Introducing First 5’s Newest Youth Commissioner, Valeria Chavez-Franco
When most of us were in 7th grade, we looked forward to driving, maybe the prom, staying up late. When Valeria Chavez-Franco was in 7th grade, she already knew she wanted to join the First 5 Commission. Her bright smile and confidence come across immediately. She apologizes for the noise, mostly just the breeze, and […]
Family Development Credential Class
The Family Development Credential Class is coming back. The FDC program is a professional development course and credentialing program to learn and/or enhance skills of strength-based family support with families. This FDC course is offered to San Mateo County individuals that would like to build their professional skills of partnering with families. Staff members work with […]
Silicon Valley Community Foundation Family Story Project
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, families have weathered unforeseen impacts with strength and fortitude. The Silicon Valley Community Foundation set out to collect family stories of experiences, challenges, and hopes for their children’s future. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, families have been forced to be resilient. It is time that they have the real systemic support they […]
Parents – Ask Your Doctors for ACEs Screenings
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences that occur in childhood. Prolonged exposure to trauma such as abuse or neglect, as well as to things like poverty, racism, and community violence, can create toxic stress. Over time, toxic stress can damage a child’s developing brain and body. ACEs can even affect long-term physical and mental […]
Apply for the 2021 Get Healthy San Mateo County Community Funding
Help promote health for those with limited opportunities to be healthy through the four community-identified priorities shared in the Get Healthy San Mateo County Strategic Plan: Healthy Housing, Healthy Neighborhoods, Healthy Schools, and Healthy Economy. These priorities come out of our ten elements for a healthy community and build on over a decade of great work done by community partners, cities, hospitals, and […]
Let’s Get It Right: A Letter from former First 5 SMC Commissioner, Harvey S Kaplan
As Shakespeare famously said, “what’s in a name.” “Money often costs too much,” said Ralph Waldo Emerson. A recent column by Paul Krugman in the Mercury News (Oct 6) titled: “What securing the future means in today’s America, Climate and Children” really caught my eye and reflected my concern about what’s missing in the public […]
Peninsula Family Service’s Maria Romero Tells Stories of Community Care
They say that “looking for a job is a full-time job.” For families experiencing houselessness or joblessness, navigating the supports and challenges is a full-time job too. Yet, the need for childcare during these life transitions often goes overlooked. Maria Romero is the Vice President of Early Learning with Peninsula Family Service (PFS). She oversees […]
Expanding and Improving Early Learning Facilities in San Mateo County through the Build Up Family Child Care Expansion Grants
In San Mateo County, there is a critical childcare shortage, and Build Up San Mateo County was awarded a $50,000 grant from Gilead Sciences to expand the capacity of childcare providers during the pandemic. With Gilead’s investment, ten $5,000 Family Child Care (FCC) Grants were awarded to small at-home childcare programs. The lack of access […]
Child Care Providers Are Eligible for San Mateo County Small Business Grants up to $10,000
Child care providers in San Mateo County are eligible for grants of up to $10,000. Child care providers are integral to our community and hold a special place in our recovery and our resilience. The pandemic is not over, but thanks to the dedication of San Mateo County residents to stay safe, get vaccinated, and […]
Good2Know Network is Supporting Early Care and Education Professionals & Building Community through Their Inboxes
“Wow, I don’t know how you do it.” When early learning and care providers talk about work, they often encounter responses like these from their family and friends. The Good2Know Network is a powerful network of people who know exactly how these educators do it. This network of San Mateo County-based early learning and care […]
