First 5 Monterey County is committed to connecting everyone involved in the lives of young children to useful resources. Below are some helpful topics, resources, and links for parents and other family members as well as early childhood professionals.
Children aren't born with instruction manuals. It's OK to ask for help. First 5 Monterey County funds a variety of quality, no-cost programs developed just for families with young children. Click here to learn more.
Please let us know if you have a resource to add to the list. Click here to tell us.
NEW! Text for Baby
The free mobile service provides health information to families from early pregnancy through their baby's first year. The service sends important education text messages on topics like breastfeeding, that are time to the family's stage of pregnancy or the baby's age. To sign up for this free service, text BABY (or BEBE for Spanish) to 511411 or register at http://www.TEXT4Baby.com.
Kit for New Parents
Babies Don't Come With Instruction Manuals
That's why First 5 California offers all new and expecting parents in California the Kit for New Parents for free. What more could new parents ask for than an all-in-one source for the latest parenting information, advice, and useful tips? How about getting it all for FREE! With a retail value of $75, First 5 California's updated Kit for New Parents is filled with information on nutrition, safety, quality child care, health, discipline, and early learning. It gives new and expecting parents all the tools they need to feel confident as they welcome a child into their lives. Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Cantonese language versions are now available!
Parents and early childhood professionals can receive a free Kit by calling (800) KIDS-025. For more information on the Kit, visits www.ccfc.ca.gov/kit.asp.
2-1-1
Monterey County 2-1-1helps individuals to easily connect to a wide variety of health and human services. This information can be accessed in two ways. First by using the phone number 2-1-1 connecting you to trained Call Specialists who provide confidential information. Second is through the 2-1-1 website http://www.211mc.org/
Free Resource Guide
SAM's guide shares local services for families in Monterey County. Topics include food, housing, drug counseling, disabilities, health care, parent education, and child development to name a few. www.samsresources.com/