Newsletter | April - May 2024

Early Years Climate Action Workshop

From left to right: Angie Garling, Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF); Sarah Kinahan, Child Care Partnership Council; Christine Padilla, Build Up San Mateo County; Elliot Haspel, Capita

First 5 San Mateo County recently had the privilege of attending a thought-provoking workshop hosted by Build Up and the Child Care Coordinating Council. The session delved into the intersection of early childhood development and climate action, exploring strategies outlined in the Flourishing Children, Healthy Communities, and a Stronger Nation report. 

Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, considering actionable steps for our community's future. The discussions were rich with insights, and we're excited about the potential for implementing these ideas to create a more sustainable future for our children.

Learn more about the initiative at earlyyearsclimateplan.us

First 5 San Mateo County Celebrated Week of the Young Child:

As parents, caregivers, and members of the community, we often hear about the importance of early childhood. But what exactly does it mean to invest in the first years of a child’s life, and why is it so crucial? Last week, the entire early childhood community celebrated all of the incredible ways children can be set up for success from the very beginning. 

That’s right, it was the Week of the Young Child! 

Read more about what the Week of the Young Child, and the earliest years, mean to us.

The Diverse Literature and Environmental Justice Read Aloud Series

The San Mateo County Youth Commission is hosting another Kids Read Aloud Series. They are bringing diverse authors to read their children’s books to families in San Mateo County cities! This past weekend, Tiffany Golden, the author of Wash Day & I Want to Be Big shared her stories in Half Moon Bay Library.

Check out her beautiful and fantastical stories about Black childhood and join the Youth Commission on May 4th in Belmont Library and May 11th in Pacifica Library to hear from Demareon Gipson, author of Annalise's Cough, and Kelsey Sweetland, the author of four children’s books with environmental justice messages. Follow along on our social media to hear about additional events and opportunities!

Family Connections is in Daly City

The newest chapter of Family Connections has opened one of their incredible family resource centers in Daly City. This expansion is in direct response to identified challenges for families there: lack of affordable, local, early learning programs, limited opportunities and support for parents to be engaged in their children’s development and education, and insufficient support for positive parent-child relationships. 



As with all of their sites, Family Connections offers in person and virtual support services, mental health services, parenting support classes, playgroups, and more! 

Read more about the ribbon cutting ceremony and all of the plans for the new Daly City location.

TRISI: First 5's Trauma- and Resiliency-Informed Systems Initiative

Our long-term goal is to embed trauma- and resiliency-informed policies and practices at every level of the system. Trauma is the effect of events or ongoing circumstances that are physically or emotionally harmful, and how that impact sticks with someone. When children experience trauma, it leads to ACEs, or Adverse Childhood Experiences, which have real negative impacts on their health and development. 

Being trauma-informed means that you know how to recognize trauma, and how to most effectively deliver support when you see it. Through the Trauma-Informed Organizational (TIO) Practices Assessment Tool, First 5 San Mateo County is supporting partners to understand what a trauma-informed organization looks like and to assess their organization’s current stage. 

If your organization is interested in becoming Trauma Informed, or learning more about First 5 San Mateo County’s TRISI work, learn more here!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Empowering every child's first 5 years means safeguarding their well-being from day one.

As we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month, let's unite to ensure every child grows up safe and supported. Together, we build stronger futures. 

Welcome to Our New Commissioners

Carla Boragno

Manufou Liaiga-Anoa'i

Carla Boragno is a passionate supporter of her community and local philanthropic efforts. She is currently on the Advisory Board for Power Speaking, Inc, an industry advisor for SPARK Program in Translational Research (Stanford School of Medicine), a Board director for Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, and a member of the International Women’s Forum. She has earned a well-deserved reputation as a thought leader and sought-after inspirational speaker. She is celebrated as a respected mentor at Genentech, in the industry and the local community. We are so excited to have her expertise, passions, and connection on the First 5 SMC Commission. Learn more about her work here!

Manufou Liaiga-Anoa'i currently serves as a Commissioner on the City of Daly City Personnel Board since 2018, Board Member of APAICS – Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, Board Member of Junipero Serra High School Board of Regents. She was appointed to a Commission seat on San Mateo County’s First 5 Commission in January that oversees early education for the region and was accepted to the School Board Partners, a National Cohort of 98 School Board elections from across the country. Her dedication to community is inspiring, and we are so glad she is here. Learn more about her work here!