Spotlight On Success: Building Up the Child Care Supply through Faith-Based Organizations
Build Up for San Mateo County’s Children and other organizations address the critical shortage of quality childcare facilities in San Mateo County by establishing child care centers on the grounds of existing faith-based organizations.
20 Years of Community Investment Celebration
On December 17th, First 5 San Mateo County (F5SMC) celebrated its 20 Years of Community Investment Celebration at the San Mateo City Hall. Many community partners, officials, former and current Commissioners attended the celebration including the former and first F5SMC executive director, Kris Perry. F5SMC presented the Spotlight on Excellence Awards to Carolina Balladares, Manager […]
Wildfire Recovery Effort 2018
In response of the fires in California, First 5s across California and their early childhood partners are stepping up to aid affected families with babies and young children by establishing a relief fund to support First 5 counties in their rebuilding efforts.
Thinking Bigger at 20!
November 1 was a magical day, as First 5 San Mateo County staff gathered with partners and friends to celebrate two decades of thinking bigger – finding innovative ways of prioritizing children and families. With the help of the First 5 Express, Potter the Otter and our special guest Senator-magician Jerry Hill, we were able […]
Success for Every Child: Improving Oral Health
When a pregnant woman has a dental disease, her baby is also at an increased risk of developing a dental infection. Research has shown that without proper oral health practices and good nutrition, dental decay can begin soon after babies get their first teeth. Pain from dental disease impacts nutritional intake and tooth loss, damaged […]
The Work of Nurturing
By Mai Le, First 5 San Mateo County Program Associate. I recently joined the First 5 San Mateo County staff as a program associate, a diverse, flexible role supporting the program team. No two days here are alike, as I jump from preparing contracts, to coordinating meetings, to updating our social media and website. Prior […]
Spotlight on Success: Toddle & Build Up SMC
Heather Hopkins didn’t set out to become a childcare provider. But when her daughter’s flexible care facility closed, the part-time working mom saw a gap in the market that sparked an entrepreneurial journey and created a passionate advocate for quality early childhood education.
Spotlight on Success: Healthy Homes & Family Partnership
Lexie Munevar met Henry* and his mother Celia* when they first came to a Parent-Child Activity Group she was running at the San Mateo Medical Center back in January 2016. Henry was a shy four year old, who did not make eye contact and always sat facing away from peers during circle times. Celia suspected […]
Promoting Children’s Health through Collaborative Partnerships
It’s been over two months since federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program expired. Without action by Congress to reauthorize CHIP funding soon, thousands of low-income children in California will be without health coverage come December. The reality of children living without health insurance is one we’ve seen before in San Mateo County – […]
Thank You, Commissioner Michelson!
By Emily Roberts, F5SMC Health Program Specialist Monday, December 11 marked the final meeting for First 5 San Mateo Commissioner Lee Michelson, who will be retiring from the Commission as well as his role of CEO of the Sequoia Healthcare District in Redwood City at the end of the year.
