Caryn Lewis, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services at the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), joins the First 5 Commission for her first regular meeting on December 3, 2018. Caryn is filling the vacancy left by Commissioner Jamie Valenzuela-Mumau who resigned to take a Superintendent position in the Los Angeles area. While he is sorely missed, Caryn will continue to help bridge early childhood programs with the K-12 educational system. We are thankful for Jamie's commitment to... READ MORE

On December 10, 2018, the federal government will close public comment on proposed changes to immigration rules, modifying the definition of who can be considered a 'public charge'. Locally, First 5 has been a vocal leader about our opposition to these proposed changes. The current proposed change in the definition to public charge would limit immigrants' path to citizenship if they have used a U.S. public welfare service. Under the new rule, immigrants who legally access health care (Non-Emerge... READ MORE

Leading the pack on policy making for children and youth, the City of Gonzales is the first city in Monterey County to adopt a Health and Wellness Element in the City's General Plan for the well-being of children and youth. This action inspired the Monterey County Children's Council (MCCC) to develop an annual Champion for Children award. Gonzales was honored with the inaugural award in early November. The Champion for Children Award recognizes leadership and commitment to improving the lives o... READ MORE

Last month, over 140 participants attended the What's Next Conference and Job Fair at Hartnell College. The event was designed to help students interested in a career in early childhood education (ECE) find resources to support their career goals. A variety of college representatives were available to talk about Bachelor-level options. Students also had the chance to learn about career steps to success and connect with organizations looking to fill current job openings in early childhood. Works... READ MORE

The Alisal Family Resource Center Network, part of the Alisal Union School District, recently received the prestigious Golden Bell award from the California School Boards Association for parent and community involvement at their three resource centers: Alisal, Frank Paul and Martin Luther King, Jr. Each of these centers provide support to families in the district, including Early Childhood Collaborative (Collaborative) services. Collaborative services are funded by First 5 and include playgroups... READ MORE

In response to the recent wildfires in California, First 5s across California and their early childhood partners are stepping up to aid affected families with babies and young children. Considerable resources will be needed to rebuild the services upon which families rely, especially in the areas affected by the Camp Fire. The California Children and Families Foundation (started by the First 5 Association of California) has established a relief fund to support First 5 counties in their rebuildin... READ MORE