When the pandemic hit, childcare was not included in the state emergency plan, yet the sudden changes due to COVID-19 exacerbated so many parts of the current child care systems that need attention and investment. Although our partners did an extraordinary job maintaining stability for parents and providers during the
Yesterday was Father’s Day, and First 5 San Mateo County is excited to wish all fathers a special and reflective day with their families. Thank you to the fathers and father figures who play an imperative role in raising children. Our communities are stronger thanks to the commitment of fathers,
Puente de la Costa Sur supports families in San Mateo County’s coastal communities, providing resources and programs and advocating for communities and families. Puente is a First 5 San Mateo County partner, funded to provide a bilingual parent-participatory cooperative preschool, Sueños Unidos-United Dreams. Lizeth Hernandez, Education Director, recently spoke at
The CDC estimates that 17% of all children have developmental delays. Yet in San Mateo County, only 6% of children 0-5 years receive EII services. Timely access to early intervention services is a priority for First 5 San Mateo County and the agencies we fund to support an integrated system
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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Kitty Lopez has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County since 2013, focusing on strategic investing, community leadership, policy and advocacy development for young children, 0-5, and their families.
Kitty has served as Co-Chair of the Advisory Body for Build Up for San Mateo County Children’s Initiative, with Board of Supervisor, Dave Pine, since 2018. Congressman Kevin Mullin is Honorary Co-Chair. This initiative was established to preserve, grow, and increase the number of early care sites in San Mateo County.
Kitty previously served as the Executive Director of Samaritan House, one of San Mateo County’s leading Core Service Agencies and safety-net nonprofits serving low-income families and individuals with food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, education classes, and holiday assistance from 2002 to 2013.
Kitty taught kindergarten, second grade, and high school in southern California and San Francisco 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 for children and youth in San Diego. Kitty’s roots in supporting children began as a 16-year-old volunteer at the Braille Institute in Los Angeles where she taught swimming to children and adults with visual impairments.
She attended University of California Santa Barbara earning a California Teaching Credential and B.A in Psychology. Kitty is active in her community serving as Vice Chair of the San Mateo County Event Center, and Past President and Current Member of the San Mateo Rotary Club. She is currently serving as Past President of the First 5 Association of California. On March 2022, Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin selected Kitty Lopez as the 2022 Assembly District 22 Woman of the Year.
