A Message from the Executive Director
As we get ready to finish our fiscal year (ending in June), I’m in awe of the impact our programs have had on the community in spite of all the challenges. In this newsletter, you’ll read about our COVID-19 evaluation brief – we’ve seen more connections with families, an adjustment (as much as can happen) to meeting virtually with children and families, enhanced professional development for staff, and the list goes on. We’ve also seen the long-term impacts of COVID-19 that include concerns about children’s physical, social, and emotional development, and health impacts due to disrupted preventive care. Through all the changes, our programs have been steadfast at serving the children and families in our community, and I’m incredibly grateful.
Starting this week, our First 5 Association is joining First 5 California and the State Library in helping to launch the First Partner's, Summer Book Club, which started on June 7. The new 10-week initiative by California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom will help promote children’s literacy and participation in summer reading programs hosted by local libraries throughout the state. It will include a book reading by the First Partner or a special guest that will go live every Monday on the California Governor’s YouTube Channel, click here, starting June 7 and ending August 2.
Books in the series are meant for children ages 3-12 and teach important social and emotional learning tools and key values, like diversity, self-love, and acceptance. They include:
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Eyes that Kiss in the Corner: A New York Times Bestseller in which a young protagonist notices things she has in common with her mother, sister, and amah, and sees her beauty reflected in those connections.
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Outside Inside: A book exploring the changes the world experienced during COVID-19 stay-at-
home orders, both outside and inside.
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Laxmi’s Mooch: An endearing story about a girl named Laxmi who learns to accept her body hair and celebrate her heritage as both special and normal.
And finally, as we continue to work on strategic planning, if you have any ideas or feedback on the role of First 5 San Joaquin moving forward, please feel free to reach out to me or any of the First 5 San Joaquin staff.
Thank you,
Lani Schiff-Ross
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First 5 San Joaquin COVID-19 Newsletter
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the early childhood system in San Joaquin County. This evaluation report documents the impact of COVID-19, First 5 San Joaquin and funded program responses to the changing needs of families, as well as opportunities for First 5 San Joaquin to support response efforts in the years ahead. To learn more click here.
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Water Safety Tips
Drowning is the leading cause of death for toddlers 1-4 years old. Drowning is silent and there are no warning or splashing sounds associated with a drowning accident. Click here for a downloadable flyer with helpful drowning prevention prevention tips.
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Life Jacket Loaner Programs
The Lathrop and Manteca Fire Districts have teamed up for a life jackets loaner program. The program provides the local community with life jackets to keep safe in the water this Summer. For more information, click here.
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A situation may arise when lifesaving skills are required and assistance may be needed. Be prepared in case one day an emergency presents itself. If you are interested in getting trained in CPR there are local agencies providing training. For more information, click here.
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Gold Winner..."Stella's Shiny Smile Book" |
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That adorable saber tooth tiger we all love, Stella, has gone gold! Stella’s Shiny Smile won Gold at the Sacramento American Advertising Awards this year! To read about Stella and her healthy dental habits, click here.
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San Joaquin Public Health Services, in conjunction with STOPP Outreach and Prevention Program, have put together a list of resources for those trying to change their nicotine dependency. Material resources, counseling, referrals to programs are among other options available to anyone that may need that extra support struggling with a nicotine issue. Click here for more information. |
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First 5 San Joaquin Funded Program Highlights |
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Just added to the E Newsletter are some quarterly highlights show casing some of First 5 San Joaquin’s programs. These highlights show how impactful and powerful available resources are to the local community. First 5 San Joaquin in conjunction with local agencies continue to help build a stronger bond with the community and bridge the gaps of much needed services in the area.
Family Resource & Referral Center/2-1-1 Call Center
A mother called 2-1-1 looking for speech therapy for her 18-month old daughter who was non-verbal. The 2-1-1 Call Specialist connected the parent to the Help Me Grow Call Center for further assessment for her daughter. A follow up call was made, and the mother shared that she was able to get assistance from Help Me Grow.
El Concilio/Healthy & Ready to Learn Home Visitation Initiative
A mother was having a hard time with her child not eating healthier food. Her educator invited her to view the parent workshop with the, topic being “Healthy Snack for Families”. The mother viewed the workshop and said she learned some healthy recipes from the workshop.
Mary Magdalene Community Services
A client who had not completed her high school diploma shared her goals to obtain her diploma with a Parent Educator. After connecting with the Parent Educator she was provided with a referral and enrolled in the, "Come Back Kid," program through San Joaquin County Office of Education and is doing well and moving toward graduation.
San Joaquin County Office of Education
A Parent Educator assisted one of her parents in preparing her resume. The mom was able to post her resume on several online job search sites. The Parent Educator shared that by providing the mom with the appropriate referrals, the mom was able to be fingerprinted and complete her TB test and is now eligible for full-time employment.
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E.Q.U.I.T.Y
A Six Part Series With
Dr. Rosemarie Allen
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As part of the work being done around equity in the region, Quality Counts California Region 3 is pleased to present Dr. Rosemarie Allen’s six-part equity training series that will begin in June and end in November.
This six-part series will focus on Implicit Bias,
Anti-Bias Practices/Policies, Racial Equity, Culturally Responsive Family Engagement, and the History of Racism.
Due to the length of the series and the time between events, each webinar has a
separate registration. A Workforce Registry Number is required to register. Please see the attached flyer for registration links.
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Emergency Broadband Benefit
During this COVID-19 pandemic, many families have been struggling to obtain affordable broadband internet service. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is offering temporary assistance through the Federal Communications Commission by providing discounted prices on broadband services. For information on program qualifications, click here.
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Food Basket Drive Thru
El Concilio, in partnership with American Desi Society and Bread of Life, is hosting a Food Basket Drive Thru every Thursday at 11:00am. Anyone in need of assistance welcome - no questions asked and no ID required. For more information, click here.
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