FIRST 5 KERN CELEBRATES
20 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP FOR OUR CHILDREN
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In 1998, California voters passed Proposition 10, paving the way for the California Children and Families Commission. Each of California's 58 counties have their own commission, allowing for local communities to organize their efforts according to their own needs, and address how to best implement local programs.
From the first meeting of the Kern County Children and Families Commission - a.k.a. First 5 Kern - in 1999 through today, we have worked with dozens of partner agencies to provide a better start in life for children 0 to 5 in our community.
We invite you to our
20th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, March 6 from 9-10 a.m. at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools building in Downtown Bakersfield, as we look back on two decades of service and partnership. Space is limited, so
please RSVP in advance so we know how much cake to order!
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DID YOU KNOW...
Of the 42 programs that currently receive First 5 Kern funding, 27 of them have been funded for 10 or more years.
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Local leaders working towards creating a Trauma-Informed Kern County
A four-part training will take place throughout 2019 with leaders from the medical community, social service providers, insurance companies and community-based organizations, with the eventual goal of making Kern County "Trauma-Informed."
The training sessions will help participants learn more about the relationship between toxic stress from childhood trauma and diseases such as diabetes, asthma and even cancer, later in life, and how to craft effective treatments around that knowledge.
"Our goal is to train people in understanding and identifying signs of childhood trauma," said MVCCP Project Director Marc Thibault. "We want providers to learn to become aware of people's resilience level, and help them apply that resilience in their daily lives."
The first of the four learning sessions is scheduled for March 20. The sessions will conclude in advance of this year's 9th Annual Medically Vulnerable Care Coordination Project Conference (MVCCP) in the fall.
The sessions are open, but registration is required in advance and includes a commitment to all four dates. If interested, or for more information, please
email Marc Thibault.
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First 5 Kern Strategic Planning meeting March 6
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The public is invited to learn more about the process used by First 5 Kern, our Commission and our Technical Advisory Committee, to determine the direction of future spending of Proposition 10 funds. The annual Strategic Planning Meeting will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Kern County Superintendent of Schools building at 1300 17th St. in downtown Bakersfield.
The Strategic Planning meeting also includes a Commission meeting, and immediately follows our 20th Anniversary event that morning.
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FIRST 5 KERN - Funded Program Spotlight
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Caring Corner is a unique pediatric day care program designed especially for nurturing medically fragile children, utilizing a combination of nursing care, creative activities and a caring touch.
Caring Corner has been in operation since 2003, but the preschool program started in full with First 5 funding in 2010. The center is open seven days a week, including during typical school vacations such as Spring Break or during the summer, and offers full or half-day sessions.
One of only 12 such learning centers in the entire state that also offer pediatric day health care, Caring Corner offers not just medical services, but a play-based educational program in a classroom setting. They work with the school district to craft an individualized education plan, implemented by the staff at Caring Corner, tailored for each child.
"One of the highlights of our program is that many of the children we serve are unable to attend a typical day care or preschool because of their medical needs," said Anamariksa Rodriguez, the Preschool Program Director.
"It truly is a group effort to meet individual needs," said Tami England, Program Administrator. "We want it to be an inclusive learning environment so that it is not only about their medical needs."
Caring Corner allows for self-referrals, so families are not required to be referred from another organization. Reach out to them for more information at 661-847-7342, or check out their website at
CaringCorner.org and their
facebook page.
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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 that support children aged 0-5, and their families.
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First5California.org focus:
Activity Center
The First 5 California website has some great resources for parents. The Activity Center is broken down into information for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, making it easy for parents to find relevant information.
The page includes links to videos, music and information, although its primary focus is on learning activities you can do at home with your children, and channel their creative energy and brain power.
Click here to check out the page!
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Board of Supervisors issue Proclamation for
First 5 Kern
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The Kern County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation on Tuesday, Feb. 26, recognizing First 5 Kern for 20 years of service on behalf of children and families in our county.
Supervisor Leticia Perez issued the proclamation and Chairperson Lucinda Wasson spoke on behalf of the Commission. We are honored to be recognized, and would like to thank the Board of Supervisors for their commitment over the years and helping to appoint dedicated commissioners to see our mission through.
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REPORT ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES
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Insured or not, prescription costs can add up and eat into a family's budget.
FamilyWize and
GoodRX have websites and mobile apps, as do many others, which can help you save money on medication.
Do your research and be prepared when your little one needs some medicine!
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Did you know...
Sometimes offering to pay a "cash price" for prescription medication can give you a better price than going through your insurance.
Check out this article in US News & World Report
and as always, consult your pharmacist and doctor for more information.
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Kid-Friendly Recipe...
Green Eggs & Ham
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:
2 slices of deli-style ham
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed
1/2 (4-ounce) can diced, mild or medium green chiles
1 egg
1 egg white
2 slices of bread, toasted
Directions:
- Spray two 1-cup microwave bowls with cooking spray and line each bowl with a slice of ham.
- Put thawed spinach in a colander and gently press to remove water.
- Open can of chiles and drain liquid. Stir chiles into spinach.
- In a small bowl, mix egg and egg white with a fork. Pour egg into spinach and chile mixture and stir. Pour mixture evenly between the two bowls lined with ham.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes, turning the bowls every minute (careful, they may be HOT!).
- Carefully remove the cups from the microwave using pot holders. Set for 2 minutes to cool. Serve with toast and ENJOY!
Serves: 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Share pics of you and your kids making this recipe with us on Instagram (@First5Kern) or
facebook (/First5Kern).
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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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