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.
COVID-19 resources and information, including for basic needs and child care
Tips and ideas for your family during COVID-19.
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.
Read First 5's COVID-19 updates, including vaccine information.
Sign up for free transportation to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Get vaccine availability and access information.
Get the latest updates about child care and COVID-19.
Get resources and tips for early learning during COVID-19.
Get resources and articles on supporting ACEs and trauma-informed care.
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:
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
Learn more about the Child Care Response Team and the work we are doing.
Be in the know! Sign up to get updates about our work.
Visit our news & updates section for more updates on our work.
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).
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.
© 2023 First 5 San Mateo County
Kitty Lopez has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County since 2012, focusing on policy, advocacy and communications development. Additionally, she is the Chair of First 5 Association of California. Kitty previously served as the Executive Director of Samaritan House, one of the leading safety-net nonprofit agencies serving low-income families and individuals in San Mateo County with food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, education classes, and holiday assistance from 2002 to 2012.
Kitty taught kindergarten, second grade, and high school in the Bay Area and in Santa Barbara, and was a consultant in schools with children who have autism and special needs. Additionally, Kitty worked in a residential substance abuse treatment center in San Francisco and psychiatric hospital in San Diego.
She attended University of California Santa Barbara earning a California Teaching Credential and B.A in Psychology. Kitty is active in her community serving on several community boards including HEART (Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County), STEP (Success Through Education Program), and Past President and Current Member of the San Mateo Rotary Club.
