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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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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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A Child is an Inspiration

First 5 San Mateo County is committed to the youngest children in San Mateo County. As a First 5 San Mateo County Commissioner, a pediatrician and a father, I am inspired by my patients and their parents—especially the ones aged zero to five.

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Encouraging Teachers

As our students get ready for a new school year, so do teachers.  My friend Barbara’s daughter just got a job as a Kindergarten teacher, her first teaching job….and she is scared.  Scared of making mistakes…..of not doing it right.  Ah…..interesting…..I bet just like some of her Kindergartners.  Teaching is a really hard job; I know because I was one.  Most go into the profession because they care about children; they want to make a difference; they want kids to succeed.  They just need help and support, coaching and resources….and empathy too.

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The Importance of Early Childhood Developmental Screening

Did you know that young children adapt how they play, learn, speak, act, and move as they grow? Doctors and other childcare experts measure this change and growth by a child reaching specific developmental milestones during an expected timeframe. There is room for concern about a child’s development if these

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Post-Election Thoughts: Supporting our Families and Communities

As we approach the upcoming holidays we all remain concerned about the impacts of the recent tumultuous and divisive election. We know that many children and families may be afraid — afraid of being deported, being separated from their families, being attacked or bullied because of race, religion, sexual identity, language and national origin.

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Headshot of Kitty Lopez

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.