JUNE 2020
FIRST 5 KERN DELIVERS DIAPERS
Young families have been hard hit during the self-isolation time. Sometimes even getting a pack of diapers for your baby can be a challenge. First 5 Kern has donated 700 cases of diapers throughout the community over the last two months, to agencies such as family resource centers, clinics and programs that include home visitation.
IN THE NEWS: First 5 Kern programs and partners
ABC23 paid a visit to the Children's Mobile Immunization Program for a story about their safety procedures in reopening. Immunization rates have fallen dramatically throughout the state during the coronavirus pandemic.

The CMIP is a program of Adventist Health and is funded in part by First 5 Kern.
First 5 Kern is a part of a Child Care Task Force which is supplying providers throughout the county with much-needed cleaning supplies. Nearly 100 showed up at the recent distribution event May 22.

*Note: Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) is part of the Task Force, not the Sheriff's Office (KCSO) as mentioned in the story.
CDC issues new guidance for schools and child care providers
In late May, the Center for Disease Control issued new guidelines for child care providers and K-12 settings as the nation slowly re-opens.

A visit to the website will find frequently asked questions for parents, administrators and teachers, information in multiple languages and a PDF version for distribution to staff and families.
Did you know...
Kern County is home to over 700 child care providers - from classroom and center-based settings, to non-profits and faith-based providers, as well as family, friends and neighbor settings.
$1 Billion in cuts looming for preschool and child care in latest budget revision
California was poised to make major investments in our youngest children, including an increase in preschool slots and boosted subsidies for low-income children.

Then came COVID-19.

The revised budget for California reflects the economic changes that have swept through the state, and now programs that seemed destined to help our children are on the chopping block along with everything else. This article from CalMatters explains the current situation California children's programs are facing and is worth a read.
They said it...
WE COUNT family census books available through
First 5 Kern
First 5 Kern has a limited supply of "WE COUNT" census books for kids. The books explain the importance of the census, and the urgency to make sure our children are counted.

If your agency or program is interested in making them available for children and families you serve, please reach out to us .
Did You Know...
Kern County's self-response rate for the 2020 Census is 55.3%, trailing other Central Valley counties such as Tulare, Fresno and Merced Counties .
California can improve Early Identification and Intervention system by leveraging county Help Me Grow programs
Now is a critical time to evaluate and improve California’s early identification and intervention (EII) system, and decision makers can do so by leveraging county Help Me Grow programs, according to a report released by the First 5 Center for Children’s Policy.

California has some of the lowest developmental screening and early intervention rates in the country, and children of color are less likely to be screened. As families shelter at home and have fewer in-person touchpoints with providers, it is more imperative than ever to elevate sustainable, effective ways to identify young children with developmental delays or behavioral concerns, and route them to appropriate services.
COVID-19 for Women and Families

The California Department of Public Health has a resource page for women and families in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. The site is now available in Spanish, as well.

With information on pregnancy, breastfeeding, nutrition, children with special needs, domestic violence and more, the sites are constantly being updated with more resources.
First 5 Kern
ph: 661.328.8888
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