April 1 is Census Day - the official kick off to the 2020 Census. California is at the forefront nationally in an effort to get an accurate count of its population, and First 5s throughout the state are committed to making sure children 0-5 - the most Hard to Count population in the country - are included on everybody's forms.
Local efforts for outreach have been hampered with the COVID-19 pandemic, but the U.S. Census Bureau has invested heavily in protecting digital participation in this year's count. The 2020 Census is easy to submit online, and should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
Do not forget to count all the children living with you - regardless of whether or not they are members of your immediate family. If they live in your home, count them!
|
|
 |
Census Questionnaire Action Kiosks temporarily out of commission
First 5 Kern has participated in a county-wide effort to ensure an accurate count for our community. Census Questionnaire Action Kiosks are stationed at over a dozen Family Resource Centers in communities throughout the county.
However, all FRCs
are now closed to foot traffic
.
Households are still urged to complete the Census in whatever way possible, but the kiosks will remain in place waiting for a time when services begin to come back online.
|
|
|
|
WE COUNT! Census books
have arrived
The children of Kern County need to be counted! A supply of KIDS COUNT books arrived in the First 5 Kern offices this week, provided by a grant through the First 5 Association.
In the coming weeks we will work to distribute the books to kids and families throughout the county.
|
|
|
|
Did you know...
For every child (or other person) missed by the Census, our county misses out on nearly
$2,000 per year
in federal funding for childhood programs such as school lunches, WIC, Head Start, special education, and many more. Because the Census only takes place every ten years, for every child the Census misses in Kern County, that's approximately $20,000 we do not receive for these important programs.
|
|
California Surgeon General Burke Harris partners with
First 5 California
California’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, is partnering with First 5 California to help promote its landmark Talk. Read. Sing.
®
campaign in a new television and radio campaign.
"As many individuals and families are experiencing heightened levels of stress due to coronavirus, talking, reading, and singing to little ones can help buffer the negative impacts of stress, which are important for keeping children healthy,” said Dr. Burke Harris. “Talk. Read. Sing. is a powerful tool for families to help develop kids' brains and bodies, and create strong emotional bonds with babies and young children. I am excited to work with First 5 California and help amplify and support their critical work for the families of California.”
|
|
Did you know...
First 5's
Talk. Read. Sing.
®
campaign is making an impact. A recent study found that nearly 90% of California parents recognize that talking, reading and singing to their kids from birth can increase their brain capacity and help them develop.
|
|
Finding a childcare center during COVID-19 shutdowns
Essential workers across the nation have expressed their struggles in finding childcare during this crisis, while simultaneously, there is a concern that many providers will not make it through this time, and some who have closed may possibly never re-open.
If your family is facing the loss of your regular care provider, Community Connection for Child Care has an online referral system that will show providers in your area. As our local responses are rapidly changing, please understand that not all providers listed may be open, but allow this online tool to be a good starting point when searching for care.
Additionally, First 5 Kern is working with Kern County Superintendent of Schools on a survey of childcare providers in order to determine our current capacity and assess the needs of our childcare system during this time.
Stay tuned for more information in the coming days and weeks.
|
|
April First 5 Kern Commission meeting rescheduled
|
The First 5 Kern Commission was originally scheduled to meet on April 1, but the local measures to respond to the coronavirus pandemic has caused this meeting to be rescheduled.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has provided temporary allowances in regards to Brown Act requirements, and First 5 Kern is likely to take advantage of those in order to keep our commission activities on schedule.
STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THOSE MEASURES, HOW TO CONNECT TO THE MEETING INSTEAD OF ATTENDING IN PERSON, AS WELL AS THE NEW DATE FOR THE APRIL MEETING. Regardless of the date, meeting information will be posted a minimum of the required 72-hours prior to the meeting.
|
|
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
|
|
According to the Kern County
Network for Children (KCNC), child abuse is declinin
g in our community - but our county still sees more reports than the California statewide average.
The Kern County Department of Human Services has reported a 48 percent decrease in substantiated abuse referrals in Kern County between 2008 and 2018. Still, six children died from child abuse or neglect in 2018, and an average of 41 children a day are referred to Child Protective Services in Kern County.
KCNC is the child abuse prevention council and coordinating council for child and family services throughout Kern County. Their funded services include parent education and counseling, and Differential Response (DR) services, a funded program of First 5 Kern.
|
|
First 5 Lake County hosts Kids' Press Conference on COVID-19
While there certainly is no shortage of press conferences regarding the coronavirus crisis, you probably haven't seen one intended for kids.
Our friends at First 5 Lake County compiled a list of questions from young children ranging in age from 3-17, and found 13-year old kid reporter Lilly Wiser to handle the event. The questions were presented to county leaders in government, health, education and public safety. It's a perfect video to watch with the whole family!
|
|
Did you know...
Each week, First 5 Kern scours the internet locally, nationally and globally to find the top stories on news impacting children 0-5 and their families. Put into one convenient email, each Friday we sent them out straight to your inbox.
|
|
Kern County Library offering up live streaming storytimes and other content
Although the doors are locked for every branch of the Kern County Library during the coronavirus pandemic, their staff is still hard at work helping to bring books to the masses.
Check out their website or their facebook page for details on live streaming content such as storytimes, mindfulness practices, even Ukulele lessons!
We know it's not easy to keep the kids entertained; perhaps you will find something stimulating to help pass the time as you #ShelterInPlace.
|
|
MVCCP Resource Fair postponed
|
|
The inaugural Resource Fair for Medically Fragile Children has been postponed. First 5 Kern and the Medically Vulnerable Care Coordination Project are committed to hosting this event in the future, however, and a date will be selected during a more opportune time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
