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
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
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
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
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
Written by Christine Padilla, Director of Build Up for San Mateo’s Children San Mateo County, along with five neighboring counties, were the first in the nation to implement shelter-in-place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We couldn’t be prouder of our local leadership. As we led then, I hope we will
Download the print ready version of this story here. How can San Mateo County close the gap of 19,000 needed child care, preschool and after school spaces? According to Christine Padilla and Sarah Kinahan of Build Up for San Mateo County’s Children (Build Up SMC), there isn’t a one-size fits
Knowing that early childhood education is one of the most critical factors to future success, organizations like First 5 San Mateo County (F5SMC) are working hard to make that a reality.
Executive Director, Kitty Lopez, visited Peninsula TV Voice to update the community about First 5 San Mateo County’s investment in the community over the last 20 years and where it is headed in the future.
The California Strong Start Index is a new tool designed to explore the geographies of opportunity into which children are born. Developed by the Children’s Data Network, the Index is built from twelve health, financial, family, and service indicators that are universally captured on California birth certificates. By examining the average Index scores for geographies such as census tracts, it is possible to identify locations where babies are more likely to be born into families and communities that lack some of crucial resources children need to thrive.
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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.
