FOR EDUCATORS

• Get your professional development hours! CECO is offering 12 new online professional development modules designed for early learning and care professionals in all roles and settings.  These modules offer engaging, interactive online learning experiences that present current and relevant content. In addition, each series provides purposeful activities, tools for reflection, and resources that extend the learning experience. Sign up here to access free training modules at California Early Childhood Online (CECO). 
• The next Community Care Licensing Webinar will be held on Tuesday, March 28 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. Additional dates for important info will be held on June 27, September 26 and December 12. Register here in advance. 
• MAOF is offering to reimburse ECE providers up to $100 for taking health and safety training. Take advantage of this generous offer by contacting MAOF at 831-757-0775. More information about this opportunity here.  
• Access MCOE's Early Care and Education Department virtual magazine for future professional development opportunities available for ECE providers here!
• ECE Community College students: Funds are available to help with tuition & textbooks. The funds will go fast, so share this application with those you know and apply early.

FOR FAMILIES

• The Central Coast Early Childhood Advocacy Network will be hosting their 2023 Parent Power Summit.  Join this Saturday, February 4 from 9:30am - 2:00pm. Flyers and registration info available here.
• It’s time to Enroll!
  • Greenfield is holding their PreK, TK and Kinder festival on Wednesday, February 15 from 2:30pm-5:30pm at the Greenfield Memorial Hall. Children’s activities and resources for your family will be available. 
  • MPUSD will be holding two events to help families enroll children in Infant care, Preschool,  TK and Kindergarten. Bring your documents on Friday, February 10 from 4:00 - 8:00pm at Cabrillo Family Resource Center (Monterey Adult School) or Saturday, February 11 from 10:00am-1:00pm at Monterey Peninsula College, Marina Campus. For more info, click here. 
  • The Early Learning program provides low income children and their families with quality childhood development programs and integrated support services. Register today! Full Day and Part Day Options are available at select sites. Share the flyer here.
• Find out what’s happening at the Salinas Library. Lots of fun activities for you and your family. Sign up for in person and online events including Toddler Tales, Lego Master Builders and Family Crafternoon. Fun for all!
• Save the date for the Marina CDC Resource Fair on Thursday, May 4 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Raffles, giveaways and connecting with others will be part of the fun. Be sure to be there and bring your family- 3066 Lake Drive, Marina. 
• Looking for childcare? Go to Montereycountychildcare.org or Mychildcareplan.org for help finding the right care for your child.

FOR ALL

• Salinas made headlines in EdSource! Check out this article about the collaboration between MCOE and the Every Kid Can Fly program. 
• Calling UPK Leaders! MCOE is hosting a 2 day Tri-County leadership event supporting P3 alignment through play- based and inquiry driven learning. Register by Tuesday, March 14 and share the flyer with colleagues.
• The RAPID survey results are in. If you participated, or are interested in knowing how families responded to this survey on their children’s growth, family support and goals, read the findings here.
• • Monterey County needs businesses that support families, both behind the scenes with strong family policies and in the public eye as a service to families. Ready to apply to become a Bright Beginnings Family Friendly Employer? It's easy! Learn more and certify your business here. Child Care businesses are encouraged to apply!
• Are you looking for full or part time employees? Check out the Jobspeaker link at Hartnell College to get your job listed and learn about ways to engage students as they enter the workforce. You can also complete the employer engagement interest form for other ways that employers can connect with Hartnell.
• The Resource and Referral Network provides data each year on the child care cost, availability and other important data. Monterey County’s most recent data is available here.
• • Are you or others you know interested in starting a child care business? MAOF is recruiting potential family child care homes in addition to offering free training, marketing, and up to $1,000 in support to new or expanding child care programs in Monterey County. Share these flyers with your friends and family or call MAOF at (831) 757-0775 to learn more.
• This Winter season, let’s gather in ways that limit the spread of respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu, and COVID-19. Check out ways to keep your family health by visiting the new HEALTH tab on the montereychildcare.org website.
• Need to find a COVID-19 testing or vaccine clinic in Monterey County? Visit MontereyCountyVaccines.com or find a location in the flyers: Free Testing and Free Vaccination sites.

• Newly released toolkit regarding COVID-19 boosters is available here. Some tough questions are answered, such as:
  • Should I get an updated COVID-19 booster if I’ve previously gotten a booster? 
  • What if I recently had COVID-19?
  • Can I get the updated COVID-19 booster if I haven’t been vaccinated yet?
  • What’s the status for booster doses for children under 12?
  • Can I mix and match my COVID-19 vaccine and booster?
• The CDC has developed a suite of materials to support communication about COVID-19 vaccines Click here to get the posters, flyers and resources for your program. Looking for some eye catching and diverse COVID-19 vaccine flyers? Check out the vaccine resource hub here and a video toolkit. 
• Families in your program may have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months and over. Here are some trusted sources of information to share:
  •  Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccines for Young Children from the California Childcare Health Program (CCHP)
  •  6 Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children from the CDC
  • What should parents know about the COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 5? From the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in English and Spanish
  • FAQs from Parents/Guardians about COVID-19 Vaccines from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in English and Spanish 
  • DHHS' Make Vaccine Shots Less Stressful and Painful for Your Child in English and Spanish
• Did you misplace your COVID-19 vaccine card? Sign up for a new digital vaccine card from the California Department of Public Health! Get a vaccine card here. 
• COVID vaccine books & videos for young children:
  • Download “A Shot for Potter & Spots” for free from First 5 Santa Clara County. 
  • Check out El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center’s toolkit that includes comic book-style materials about COVID-19 vaccines for children.
  • Monterey County’s superhero video in English and in Spanish.
• Do you think your program has a COVID-19 outbreak? When children are present and a child has tested positive in a child care setting, providers can complete this form and submit it to Monterey County Public Health. If a child has tested positive outside of that child care setting and does not attend the child care center, then providers may report the positive case here. 
• Want to know more about quarantine and isolation recommendations? Here’s the latest information from the CDPH. The guidance for child care programs is located here. 
• There is an interactive decision tree if you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 at your school site. Check out this easy-to-follow link. 
• The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) strongly recommends, but does not mandate, the use of face masks indoors. The latest guidance from CDPH on face masks is located here. 
• A publication from the CDPH - Masks for Kids - is available to show how particles spread with and without wearing a mask. Check out their flyer here. 
• California will be ending the COVID-19 state of emergency on February 28, 2023. California has fared much better than other large states in response and recovery regarding the pandemic, saving tens of thousands of lives and providing needed support to individuals, businesses and healthcare. An updated SMARTER Plan is available to review here.

• Safe sleeping practices are critical for babies! Visit this CCL page on Safe Sleep to see the latest regulations, sleeping plans, and videos. 
• Do you need a FAQ sheet to share with parents and staff? UCSF has an amazing resource for providers and parents with a variety of topics ranging from Autism to Vaccine Safety. All Fact Sheets are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese!
• Why are physical exams important for children? Physicals can help find and prevent medical, dental and mental/behavioral health issues before they become urgent. Get free health checks and immunizations at the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program. Check out and post these fliers to learn more. 
• You may be hearing that Monkey Pox is in Monterey County, however it is very rare in children. Dr. Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, has provided some information here that may reassure you. 
• Visit the 831 Breastfeeds website for information on how to support breastfeeding mothers and children in your community. 
• The Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program provides crucial services for families, children, and educators in Monterey County including current health informational presentations, training, free health checks, and immunizations. Check out these flyers to learn more. 
• Many of the chemicals we use for cleaning are actually meant to sanitize and disinfect. Most of the time, soap and water will do the job. This poster from CCHP helps you think about what tools are best for the job you’re doing. Check out this website from the UCSF California Child Care Health Program on safer cleaning and sanitizing products.

• Download the California Meals for Kids mobile app today. The app makes it easy for families and caregivers to find afterschool meal locations. Download the app here. Access WIC nutrition support here. 
• Esperanza Care of Monterey County is available to low-income residents who do not qualify for Medi-Cal and have no other insurance. Applications can be obtained from the Monterey County Health Department, Natividad Medical Center, or Pacific Health Alliance at (800) 533-4742. 
• Workers who have questions about their rights including unemployment, keeping workplaces safe, temporary housing, and other questions during the pandemic can call the California COVID-19 hotline at 1-833-422-4255 or go to the California for All COVID-19 page here. 
• FEMA will offset COVID-19 related funeral or burial expenses for eligible persons in the US. Our thoughts go out to those who have lost a loved one during the pandemic. Click here for more information and apply by calling (844)684-6333.

• Engage pre-k learners by following their interests! Educators can make a difference- watch this compelling video from Edutopia. 
• New Multilingual Learning Toolkit Updates! October marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Multilingual Learning Toolkit website. To celebrate this milestone, Early Edge California and partners have developed exciting new enhancements to the Toolkit. Take a look!
• Tips on how to talk about diversity and racism with young children. Check out what First 5 Monterey County has shared:
  • The 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
  • Resources for Teachers and Families
  • Coming Together and the ABC’s of Racial Justice from Sesame Street in Communities includes information on how adults can talk about race, prejudice, and skin color. More tips and activities from SSIC are available here. 
• Early Start provides free services to infants and toddlers (0-3 years) with disabilities and their families. The San Andreas Regional Center serves Monterey County and can provide speech, occupational and physical therapy, nutrition, nursing, and other services. Flyers and information to share with providers and parents are available to help understand the importance of early intervention and prevention. Click here for more information. 
• Play Based Learning (or Guided Play) works better than direct instruction for young learners, especially for math and spatial skills. Read more in this Edutopia article!
• Want to track your child’s developmental milestones? Check out the milestone tracker app from Learn the Signs, Act Early to track your child’s development and act early if you have a concern.
• The Center for Disease Control has released an immunization tracker for children 0-6 years old. Click here to view and download the tracker.
• Looking for simple ways to help children with math? Check out these fun videos for all ages. 
• Free toolkit to prepare for natural disasters for those working with children and youth. Take a look at this great resource, which takes a trauma-informed approach to working with and being ready to help. 
• Inclusion Works is great for children with and without disabilities!. Get your copy here.

• Little kids have big emotions! Teaching your child to stay calm sets them up for success. Check out this toolkit and video of the Dragon song that helps regulate breathing in children (and adults!) and keeps you calm. 
• Children love to help! Take a look at a 5 minute exercise that supports cooperation, kindness and accomplishment from the Greater Good Science Center. 
• Creating Safe, Stable, Nurturing Relationships and Environments for Children is a free resource from the CDC. It is a collaboration between various experts including the California Department of Public Health, Department of Social Services, Child Abuse Prevention, and others to highlight positive ways to elevate primary prevention and positive parenting. Check out this informative resource and share it with your community.
• Great ideas on designing classrooms that promote kindness. Here’s a link to an article on classroom design from The Greater Good Science Center.
• Need help finding mental health resources for kids, families or school staff? Check out this back to school resource from California Health and Human Services. 
• Navigate meltdowns, tantrums and opportunities to bond with your preschooler. Learn about your preschooler’s emotional development in this First 5 California link.
• There is a new federal phone number for people experiencing mental health emergencies — 988. Share the 988 toolkit here. 
• Grief services for kids, teens, and adults by Coastal Kids Home Care. Funeral assistance associated with COVID-19 as well as other support is available from the Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey County. See flyers here. 
• Does your child need more emotional or mental health support than you can provide? The Kinship Center Mobile Response Team provides immediate services to families with a child or youth (ages 0-21) experiencing a mental or emotional health crisis - big or small. Services are available M-F 8:00am-10:00pm, S-S from 11:00am-9:00pm and by calling their 24/7 hotline at (831) 687-4379.
• Free consultation services from the California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Network.  Professionals are available to promote social-emotional health and wellbeing of children and the adults who care for them. For a free consultation, call 877-524-2422 or visit cibc-ca.org. 
• Parents can help children prepare for stressful moments by talking about feelings with their children to encourage healthy emotional development. Check out this great resource from Child Care Aware. 
• Practicing some simple mindfulness activities with your children can help both adults and children when they are feeling anxious or stressed. Zero to Three provides some easy activities to do with your children that can be fun and beneficial for your emotional health! Check out their activities here.

• ECE Community College students: Funds are available to help with tuition & textbooks. The funds will go fast, so share this application with those you know and apply early.
• Interested in starting a family child care business? Online classes (in English and Spanish) are available for you! Share these flyers in your community. Contact Carmen Herrera at El Pajaro (831) 722-1224 or  Maria Ortiz at the MAOF Resource and Referral at 831-757-0775 for information.
• Join the Hartnell ECE Apprenticeship Program and earn while you learn. Get a paid job in a classroom while taking ECE courses in the evening. Also, a pre-apprenticeship is available for English Language Learners. Visit here for more info.
• Looking for resources to help build a child care facility? Check out this link from BuildUp for resources.
• Check out the Building Businesses Back (BBB) website to find grants, loans, workshops, and other resources for your small business. They can help with child care businesses, too! Check out this webinar recording here.
• Are you or others you know interested in starting a child care business? MAOF is recruiting potential family child care homes in addition to offering free training, marketing, and up to $1,000 in support to new or expanding child care programs in Monterey County. Share these flyers with your friends and family or call MAOF at (831) 757-0775 to learn more.
• Community Care Licensing has numerous FAQs for ECE settings. Be sure to check the website for the most updated information here. 
• Interested in starting a business (including a family child care), but not sure where to start? Register at the Empresari@ class for 13 virtual training classes and learn how to get a loan and other capital opportunities. Register for classes here or call 831-722-1224.
• Monterey County needs businesses that support families, both behind the scenes with strong family policies and in the public eye as a service to families. Ready to apply to become a Bright Beginnings Family Friendly Employer? It's easy! Learn more and certify your business here. Child Care businesses are encouraged to apply!
• Create a caring classroom! Here are some tips for teachers who want to create a responsive and nurturing environment for early learners. 
• If you are reading this, you are likely a mandated reporter for suspected child abuse. Click here for some answers to questions about reporting.
• There has been a recall of the Kidde TruSense Smoke and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms. This device can fail to alert you to a fire. See the PIN from Community Care Licensing here for the recall information and how to identify if your device is on the recall list. 
• Poisonings are preventable. The key to prevention is knowing where the resources are to help you act fast. Know the poison control number! It’s 1-800-222-1222.

• Curious about the statistics behind child care and access in Monterey County? Take a look at new data on where child care is by zip code here (click on the green Monterey County Child Care Access Map button). This is just a start of the kinds of data Bright Beginnings and its partners will be sharing over the next months, as we work together to improve access to child care in our community.
• Did you know that Monterey County received an additional $351,747 in one-time funds to increase family child care spaces? This funding is called the Child Care Incentive Project (CCIP)-ARPA funding and is provided through MAOF’s Resource and Referral program. Funds are available to help family child care programs that closed during the pandemic re-open, stay open, or expand their current license and for new family child care programs to become licensed. Contact Maria Ortiz, 831-757-0775, at MAOF for more information. 
• Want to know how much ARPA funding came into California and Monterey County? Check out this interactive tool that provides a breakdown by state, county, and city. 
• Want to know more about Preschool through Third Grade (P-3) Alignment? Check out this page from the California Department of Education and this summary on the challenges and opportunities in California. 
• Where are all the child care workers? As California tries to rebound, child care providers are not coming back to their jobs. Check out this article by Cal Matters that shines light on the problem.
• Take a look at the important panel discussion: Childcare is Everyone’s Business sponsored by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s 7th Annual State of the Region Conference. Francine Rodd of First 5 Monterey County and Sonja Koehler of Bright Beginnings joined other speakers to discuss childcare workforce shortages, low wages, and the cost of childcare. Click this link to watch!
• Monterey County is one of the coastal communities that may be seeing a long term decline in K-12 enrollment. See this projection from EdSource that shows Monterey County with a projected 14.66% drop by 2031. 
• Want to know more about how the disparity in funding at the school level impacts equity for children? Check out this eye opening article from Forbes on school funding inequities.
• Take a look at this interactive Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap, which measures the wellbeing of infants and toddlers in each state and shows the progress toward adopting statewide solutions.
• Why do some districts offer TK and others don’t? This article by EdSource gives some insight into why some districts are reluctant to provide TK to their communities. 
• California’s recovery starts with child care! Read and share this fact sheet with advocates to support the early childhood workforce and recovery efforts. Get the fact sheet here. 
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation released its report on the Importance of Childcare to U.S. Families and Businesses and cross-sector solutions to recover from COVID-19. Feel free to use this publication in your efforts.