First 5 Digest: June 17, 2020
Local Early Childhood News COVID-19 AND ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES F5MC is here to support the health and safety of our community. We have recently updated our website with information to meet community needs for both COVID-19 and anti-racism materials. Our updated COVID-19 page contains information for families across our county struggling with income loss related to stay-at-home policies, access to food, confusion on immigration supports, anxiety or loneliness, or simply needing resources during this challenging time. Our Learning Resources for Children and Families page has activities for children to do at home along with anti-racism resources that include how to talk to children about racial bias, how to talk about race, and books that explain race and diversity. Learn More F5MC SPEAKS OUT IN THE COMMUNITY First 5 Monterey County's Francine Rodd was invited to speak at an African American Community Leadership Forum hosted by the Monterey County Office of Education. She spoke about the importance of starting early to address racism, biases, and trauma. "We need to make conversations and opportunities like this the norm and seek ways to eliminate the problems that are holding systemic racism in place," says Rodd. Learn More FAMILY READING CIRCLES TAKE FLIGHT Families are participating in the Salinas Public Library's Families for Literacy Program: Family Reading Circle, a four-week program that kicked off in late May with a virtual orientation. Parents drove or walked to the El Gabilan Library to pick up their first reading packet which included the picture book "Bear at Home," craft supplies, and learning materials. The next packet included the picture book "Lola Plants a Garden," and included seeds for planting, as well as learning materials and crafts. "The families are looking to us for resources and activities to do with their children while at home sheltered in place," says Literacy Assistant Margarita Medina-Romero, who has worked with Families for Literacy for over a decade at the library. The Family Reading Circle program is a product of her hard work and the entire literacy team's creativity. Learn More
State and National Early Childhood Policy CENSUS 2020 ' RESUMING OUTREACH OPERATION The U.S. Census Bureau will be resuming outreach operations as of May 27. This operation was paused in March in compliance with COVID-19 safety measures. If you are visited by someone and you want to ensure that this person is a Census Bureau employee, please go to the Staff Search Website or contact the Los Angeles Regional Office at 1-800-992-3530 (8:00am-4:30pm). As a helpful reminder, there are three ways to respond to the 2020 Census: 1. Online at 2020census.gov 2. Call toll-free (4:00am-11:00pm PT) - English (844) 330-2020 - Spanish (844) 486-2020 - Total of 12 Languages are available 3. Return the paper form in the provided envelope Learn More STAYING SAFE AND GETTING VACCINATED DURING THE PANDEMIC The statewide stay-at-home order has helped slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it has also resulted in some children missing their recommended vaccines. In California and across the U.S., recent data show troubling decreases in childhood vaccination, leaving many children unprotected. In comparison to April 2019, in April 2020 the number of vaccinations given to children 0 through 18 years old in California decreased by more than 40 percent.
It is recommended that parents contact their child's doctor if they have any concerns about visiting the office. Most providers have additional safety measures in place to protect patients when visiting, such as separating sick and well children. Some clinics offer curbside service, where you can get care in or near your car. If your child's healthcare provider is currently limiting well visits or vaccinations, ask about plans to catch your child up on vaccinations.
Immunizations are also recommended for pregnant women to protect the mother and newborn infant. Check with your prenatal care provider about the timing of prenatal immunizations. Learn More STATEWIDE INDUSTRY GUIDANCE TO REDUCE RISK As California moves into Stage 2 of our Resilience Roadmap, every business needs to take steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and create a safer environment for workers and customers. Find statewide guidance for businesses to follow at this link as well as family-friendly practices for employers and support for working families. Learn More
Community Events and Meetings FIRST 5 SPONSORED COMMUNITY EVENTS Our Sponsorship program is currently on hold to reduce the spread of COVID-19. OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS
FIRST 5 COMMISSION MEETINGS Due to the shelter-in-place order, all meetings will take place virtually. The links to each meeting will be listed on the respective agenda which is posted on our website, in accordance with the Brown act.
- June 22: Regular Commission Meeting, 9:00am - 11:00am
- July 1: Evaluation Advisory Committee, 9:00am - 11:00am
- July 10: Finance/Personnel Committee Meeting, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
- July 13: Executive Committee Meeting, 9:30am - 11:00am
Please note, Commission meeting dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please check our website regularly for updates.
Training and Grant Opportunities FEMA'S PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Monterey County website has a great summary of who is eligible (local governments, special districts, nonprofits, etc.) and the type of assistance offered. COVID-19 RELIEF FUND The Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation have started a COVID-19 Relief Fund. It was created to address the immediate and longer-term needs of our community. U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DISASTER LOAN ASSISTANCE The U.S. Small Business Administration has a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application open to nonprofits. CALNONPROFITS COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR CALIFORNIA'S NONPROFITS For more nonprofit COVID related funding opportunities.
Early Childhood Innovations and Research CELEBRATING DIVERSITY 16 ANTI-RACISM BOOKS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN Many parents are turning to educational literature to help kids understand inequality. TALKING ABOUT RACISM WITH CHILDREN: RESOURCES FOR HARD CONVERSATIONS Our children are watching and listening to what we stand for during these challenging times. We must talk honestly to them about racism, police, and protest. We must also comfort them and ensure they feel safe, loved, and nurtured at home. CHILD CARE CHILD CARE - THE CORE OF A HEALTHY, FUNCTIONING SOCIETY For nearly a quarter of a century, Parent Voices, a partnership of parents throughout California, has led an annual event on the grounds of California's Capitol called "Stand for Children Day." THE PANDEMIC IS SET TO SHUTTER 30% OF US CHILDCARE CENTERS - AND IT COULD PROVE CATASTROPHIC FOR THE CAREERS OF AMERICAN WOMEN In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, many childcare centers and schools have closed their doors, forcing parents to teach and care for their kids while also juggling work. TRUDEAU ADVISERS SAY THERE IS A WAY OUT OF THE COVID-19 DOWNTURN: CHILD CARE The crisis has hit women especially hard. YOUNGEST LEARNERS PREPARE TO START SCHOOL - WITHOUT THE SCHOOL Summer transition activities help acclimate 5-year-olds to the classroom. Can a remote version even come close? CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION RELEASES REOPENING GUIDANCE FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated and expanded interim guidance as more child care providers begin reopening. CORONAVIRUS HOW TO THINK THROUGH CHOICES ABOUT GRANDPARENTS, DAY CARE, SUMMER CAMP, AND MORE You have to weigh risks and benefits, sure, but are you even clear on the decision that you're making?nbsp; WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CORONAVIRUS AS KIDS RETURN TO BABYSITTERS, DAY CARES AND CAMPS You never planned on raising kids during a pandemic, and there are no easy decisions. ProPublica scoured the latest research and talked to seven infectious disease and public health experts to help think through the issues facing parents. CORONAVIRUS: CHILDREN ARE KEY TO THE RESPONSE AND THE ENDGAME FOR THIS PANDEMIC
Children's health, social, and educational needs are being neglected as adults struggle with this pandemic. But children are the key to a solution. EXAMINING RACIAL DISPARITIES OBSERVED DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Uche Blackstock and Alicia Fernandez, doctors and experts in health care inequity on black and Latinx communities, about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19. 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CORONAVIRUS PAID SICK AND FAMILY LEAVE RIGHTS For the first time, Congress granted millions of workers nationwide a right to federal emergency paid sick and family leave by passing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in March. FAMILY FRIENDLY BUSINESS IT'S TIME FOR EMPLOYERS TO STAND UP FOR WORKING PARENTS Two startup CEOs discuss what measures to take so parents don't feel they have to make a difficult choice between two outcomes they didn't ask for: Quit your job or continue to struggle. FOOD ASSISTANCE CONGRESS MUST PRIORITIZE FOOD ASSISTANCE AS HUNGER WORSENS The novel coronavirus has triggered a spike in food insecurity among Americans. Though many groups are racing to feed their neighbors with creative and generous efforts, they cannot possibly meet the staggering need that is already three times as severe as during the worst of the Great Recession. INCOME LOSS RECORD UNEMPLOYMENT HURTS WORKERS-AND THEIR CHILDREN Unemployment claims rose by another 2.4 million workers last week. Having nearly 40 million people out of work - the worst unemployment since the Great Depression - bodes terrible consequences for the country. MENTAL HEALTH CHILDREN OF THE PANDEMIC: HOW WILL KIDS BE SHAPED BY THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS? Health professionals face a massive challenge in responding to the coronavirus. Child psychologists are no exception as they deal with mental crises in children caused by the pandemic's upheaval. Q&A ON MANAGING CHANGES IN KIDS' MENTAL HEALTH DURING CORONAVIRUS Parents are struggling with self doubt when it comes to handling behavioral issues and managing homeschool responsibilities. PANDEMIC PARENTING ADVICE FROM A SINGLE MOM The coronavirus pandemic has presented many of us with an overwhelming amount of stress - but for a single parent juggling multiple roles, the stresses of parenting are even more intensified during a pandemic. SUPPORTING STUDENTS MEANS TAKING CARE OF PARENTS, TOO. HERE'S HOW SCHOOLS CAN HELP Research has shown that children do better in school, and are more likely to be physically and emotionally healthy if their parents are also healthy. THE NEXT PANDEMIC: MENTAL HEALTH Our littlest learners are currently deprived of social interactions, sequestered to playing inside, and relegated to growing screen time (if they have access to technology at all).
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