First 5 Monterey County

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First 5 Monterey County...making a difference in the lives of young children in the first 5 years of life. Visit us at www.first5monterey.org!

10/21/2026

🦚💙 Book of the Month: Birds of a Feather by Sita Singh! 📚

This month, we’re celebrating a beautiful story that’s also making its way into homes through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL)! 💌📚

In this beautifully illustrated story, Mo, a white peacock, discovers that what makes him different is also what makes him special. His journey reminds us that we don’t have to be like everyone else to shine! ✨

Reading together helps children build confidence, celebrate differences, and discover the joy of kindness, friendship, and belonging. 💛

📖 If your family receives books through DPIL, keep an eye out for this special story! Snuggle up, read together, and remind your little one that being uniquely YOU is something to celebrate. 🥰

10/20/2026

Choose Children Gubernatorial Forum: Tune In!

California’s youngest children and their families deserve to be a priority!

The Choose Children coalition recently welcomed gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton for a bilingual town hall to discuss their plans to support young children, families, and early childhood development.

📺 Tune in today, Tuesday, October 20, at 7 p.m.! Watch the one-hour town hall on Univision 67 locally or click the link in our bio to watch online.

Hear directly from the candidates as they share their plans for California’s youngest children and families. Together, we can keep early childhood a priority and ensure families’ voices are heard in California’s future!

10/19/2026

🏆 A national recognition for the power of partnership!

First 5 Monterey County and our local partners have received the inaugural Arthur Mallory Honorary Partnership Award from Parents as Teachers National! 🎉

This award celebrates decades of collaboration among First 5 Monterey County, Door to Hope, GoKids, North Monterey County Unified School District, and Monterey County Department of Social Services to support children and families.

By working together....

To read more click on the link in our bio & don't forget to sign up for our newsletter

10/16/2026

Today, we hold space for grief, honor the life that was lived, and recognize the impact Dr. Julia Pederson, former First 5 Monterey County Commissioner, made on our community.

"Julia was a beloved pediatrician and First 5 Monterey County Commissioner for five years," says Francine Rodd, First 5 Monterey Executive Director, "Her love and care were evident and her dedication to all children and families was valued. This is a horrific loss for all of us. She will be sorely missed."

Julia's kindness shared, the relationships built, and the moments that touched others do not simply disappear. Her spirit continues in the ways we show up for one another.

May we meet this loss with compassion and care for her loved ones and family. ❤️

10/15/2026

🚲💛 F5MC at King City Ciclovía!

We had a great time connecting with families and community members at King City Ciclovía on October 11! Our First 5 Monterey County team was out in the community sharing resources, answering questions, and helping families learn more about programs and services available to them.

Events like Ciclovía bring our community together to move, connect, and have fun—and we’re grateful to be part of it!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table and to the King City community for welcoming us. 💛

10/13/2026

📻 Tune in to Radio Bilingüe on October 14!

We’re excited to share that our very own Ramona McCabe, Director of Programs at First 5 Monterey County, will be joining Brenda Corona, Bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) from the County of Monterey’s Early Childhood Services Team for a special radio interview.

They’ll be talking about young children, families, and the importance of supporting mental health and strong relationships during the early years. 💛

Ramona brings years of experience supporting early childhood programs and families in Monterey County, while Brenda has worked in the mental health field since 2009 and specializes in supporting young children ages 0–5 and their families.

🎙️ Tune in October 14 to listen and learn!

📻 Radio Bilingüe
📅 October 14
💛 Join us in spreading the word and tuning in!

10/12/2026

Today, we honor Indigenous peoples, cultures, histories, and traditions.

For children, learning about the people and stories that have shaped the places they call home is an important part of understanding community and connection.

Today is an opportunity to listen, learn, honor Indigenous voices, and recognize the enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples—here in Monterey County and throughout our region.

May we help the next generation grow up with curiosity, respect, and a deeper understanding of the history of the place we call home. 💛

10/09/2026

Thank you to Ventures for hosting an impactful third annual Co-Op Day and creating space to discuss the future of the care economy. First 5 Monterey County is honored to join this conversation and elevate the importance of child care across our region. Quality child care not only builds the developmental foundation for our children’s future, but it also provides immediate economic stability for families and fuels the long-term vitality of Monterey County. Read the full article in our bio to see how local leaders and entrepreneurs are working together.

10/08/2026

🚲💛 First 5 Monterey County at Ciclovía Salinas!

We had such a great time getting out into the community for Ciclovía Salinas! It was a beautiful day filled with movement, connection, families, and plenty of smiles. ☀️

We loved meeting families, sharing resources, and celebrating the importance of creating communities where children and families have opportunities to play, connect, explore, and thrive. 🌱

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, visit our table, and spend the day moving and having fun together!

We’re grateful to be part of a community that makes space for healthy, joyful childhoods. 💛🚲

10/05/2026

For families, child care is about so much more than finding someone to watch their child. 💛

It can mean being able to go to work.
It can mean going back to school.
It can mean keeping a job, paying the bills, and building a future for your family.

But for many parents, finding affordable, high-quality child care can mean navigating long waitlists, high costs, limited options, and difficult choices.

When families have access to quality child care, children have opportunities to learn, play, build relationships, and thrive—and parents have the support they need to pursue their own goals.

Child care is family support.
Child care is economic support.
And child care is an important part of a strong early childhood system. 🌱

We’re sharing this resource from ZERO TO THREE because these challenges are not abstract—they are part of the everyday experiences of families and early educators across the country.

Read more in our bio: ZERO TO THREE: How America’s Child Care Crisis Impacts Parents

Address

1125 Baldwin Street
Salinas, CA
93906

Website

https://linktr.ee/f5montereycounty

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