KERN LITERACY COUNCIL DONATES 1,500 SAFE SLEEP BOOKS
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The Kern Literacy Council is donating 1,500 copies of the acclaimed book,
Sleep Baby Safe and Snug
,
in an effort to decrease SIDS cases in our community.
They have teamed up with First 5 Kern and the
Safe Sleep Coalition
to distribute copies of the book to agencies throughout the county, who will help put the books into the hands of new parents. Dozens of agencies throughout the county, from Family Resource Centers to hospitals and childcare facilities, will receive copies.
The book distribution event is scheduled for the April 12th meeting of the Safe Sleep Coalition of Kern County, held at the First 5 office at 2724 L St. in Bakersfield at 10:00 a.m.
The
Sleep Baby Safe and Snug
books were purchased by the
Kern Literacy Council
through a grant from Junior League of Bakersfield.
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Did you know...
The Safe Sleep Coalition is a group of public, private and non-profit agencies in Kern County that meet monthly to discuss safe sleep issues, review local SIDS cases and work toward increasing awareness of safe sleep practices. Their meetings are listed in the monthly calendar below.
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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
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Below are the noteworthy events around the county honoring Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Apr. 2 - Board of Supervisors Proclamation
Apr. 12 - Memorial flag raising ceremony, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
Apr. 26 - National flag raising ceremony, Kern County Department of Human Services
Apr. 28 - "Blue Sunday" day of prayer (various churches throughout the county)
For more information about these activities, contact Misty Gray at the Kern County Department of Human Services, at (661) 631-6549.
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First 5 Kern Commission meeting April 3
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The First 5 Kern Commission will hold their bi-monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 3 at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools building on 17th St. in downtown Bakersfied.
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FIRST 5 KERN - Funded Program Spotlight
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DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE SERVICES
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With April being Child Abuse Prevention Month in Kern County, it's a p
erfect time to look at one First 5 Kern-funded program that focuses on strategies to help families at the first sign of trouble: Differential Response Services.
A program of Kern County Network for Children (KCNC), Differential Response is an alternative way of responding to reports of child abuse and neglect. Through the Differential Response (DR) Program, families are served with a strength-based, family-centered approach. This approach is designed to engage families in services needed to strengthen and support each family to prevent future involvement with the child welfare system.
“DR’s aim is to work together with families to identify their strengths and needs, and to assist in finding resources, education and support," said Child and Family Services Coordinator, Kevin Truelson. "Countywide, our DR Case Managers do an unbelievable and selfless job. It is our hope that these efforts will strengthen families so they will have no future involvement with the child welfare system.”
Differential Response serves around 4,000-6,000 kids every year throughout Kern County. In addition to First 5 Kern funds, DR uses state funding as well, blending them together to maximize the potential of the program.
For more on KCNC - which serves as the Child Abuse Prevention Council for Kern County and oversees much more than just Differential Response -
visit their website
.
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Did you know...
First 5 Kern lends financial support to over 40 programs throughout Kern County, with a focus on programs supporting children aged 0-5, and their families.
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First 5 Kern website focus: Weekly Headlines
Each week, First 5 Kern scours the World Wide Web for stories, big and small, impacting kids 0-5 and their families. If you subscribe to the e-newsletter list, you will receive the top headlines to your inbox once a week.
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First 5 Express visits Kern County
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The First 5 Express will make a stop in Kern County this weekend, setting up shop in Bakersfield at the Sou
thwest branch of the Kern County Library, at
8301 Ming Ave.,
on
Saturday, March 30 from 1:30-3 p.m.
The First 5 Express is a program of First 5 California and is a bilingual traveling celebration of
Talk.Read.Sing. The Express makes a visit to every county in the state, and promises to be a fun afternoon event for the kids. If you attend on Saturday and post any pics to social media from the event, make sure to tag @First5Kern.
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First 5 LA has
put together a video explaining the importance of developmental screenings, and how it is being tied together with Help Me Grow, First Connections, and their countywide efforts to strengthen early identification and intervention systems.
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The Potter the Otter book series has been a hit throughout Kern County. The books focus on health issues for kids such as taking care of your teeth and eating healthy.
His
new website is full of stories, information, and activities for kids and parents, alike!
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Did you know...
Each of the 58 counties in California have their own First 5 agency. Working with First 5 California, they all must concentrate their efforts on the
four focus areas
, but each agency is left to determine how those areas are addressed within their own unique communities.
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FIRST 5 KERN 20th ANNIVERSARY EVENT
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Thanks to all who attended the First 5 Kern 20th Anniversary Celebration earlier in March. And a special thanks to all our guest speakers who shared stories about their program and what the last 20 years has meant to them and the families they serve.
Here's to looking ahead to the next 20 years of service for kids and their families in Kern County!!
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Kid-Friendly Recipe...
Banana Strawberry Milkshake
The kitchen is a great place for kids to learn. Measuring ingredients, using utensils, following instructions, even the science between hot and cold, are all opportunities for them to learn. This is a quick, easy, and tasty recipe for you to try at home with your kids!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
15 fresh strawberries, stems removed (or 3/4 cup frozen strawberries)
2 ripe bananas, peeled and cut up
Directions:
- In a blender, combine the almond milk, strawberries and bananas. Process on high speed until smooth, about 45 seconds.
- Divide the milkshake evenly among 5 glasses.
- ENJOY!!!
Serves: 5
Prep time: 10 minutes
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About First 5 Kern
First 5 Kern works to strengthen and support the children of Kern County, 0 to 5 years old, and their families, by empowering providers through the integration of services with an emphasis on:
- Health and Wellness
- Parent Education and Support Services
- Early Childcare and Education
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Special thanks to
Vecteezy
for assistance with graphics
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