First 5's Resource Library
COVID-19 resources and information, including for basic needs and child care
Family Blog
Tips and ideas for your family during COVID-19.
COVID-19 Response and Resources
COVID-19 Response and Resources
Adversity in the lives of young children can fundamentally change their lives. The current pandemic and economic crises—which are disproportionately harming Black families and other people of color—are likely to expose many more young children to adverse events and deepen disparities. We are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
As a partner of the COVID-19 Child Care Response Team, we are working with our community to ensure young children, their families, and child care providers are supported during this time. We have compiled resources and information below.
Resources for Parents & Caregivers
Resources for Child Care, School & Family Service Providers
Local community partners are working to support providers during the pandemic. The most up-to-date information, resources, and guidelines easily accessible to help address any questions and concerns that you may have.
COVID-19 News & Updates
Read First 5's COVID-19 updates, including vaccine information.
Taxis for Early Educators
Sign up for free transportation to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
San Mateo County Vaccine Information
Get vaccine availability and access information.
4Cs of San Mateo County
Get the latest updates about child care and COVID-19.
San Mateo County Office of Education
Get resources and tips for early learning during COVID-19.
ACEs Connection
Get resources and articles on supporting ACEs and trauma-informed care.
COVID-19 Child Care Response Team
A strong and well-supported early child care system is foundational to ensuring strong families and strong communities.
In March 2020, First 5 San Mateo County joined early care and education leaders and community partners to form the San Mateo County COVID-19 Child Care Response Team working to ensure a coordinated child care relief and recovery effort during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Child Care Response Team meets weekly to ensure there is consistent communication, technical assistance for families and providers, coordinated fundraising, and organized advocacy. We have identified three pressing needs for the child care field during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Establishment of emergency child care for essential workers,
- Economic relief for child care providers, particularly home-based and other private child care providers, and
- Emergency child care supplies.
We have also worked to ensure access to the COVID-19 vaccine for the child care workforce, and support efforts to recognize early educators for their commitment.
Partner Organizations:
Build Up for San Mateo County’s Children
Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo (4Cs)
Child Care Partnership Council
Community Equity Collaborative
County of San Mateo
First 5 San Mateo County
San Mateo County Office of Education
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
It Takes a Village
Learn more about the Child Care Response Team and the work we are doing.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Be in the know! Sign up to get updates about our work.
News & Updates
Visit our news & updates section for more updates on our work.
Emergency Health and Safety Supplies
First 5 San Mateo County distributed diapers, gloves, masks, disinfectant, hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, and children’s books during the pandemic, prioritizing those with the greatest need and highest risk (socio-economically disadvantaged, students with special needs, English language learners, residents in high-priority zip codes, infants and toddlers).
100
deliveries to 300+ providers
1000
+
miles driven county-wide
1000
items distributed
$
100
M
to providers for supplies
Child Care Relief Fund
As part of the Covid-19 Child Care Response Team, First 5 San Mateo County participated in weekly meetings to plan and coordinate support to our ECE community: essential worker survey, Relief Fund, supplies, emergency vouchers, communications, resources, and advocacy. Our partners at SMC Health and the SMC Event Center supported the distribution of resources, vaccination outreach, and communications coordination.
$
100
M
distributed
0
child care programs
1000
+
children