ACEs Aware Network Engagement Sessions coming up! |
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Resilient Kern and ACEs Aware Kern County has announced a series of Network Engagement Sessions to bring medical providers together to address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma-informed care.
The sessions cover everything from beginning ACEs work to becoming certified, and also includes opportunities for providers and the community to learn what is currently happening across Kern county to advance this work. We welcome participation and engagement from all that are interested.
There are four sessions scheduled during the month of June. Advance registration is required, but there is no charge for participating.
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First 5 Kern June Commission meeting information |
The First 5 Kern Commission will meet remotely on Wednesday, June 2 at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. The agenda includes a discussion of the 2021-22 budget and the 2022-26 five-year financial plan, and a review of professional service agreements with multiple partners that contract with First 5 Kern.
A complete agenda for the meeting can be found online, including a link to join the meeting remotely. The next Commission meeting will be August 4, 2021.
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Oasis Family Resource Center officially opens its doors in Ridgecrest |
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The brand new Oasis Family Resource Center in Ridgecrest has officially opened and they held a celebration on May 27.
Representatives from Community Action Partnership of Kern - which operates the facility - joined community members for a behind-the-scenes look at the center, which will offer parent and family support programs, Summer Bridge for incoming kindergartners, case management services, referrals for medical, emergency and community assistance programs, and more. Pictured is First 5 Kern Program Officer Analy Martinez, speaking at their Grand Opening.
The Oasis FRC is located at 814 N. Norma St. in Ridgecrest. Their phone number is (760) 248-3221. The link below is for their Facebook page, which offers more information.
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First 5 Kern in the news.... |
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First 5 Kern Senior Research Analyst Diana Navarro recently sat down with Leonardo Ruiz from Univision 39 to discuss Help Me Grow Kern County. Univision is a key partner in our recent campaign to share the importance of developmental screenings with the families of Kern County. Click below to watch the video and please share! |
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Registration is open for Ridgecrest Summer Bridge Program |
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COVID Vaccination numbers...
Percent of Kern County's eligible population that has been fully vaccinated by one of the available COVID-19 vaccines, one of the lowest rates in the state. Kern County ranks 47 out of 58 counties statewide.
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2021-22 First 5 Kern Strategic Plan introduced |
A key part of every fiscal year for First 5 Kern is the announcement of the Strategic Plan. Each March, the Commission meets with staff and other committee members to discuss the priorities directing our investments for the upcoming year.
The Strategic Plan forms the basis of work for our funded programs. It outlines key objectives that the commission would like our programs to fulfill, and provides action items for those programs to reference on their scope of work.
View the Strategic Plan on our website below.
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Pool season is upon us, and there is no better time to remind parents of the dangers of drowning.
The Kern County Public Health Services Department has a Water Watchers program that provides a badge and a whistle as a unique way of reminding everyone about responsibility for little ones around the water.
Click below to learn more about how to pick up your Water Watcher badge and also access other information about water safety with children.
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KERN COUNTY SAFE SLEEP COALITION |
Kern County is home to a group of agencies that come together to discuss safe sleep practices and outreach to parents about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The Safe Sleep Coalition meets monthly and is comprised of representatives from the Kern County Public Health Services Department, local hospitals and nursing staffs, First 5 Kern, and non-profit agencies.
If you are with an agency that works directly with new/expecting parents and would like to learn more about how to share this info with your clients, reach out to us.
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Resilient Kern brochures are now available! |
Resilient Kern has been providing training and outreach for trauma-informed care in Kern County since an initial four-day cohort in 2018. The timing has never been better than now, and our Network of Care planning grant from ACEs Aware California promises to build awareness in the medical community for increased screenings for Adverse Childhood Experiences.
With that in mind, we have put together brochures intended to introduce trauma-informed care principles to the public and learn how this work is being elevated throughout our county. Our aim is that our neighbors become familiar with the concepts of childhood trauma and toxic stress, and the importance of building resilient, healthy families and communities.
Please help us share this resource with your friends, family and clients by displaying these at your site.
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Resources for children starting kindergarten in the fall |
Transitioning to school is a big milestone for both your child and you, and you want to help give your child the best start in this new adventure. |
The First 5 California website has a host of information, with links, activities, and resources designed to help families prepare to start kindergarten in just a couple short months.
Preparing your child for school is about more than just counting and reading, although providing your child with that learning foundation will go a long way in helping them adjust. Explore articles on topics providing a background on what to expect with kindergarten, building a relationship with the teacher, and even techniques for dropping off your child in the morning - which is not as easy as you may think!
Check out the website link below and spend your summer getting everyone ready for this important step in your little one's life!
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Services available to Kern County families in June... |
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Kid-Friendly Recipe: Princess Toast |
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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 - and to get messy. This is a quick, easy, and tasty recipe for your family to try at home!
Ingredients:
- 6 slices white bread, toasted
- 6 tablespoons seedless strawberry jam
- 1-1/2 cups buttercream frosting
- 6 tablespoons sprinkles
- 6 teaspoons silver or gold edible glitter
Click the link below for the full recipe!
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