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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

First 5 Merced County

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First 5 Merced County

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Building a better future for California's youngest children.
🔗 linktr.ee/F5Merced Californians believe that our state’s children are a top priority.

That’s why in 1998 voters passed Proposition 10, adding a 50-cent tax to each pack of ci******es sold to create First 5 California, also known as the California Children and Families Commission. First 5 California is dedicated to improving the lives of California’s young children and their families through a comprehensive system of education, health services, childcare, and other crucial programs. Since its creation a decade ago, First 5 California has brought these critical services to millions of parents, caregivers, and children ages 0 to 5, and we’re striving to reach thousands more every day. First 5 California distributes funds to local communities through the state’s 58 individual counties, all of which have created their own local First 5 County Commissions. Eighty percent of the annual revenues are allocated to the 58 County Commissions, while the remaining 20 percent fund the state’s overall guiding programs and administrative costs. The amount of funding provided to each First 5 County Commission is based upon the area’s birth rate. Funds are used to address the local needs of communities statewide. For more information about statewide efforts, contact First 5 California at http://www.ccfc.ca.gov

10/16/2026

🍎📚 October is Head Start Awareness Month!

Did you know Head Start is about more than preparing children for kindergarten? 💙

Head Start programs support early learning, healthy development, and family well-being, helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong success! 🌟This month, we're celebrating the educators, families, and programs that help our youngest learners grow, explore, and thrive.

💬 What's one thing your little one loves learning about?

10/15/2026

🎃👻 Little Costumes, Big Safety!
Halloween is almost here! Before your little ghosts, superheroes, and princesses head out for some spooky fun, make sure their costumes are safe, comfortable, and easy to move in! 🧡
✨ A few simple precautions can help make Halloween a fun and safe experience for the whole family.

10/14/2026

🎃👻 Get ready for a spook-tacular evening of family fun! 🍬✨
The Merced Lao Family Community, Inc. invites families to their upcoming Trunk or Treat! Bring your little ones dressed in their favorite costumes and enjoy a festive evening celebrating the Halloween season! 🧡🦇
🚗🍭 Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for some Halloween fun!
📅 Friday, October 16, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 1748 Miles Ct., Suite B, Merced, CA 95348
Interested in participating or volunteering? Contact the email on the flyer!

10/09/2026

🎨💬 Craft, connect, and create together!
Join the Boys & Girls Club of Merced County for Crafting Conversations: Mommy & Me, a 6-week program bringing families together through weekly parenting conversations and fun, hands-on activities! 💜
From paper crafts and DIY jewelry to painting, drawing, recycled art, and more, it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time together while connecting with other families. ✂️🖍️
📅 Wednesdays, October 14 – November 18, 2026
⏰ 10:00–11:30 AM
📍 1520 W. Main St., Merced
For more information, contact the Boys & Girls Club of Merced County.

10/08/2026

🎃🍂 Fall fun is coming to Merced! 🍁
Gather your family and friends for the 2nd Annual Fall Harvest Festival! Enjoy a day filled with live performances, delicious food, local vendors, kids’ activities, community resources, and plenty of family fun! 🧡
📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 936 W. 18th St., Merced, CA
🍁 Come celebrate the fall season, connect with your community, and make special memories with your little ones!

10/07/2026

🍂Share your favorite fall activity with us!
Fall is the perfect time to make sweet memories with your little ones! ✨

👀Swipe to see some of the First 5 Merced County team's fall favorites, then join the fun:
👇Drop your favorite activity in the comments!
🍎Tag a friend who needs a fall activity idea!
🧡Save this post for some family fun inspiration!

10/06/2026

It's Fire Prevention Week! 🔥🚒
Take a few minutes as a family to create and practice your home fire escape plan. Teaching little ones what to do in an emergency can help keep the whole family safe. ❤️🏡

10/02/2026

Merced Community Health Fair is happening this Sunday! Bring the family out for a morning focused on health, wellness, and community. 💚

📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Central California Alliance for Health - 530 W. 16th St., Merced
Stop by for FREE health screenings, information booths, snacks, drinks, entertainment, and more! There will also be opportunities to enter to win prizes, including bicycles and scooters. 🚲🎉
Check out the flyer for additional details and eligibility information for select services.

10/01/2026

✨ What a day to remember! ✨

Our 2026 Merced County Children’s Summit brought our community together for a day of learning, connection, recognition, and meaningful conversations around Children & Screens and the Power of Play. 💙

From our incredible keynote speakers and community partners to honoring this year’s Hands-on Heroes, every part of the day reminded us of what’s possible when we come together for Merced County’s children and families. 🌟

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, partners, attendees, and everyone who helped make this year’s Summit possible. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Here’s a little look back at some of the special moments from the day. 📸✨ Until next year!

09/25/2026

Give Like Dolly Day is TODAY, September 25!
Dolly Parton believed in giving back and helping children dream bigger—and this year, we’re celebrating that spirit right here in Merced County through Give Like Dolly Day.
On September 25, we’re inviting our community to join us in giving back to children by supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Merced County. Your support helps make it possible for children in our community to receive a free, high-quality book every month from birth to age 5.
Learn more and find out how you can support children in Merced County: https://qrco.de/bh1w9L

Address

260 E 15th Street
Merced, CA
95341

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

http://www.first5mercedcounty.org/

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