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 […]
The Three Kinds of Stress, and How to Deal with It

Research shows that children grow up to be healthy and resilient when they have supportive parents and caregivers. But to be a fully present and energized parent for your baby or toddler can be a big task—especially with all of the changes and challenges due to COVID-19, fire disasters, and the social movements in our […]
A Statement from First 5 San Mateo County
The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor are tragic reminders of the country’s legacy of racism and discrimination that harm all our communities. First 5 San Mateo County stands against racism, oppression, and inequality in all its forms. We stand in solidarity with our fellow First 5s across California and with all who […]
How Parents of Young Children are Building Resiliency During COVID-19

If you feel like you’re experiencing more emotional distress and hardship than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, know that you are not alone. Talking about your experience can open doors for other parents to do the same, and help build connection and resiliency in your community. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Janna, a Pacifica-based mom […]