Updated vaccine access information for the child care workforce

COVID-19 vaccines are now available to all San Mateo County residents over age 16. First 5 San Mateo County and our partners continue to prioritize and support access to vaccines for child care providers. For information on how to get an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine download an information sheet (in English, Spanish, and Chinese) […]
Honoring young children and educators during the Week of the Young Child

Last week marked the Week of the Young Child, a time to honor educators and those who make a difference in young children’s lives. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this celebration, established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to focus attention on the needs of young children and […]
A celebration of the children

We know how important children’s earliest years are in shaping their learning and development. Never before have the needs of young children and their families been more pressing. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how critical child care is for all children and families. This week is the 50th Anniversary of Week of the Young Child […]
Creating Community and More Through Friday CAFE

Friday CAFE is a learning community for family and community engagement professionals. Friday CAFE takes place one Friday morning a month, and includes time for networking and conversation, a brief presentation, and spirited discussion. Membership is broad and open to all. Friday CAFE is administered by the San Mateo County Office of Education and funded by […]
First 5 San Mateo County Condemns Violence Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans

At First 5 San Mateo County, we stand against racism, oppression, and inequality in all its forms. We condemn the recent rise in racist aggression, acts, and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans. Our hearts are with the individuals that have been targeted and attacked. Racism is systemic. It is a public health […]
Vaccines Distributed to Early Childhood Educators

Hundreds of early childhood educators were vaccinated against COVID-19 during the first week of eligibility SAN MATEO COUNTY – On February 22, 2021, San Mateo County Health announced the expansion of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to child care providers, along with teachers, first responders, and food and agricultural workers. With this announcement, these essential workers are […]
Masking in Preschool

Why should young children mask? During the February Commission Meeting, Dr. Stephanie Nguyen Lai, pediatrician at Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and Dr. Mary Rhee, pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente, presented valuable information about masking in young children. Their review of masking policies, data, and testimonials from local preschools provided insights about the benefits of masking in […]
What This Year Has Shown Us | December 2020 Newsletter

Our work is about seeing inequity in the lives of children and families and trying to do something about it. The events of 2020 have shown us the critical importance of this, now more than ever. We have been honored to play a role in San Mateo County’s efforts to support vulnerable children, families, and […]
No Small Matter: Film and Panel Event

This month, Congregation Beth Am, Community Equity Collaborative and Good2Know Network partnered in sponsoring a screening event for the film No Small Matter, which highlights the importance of early childhood education and the importance of our local childcare and education providers as vital pillars in our community. First 5 San Mateo County was honored to […]
Child Care During COVID-19: Webinar

Wondering how child care providers are operating during the COVID-19 pandemic? First 5 San Mateo County and our partners organized a panel of local professionals to share the latest information, policies, and practices for child care in San Mateo County. Watch the town hall recording to learn more about what health and safety measures child […]