Here is a quick look at some headlines from this week impacting the lives of kids 0-5 and their families. The purpose of these stories is simply to inform, and they do not necessarily reflect First 5 Kern's areas of support or efforts towards these issues.

Follow First 5 Kern on social media for more kid-centric information.

Now for the headlines........
CHiPs for KIDS PROGRAM RECAP

One of the most heartwarming events in Bakersfield for the holidays is the CHiPs for Kids program , which accepts donations leading into the Christmas season, and then allows local children to come in and pick out a gift they likely would not otherwise get to receive. The event was held last Thursday at Valley Baptist Church.
CALIF. RANKS 12TH IN THE U.S. FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

The Bipartisan Policy Center recently issued their state rankings of Early Care and Education systems across the nation . The study features a fact sheet on every state that participated in the study.

California ranked tied for 12th in the nation, and you can read the state's report here .
CAN CALIFORNIA AFFORD GAVIN NEWSOM'S VISION FOR SCHOOL KIDS?

Speaking of California and early childhood education, the countdown for the new governor taking office has begun. This CAL Matters article takes an informative look at the ideas he has touted surrounding ECE, why they are considered important, and some potential dollar figures associated with each issue.
ROB REINER PENS FIRST 5 OP-ED

The man who championed the formation of First 5 agencies throughout California, Rob Reiner, recently wrote this op-ed reflecting on the legacy and impact of First 5 and Proposition 10, over the 20 years since it passed.
OHIO GROUP PUTS BOOKS IN KIDS HANDS
A long way from Kern County, this is a great story of a start-up non-profit that has put 40,000 books into the hands of kids living in "literacy deserts" in Ohio.

"The Conscious Connect" started only two years ago by placing kids books in barber shops and beauty salons. They have reached over 20,000 kids in their area. And yes, they now have a book bike... of which we are all jealous.
MATERNAL VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND CHILDHOOD OBESITY

A recent pediatric study in Greece looked at 532 mother-child pairs and points to a possible link between vitamin D deficiency in pregnant moms and body fat in young children.
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...about First 5 Kern
First 5 Kern was established in 1998 when California voters passed Proposition 10, which levied a 50-cent tax on tobacco products. Revenues generated from the tobacco tax are used to fund local programs in the areas of health and wellness, early childcare and education, and parent education and support services that promote early childhood development for children ages zero to five.

For more information on First 5 Kern and the agencies we support, please visit www.First5Kern.org   and follow us on social media.