First 5 Monterey County

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Salinas, CA
First 5 Monterey County

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!

05/29/2026

Big change starts with small actions—and staying connected is one of them. 💛

Sign up for our newsletter to learn about community updates, resources, advocacy efforts, and ways you can support young children and families. 📬

Together, we can help build stronger futures.

🔗 Subscribe through the link in our bio!

05/27/2026

Come visit First 5 Monterey County at the Open House & Resource Fair! 🎈💛

We’re looking forward to seeing our community and hope you’ll stop by our table for crafts, family resources, and a chance to connect with us.

Enjoy a free afternoon of games, food, raffle prizes, community services, and fun for the whole family!

📍 730 La Guardia Street, Salinas
🗓 Friday, June 12, 2026
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM

See you there!

05/25/2026

💛 Every family deserves access to clear and trusted information.

The Protecting Immigrant Families coalition created short explainer videos to help immigrant families better understand important topics like public charge, program eligibility, data privacy, housing concerns, and more.

Videos are available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin to help make these resources accessible to more families in our community. 🌎✨

📹 View and share the videos in our bio.

05/22/2026

🌟 First 5 Monterey County January Commission Meeting highlights!🌟

👉🏽 Visit our website in our bio for full meeting minutes.

Join us for our next meeting on June 22, 2026 from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM

05/18/2026

Every child deserves support, connection, and the chance to thrive. 💚

The new BrightLife Kids impact report highlights how California families are accessing free behavioral health coaching and support for children ages 0–12 — helping families navigate emotions, school challenges, sleep, stress, and more.

Mental health support matters, especially in the early years. We’re grateful to see resources expanding for children and caregivers across California.

Learn more about the impact of BrightLife.kids and how to get started in our bio

05/15/2026

📚💚 May Book of the Month: The Rabbit Listened 💚📚

A gentle and meaningful story about big feelings, empathy, and the power of simply being there for someone.
Reading together creates opportunities for connection, comfort, and conversation — all important parts of supporting children’s mental health and emotional development.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re celebrating books that nurture emotional wellness for the whole family. ✨

Visit the link in our bio to read along and share and share some ways your family talks about feelings at home? 💬📖

05/13/2026

Did you know there are programs that can help families enjoy California’s beautiful state parks for free or at a reduced cost? 🌲☀️

At First 5 Monterey County, we love sharing resources that support family wellness, outdoor play, and quality time together.

Here are a few programs families may qualify for:

📚 Free Park Passes Through Your Local Library
Many library card holders can check out a California State Library Parks Pass for free day-use entry.

🐻 Golden Bear Pass
Provides free vehicle day-use access for eligible Californians, including seniors and individuals receiving CalWORKs, SSI, or Tribal TANF.

🏕️ Adventure Pass for 4th Graders
Fourth-grade students and their families can visit select state parks at no cost.

⭐ Veterans & Disability Discounts
Lifetime passes and reduced fees are available for qualifying individuals.

Explore parks near you and learn more at Parks.ca.gov 🌿

05/12/2026

The Central Coast Early Childhood Advocacy Network gathered parent leaders, advocates, and community partners from San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties for a powerful day of connection, storytelling, and advocacy preparation! 💜

Together, we prepared for legislative visits, strengthened our stories, and continued building collective power for children and families across the Central Coast. Thank you to everyone who showed up ready to lead, connect, and create change.

05/11/2026

Did you know? 📖
Reading 15 minutes a day helps build your child’s language skills and prepares them for school success. It is a fun, sweet break for all of you!

Try adding reading into your daily routine:
✔ Before bedtime
✔ After dinner
✔ During quiet time

Let your child choose the book and make it fun!
💡 The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection and consistency.

05/08/2026

1 in 5 moms experience a maternal mental health condition like depression or anxiety. 💛

That means many families in our community may be struggling—often silently.

You are not alone. These feelings are common, and support is available. Talking to a provider, a trusted friend, or a support group can make a difference.

💬 Local support is here for you:
Connect with Parenting Connection of Monterey County for support, resources, and parent connections. You can also call or text their Postpartum Warmline at 831-783-5933.

Let’s break the stigma by checking in, listening, and showing up for one another.

Address

1125 Baldwin Street
Salinas, CA
93906

Website

https://linktr.ee/f5montereycounty

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