NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2020
Early
WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
First 5 San Joaquin launched a Mental Health webpage focused on providing support, resources, and tips to help during times of need.  Half of us will deal with some type of challenge to our emotional wellness over the course of our lifetime, but many of us already face serious challenges every day. The webpage is here to connect parents with community support, resources, and tools that will  benefit the entire family.  First 5 San Joaquin wants parents and families to know that they don't have to go through tough times alone. We're here for you - we're all in this together.

Need Help Now? Call 1-209-468-9370 to access the San Joaquin County Behavioral Services 24/7 Helpline to talk one-on-one with someone and get confidential support.
San Joaquin 2-1-1. Whatever you're facing, from emotional health to basic needs like food or housing, 2-1-1 operators can help connect you with resources and services that meet your needs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

GRANDPARENT TOOLKIT
Now more than ever, grandparents play an important role in the caregiving for families with young children.  First 5 San Joaquin and the Raising Quality! program have launched a new resource for grandparents that are providing childcare for their grandchildren.  This toolkit joins a collection of toolkits focused on providing age specific information on child development, helpful hints, and resources to support families and young children.  To view the Grandparent Toolkit please visit the Raising Quality! website.

FAMILY DAY AT THE PARK - VIRTUAL ACCESS
The 23rd annual Family Day at the Park became a virtual event this year, providing access to storytelling, interactive  projects and entertainment for 60 days!  Families can join in the virtual fun through November 6, 2020 and can receive Family Day emailed activities weekly by visiting the Family Day at the Park website.  Learn more.

FREE FLU VACCINES AVAILABLE 
A free flu vaccine voucher is available to anyone 18 and older who is uninsured or unable to afford the flu vaccine. People can request the voucher by calling 211 and asking for the free FamilyWize flu vaccine.  For more information on FamilyWize or the flu vaccine program, please visit www.familywize.org, download the FamilyWize app, or call 800-222-2818. For other types of help and additional resources, please call 211 or visit www.211sj.org.

COVID-19 TESTING SITES IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
Please see the linked flyer in English and Spanish for COVID-19 testing sites.  The sites offer the nasal swab (diagnostic)test.  The flyers list provider specific testing locations and free testing sites.

EARLY START SYMPOSIUM
A free virtual workshop dedicated to helping families and caregivers of children with disabilities will be offered Friday, November 13, 2020 from 9am - 12pm.  Registration closes October 30, so please see the English or Spanish flyer for more information. 

DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES - NEW LOCATION
A new location for the Department of Child Support Services is now open in Tracy, CA.  Please see the flyer for more details.
OCTOBER IS 
SIDS AWARENESS MONTH!
While experts cannot pinpoint the exact cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), they have developed tips and strategies that lower the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths by:
  • Putting your baby to sleep on their back
  • Using a firm, flat sleep surface such as a mattress in a safety approved crib with a fitted sheet
  • Keeping your baby's sleep area in the same room where you sleep for the first six month
  • Keeping soft items such as blankets, pillows, bumper pads and soft toys out of your baby's  sleep area 
  • Helping your baby stay comfortable and not too hot by not covering your baby's head while sleeping
Parents and caregivers can learn more about these recommendations at Ways to Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Causes of Death from Safe to Sleep® and How Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe from AAP's Healthy Children website.


      

209.953.5437 (KIDS)

PO Box 201056, Stockton, CA 95201