Resources for Parents + Families

Bright BeginningsUncategorized

Local COVID-19 Testing & Vaccines

Monterey County is rolling out COVID-19 vaccines, as vaccinations become available and according to state guidelines. Bright Beginnings partners are coordinating with the Health Department and others to ensure the process is smooth and as quick as possible for early educators. At this point, an available date is unknown. Stay up-to-date here on the county’s website. For the most current information and a list of free testing sites in Monterey County click here.

COVID-19 Response Scenario Map 

Monterey County Office of Education and the Monterey County Health Department have provided a scenario map to help programs respond to cases of COVID-19. Use this communication and action sheet to help you make the right decisions for families and children in your community.

Mental Health

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 hotline 24/7 at (831) 687-4379.

Find Child Care

Are you looking for child care? The Monterey County Child Care website is the source for up-to-date information for child care and education during the pandemic. Individuals can either call the Resource & Referral line (831) 757-0775 (available 24/7 in Spanish and English) or visit the Monterey County Child Care website here.

Access our Partner Toolkit to download and share flyers and promotional materials on your website and social media channels.

Distance Learning Support

Need help with distance learning for your school-age child? Families and providers in Monterey County who need help with distance learning can get support from their school district’s technology department. Click here for a list of district online tech support links. 

Distance Learning for Special Needs Children

Need support helping your child with special needs during distance learning? Click here for an article from the Greater Good Science Center that may help, and feel free to subscribe — it’s free! 

Free Wifi

Hotspots and community wifi are crucial now more than ever to local Monterey County families. Click here for a map of FREE wireless internet access for students and families across Salinas. And click here to learn how to access FREE wifi in the parking lots and outdoor areas of your local libraries and colleges.

For more information on additional free hotspots and reduced rates on broadband internet, click here for resources from the Central Coast Broadband Consortium.

Free Charging Stations at Libraries

Are you in need of a charging station? Visit any of these Monterey County Free Libraries to charge up your device! Services started on Tuesday, November 10th.