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Strong Start Index

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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June 5, 2019

Spotlight On Success: Virtual Dental Home

A signature investment of First 5 San Mateo County (F5SMC), the VDH helps to improve and maintain the oral health of children and the community by providing dental care in places where people live, work, attend school, receive social services, and beyond.

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June 5, 2019

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

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January 4, 2019

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.

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November 21, 2018

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

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November 8, 2018

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

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October 11, 2018

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

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October 4, 2018

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.

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July 24, 2018

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

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December 15, 2017

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.

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December 15, 2017
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Headshot of Kitty Lopez

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.