Dia del Trabajador. |
|
|
First 5 Monterey County Commission Chair, Supervisor Simón Salinas helped welcome Binational Health Week at the Inauguration event on October 9, 2009. |
|
|
|
August, September, and October were filled with a number of fun and educational events supported by First 5 Monterey County for families with young children.
On August 30, Dia del Trabajador celebrated farm workers and their families. First 5 Monterey County sponsored a children’s area at the Greenfield event with free books, arts and crafts, and reading activities. The First 5 California Family Resource Express Van stopped by to connect parents with important tips and information. The Community Oral Health Program also partnered with the van, offering dental screenings to young children. In all, approximately 8,000 people attended the event and 70 local organizations provided information and resources to community members.
On September 3, nearly 900 people attended the Labor of Love event in Salinas, where they learned about local resources available to pregnant and parenting women and families. First 5 Monterey County helped to sponsor the event and donated 500 board books for expecting mothers and fathers, one of several gifts and prizes available to attendees.
Binational Health Week officially kicked off on October 9. The month long mobilization to improve health and raise awareness about health issues brought together a range of agencies and organizations. Immigrant families and families with young children as well as service providers attended events throughout the county. Activities included presentations from public health professionals, health screenings, and educational workshops.
Fiesta Familiar took place in Salinas on October 17. At the event, Latino parents of children with special needs were able to access community resources and form support networks. Through workshops conducted in Spanish, families received information on advocacy, parental rights, positive discipline, and more. First 5 Monterey County provided funding and donated books that went to families attending the event. The Spanish language radio talk show and First 5 Monterey County funded partner Nuestros Niños was also broadcast live from the event.
For upcoming community events, save the date for MY Museum’s 1st Anniversary celebration. The event is taking place on November 8, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 425 Washington Street in Monterey. Celebrating one year in their new location, MY Museum will have fun activities for families with young children and live music from the famous Banana Slug String Band.
|
…for more information about MY Museum’s upcoming celebration. |
To learn more about our event sponsorship opportunities, visit the First 5 Monterey County Updates section of the newsletter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By taking simple steps toward prevention, families can make sure they stay well this holiday season. Catching a cold or flu can affect family budgets due to missed work, trips to the doctor, and prescription purchases. First 5 Monterey County offers these tips to help parents and children have a healthy winter.
Wash your hands often. Cold and flu viruses spread through direct contact. By washing hands thoroughly, you can help stop the spread of germs. Good hand washing requires 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and water. Sing the alphabet song with your children so they understand how long to wash. Also encourage children not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Cover your sneeze or cough. Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth. Then, throw the tissue away and wash your hands. Since children are often busy in play when a sneeze or cough comes, encourage them not to use their hands to cover. Instead have children sneeze or cough into the crook of their arm, right where the elbow bends.
Eat well. By eating a variety of red, dark green, yellow, and orange colored fruits and vegetables, children get vitamins and nutrients to help their bodies function well.
Talk to your health care professional about the flu and H1N1 shots. The Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend influenza shots for children 6 months to 5 years old. The CDC is also recommending an H1N1 vaccination for children 6 months to 5 years old. It is important to remember that the flu shot does not protect children from the H1N1 virus. Call your doctor or clinic to discuss if the flu and H1N1 shots are right for your children.
Avoid cough and cold medications. Several studies have shown that these medications can cause unnecessary and possibly dangerous side effects and are not effective in children under 6. Check with your health care provider before giving young children any cough or cold medicine.
Stay home when sick to keep from spreading illness. Children and adults who are sick should stay home at least 24 hours after they are free from fever (over 100°F) without the use of fever-reducing medications.
For current information on H1N1, please visit the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Monterey County Health Department.
|
…to download bilingual prevention tips flyers for families. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whether enjoying short trips in the car or long vacations to visit family for the holidays, a little preparation and creativity can help prevent challenges during the journey. First 5 Monterey County offers the following simple tips for families with young children who are traveling.
Play games. Long car rides or plane trips can be frustrating for young children, but games can help ease boredom. Eye Spy is a fun guessing game where one player must pick an item that is in constant view. Then, the player says, "Eye spy with my little eye, something..." and provides a clue. The other players must try to guess the object. Clues should be provided frequently and kept simple. For children who like to count, choose a color and have everyone count cars or objects of that color until you reach the number 10.
Plan time for physical activity. Making frequent stops is important when traveling. During car trips, find parks or other public areas where children can safely run or play if the weather permits. If you have a baby, frequent stops will also be important for nursing or feedings. For air travel, look for spots that allow children to play without being in the middle of the hustle and bustle of airport travelers.
Pack nutritious snacks and meals. It is important to have snacks such as apples, bananas, carrot sticks, and cheese available to curb hunger. For babies, remember to pack puréed or soft foods. If traveling by plane, feed your child a snack or nurse your baby during take-off and landing to help ease ear pain caused by pressure changes. Also, bringing snacks and simple meals along helps to avoid the cost of eating at restaurants or paying for food on the airplane.
Bring favorite toys, books, and music. Trips offer great opportunities to read books. Plan ahead by visiting the library for some new stories to read. Favorite toys can also help ease boredom and give children a chance to use their imaginations. Singing silly songs is fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to pack that special blanket or stuffed animal if children need it for sleep or comfort.
|
…to download bilingual travel tips flyers for families. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First 5 Monterey County Commission and Committee meetings are open to the public in accordance with the requirements of the Brown Act. The Commission and Committees gather for regular meetings 10 months out of the year (no meetings are held in August or November). The Commission also meets for special sessions as needs arise. The public is encouraged to attend.
|
…to view the meeting schedule for the current year. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
In January, First 5 Monterey County will celebrate children and the work of First 5 Monterey County's Funded Partners in our community. Through family stories, attendees will learn about the local impact of our Funded Partner programs.
|
…to bookmark our events page for future information about this celebration. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Make sure to watch First 5 Monterey County’s website for upcoming funding opportunities for organizations serving children ages 0-5. We also have event sponsorship opportunities available for community-based events.
|
…to bookmark First 5 Monterey County’s funding opportunities webpage. |
|
…to learn more about First 5 Monterey County’s event sponsorship opportunities. |
|
|
|
|
|
