Request for Proposals (RFP) application process coming to a close
|
|
Request For Proposals (RFP) process coming to a close
The Request for Proposals process for the 2020-2025 funding cycle is winding down at First 5 Kern. Dozen
s of programs have submitted their Letter of Intent (LOI) and the Questions and Answers section of the RFP page is full of great additional information about the application process. Although the deadline to submit questions has passed, information from previous questions will still remain active on the website until the submission deadline.
The deadline to submit an application for funding is rapidly approaching, set for
Wednesday, July 31 at 5:00 p.m. Please note that this is a firm deadline, and
no applications will be accepted after the clock strikes 5:00 that afternoon.
|
|
THE RFP, IECs and PRC:
THE NEXT STEPS
The RFP proposals will be reviewed by an Independent Evaluation Committee (IEC) in August. There is an IEC for each of three focus areas: Health and Wellness, Parent Education and Support Services, and Early Childcare and Education.
The IECs will make recommendations to the Project Review Committees (PRC), who then will make recommendations to the First 5 Kern Commission for final approval. The Commission will determine which programs will receive funding.
DID YOU KNOW...
Throughout First 5 Kern's 20-year history, 100 different programs have been funded. The next RFP will not be until 2024.
|
|
First 5 Kern Commission meeting August 7
|
First 5 Kern's bi-monthly commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 7, at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools building, at 1300 17th St. in downtown Bakersfield.
|
|
Funded Program Spotlight:
Indian Wells Valley Family Resource Center
|
|
In each issue of Handprints we shine the spotlight on one of the programs that receives support from First 5 Kern. This month we turn our focus out to Clinica Sierra Vista's Indian Wells Valley Family Resource Center in Ridgecrest.
The Indian Wells Valley Family Resource Center (IWVFRC) hosts parenting classes, nutrition classes, and a summer bridge program. They also conduct case management, developmental screenings, and in-home visiting services, which work with families that have children aged 0-5 in helping to strengthen the protective factors for families.
Supervisor Kandi Smith, along with other IWVFRC staff, provides developmental screenings for children through the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3 and ASQ-SE2). Research has shown that the earlier developmental delays are identified, the easier it is to address them and help children be successful. Any families interested in tracking the development of their children can utilize their services by reaching out to the center (760.375.4357).
The IWVFRC has found some success recently with their popular Parent Cafes, as well. Providing families with bonding time and support systems - such as with their Family Game Night theme. The IWVFRC is working to bring their community together, and the next Parent Cafe is on October 22.
Recently, when the Ridgecrest community was in need during the earthquakes, the IWVFRC was there serving at the Local Assistance Center providing referrals and resources, offering free diapers, formula and baby wipes, and helping with emergency utility assistance applications. The center itself was closed for a week making repairs to minor damage from the quakes, while the staff worked overtime to help fellow members of their community.
|
|
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.
|
|
After the earthquakes...
Children can be affected by earthquakes and other natural disasters in ways that parents don't always immediately recognize. Below are some resources that parents may find helpful in viewing the recent experiences from a child's perspective, and tips on how to talk to them about these types of situations.
|
|
Nurse-Family Partnership Graduation
The
Nurse-Family Partnership Program
(NFP) is one of First 5 Kern's originally-funded programs, and still operates today. Modeled after a national program and operated by Kern County Public Health, NFP pairs new moms-to-be with a public health nurse throughout pregnancy and the first two years of their child's life, in order to help new mothers develop skills to take better care of themselves and their babies. This summer they held their annual graduation, bringing families together to celebrate their successes.
|
|
Purple Ribbon Month comes to a close
While the heat in Kern County reaches excessive levels outside, in a parked vehicle it can get very dangerous, very quickly. For this reason, First 5 Kern was proud to help the Department of Human Services with their outreach efforts in promoting Purple Ribbon Month.
Already this year, 21 kids have died nationwide from overheating in cars.
|
|
|
Immunization events scheduled throughout the county
The school year is about to begin! Does your child have their immunizations? The Adventist Health Children's Mobile Immunization Program has several stops planned throughout the county in the coming days.
There are also select events in which backpacks will be given out. Click the link below for information about each stop on the schedule.
|
|
First 5's Talk. Read. Sing. message is making an impact
A new study and health policy brief indicates nearly 90% of parents read and sing to their children three or more times per week. The brief also reports 87% of California parents with children 0-5 recognize the Talk. Read. Sing. campaign.
First 5 California has several billboards in English and Spanish currently on display in Bakersfield to support the key message.
|
|
Kid-Friendly Recipe... Watermelon-Strawberry Popsicles
The kitchen is a great place for kids to learn from a very young age. 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 your kids to try at home!
Ingredients:
3 cups watermelon, cubed
1 cup strawberries, sliced
Juice from 1 lime
Directions:
- Add watermelon, strawberries and lime juice into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and liquefied.
- Pour into popsicle molds.
- Freeze for approximately 3 hours.
Servings: 8
Serving size: 1 popsicle
Prep time: 5 min., plus 3 hours freezing
Share pics of you and your kids making (or enjoying) this recipe with us on Instagram, @First5Kern!
|
|
Back to School!
Below is a list of the various school districts throughout Kern County and their published dates for the start of instruction.
|
|
Aug 7
Arvin
Mojave
Aug 8
Southern Kern
Aug 13
Sierra Sands
|
|
Aug 14
Bakersfield City
Beardsley
Delano
Edison
El Tejon
Fairfax
Fruitvale
Greenfield
Kern High School
Kernville
Norris
Panama-Buena Vista
Rio Bravo-Greeley
Rosedale
Standard
Tehachapi
|
|
Aug 15
Blake
Lakeside
Aug 19
Muroc Joint Unified
Please verify the start date with your student's district.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
