The Fruits of Our Labor

Bright BeginningsAdvocacy, Community

First Day in a Kindergarten Classroom Caryn Lewis, Assistant Superintendent for Monterey County Office of Education, reflects on her annual visit to a local kindergarten classroom. Caryn is a leader within the Bright Beginnings movement, where we are working together to make sure that …

Labor of Love | September 6th

Bright BeginningsAdvocacy, Community, Events

Are you pregnant or thinking about it? Pregnant women and families are invited to “Labor of Love,” an annual, free community baby shower event offering health resources, gifts for baby, free car seat checks and much more! Join us September 6th …

Leadership Program Supports the Philanthropic Sector

Bright BeginningsAdvocacy, Community

The Casey Foundation’s Results Count™ usually bring together leaders in government and nonprofit organizations to move deliberately toward greater impact and better results. Now the Foundation is offering the opportunity to a small group of funders who are building their capacity …

Annual Breastfeeding Walk

Bright BeginningsAdvocacy, Community, Events

The 12th Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Walk and Health Fair, held on August 7th at the Salinas WIC office on Alisal Street, was attended by over 450 participants from around Monterey County. Highlights of the day included the Wheelie Mobilee Interactive Kids …

Early Childhood Innovations and Research

Bright BeginningsAdvocacy

Community-based Playgroups Can Help Prepare Families for School The Down East Partnership for Children in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is highlighting the educational importance of child-directed play by hosting twice-monthly playgroups for families in an economically-depressed area of the state, …

Connecting with Immigrant Families

Bright BeginningsAdvocacy, Community

Resources around Public Charge With the increased media attention, immigrant families are concerned about what the public charge threat means for them. The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) and the National Immigration Law Center have developed a new resource with …

Help Children Reach their Unique Potential

Bright BeginningsAdvocacy, Community

BECOME A FIRST 5 MONTEREY COUNTY COMMISSIONER First 5 Monterey County, also known as Monterey County Children and Families Commission is seeking candidates to serve on its board of Commissioners.  The recruitment is open to fill one upcoming vacancy in …

Social-Emotional Development Resources

Bright BeginningsAdvocacy, Community

Check out a few social-emotional development resources provided for FREE from Brookes Publishing. Print your Growing Strong calendar, and get beautiful photos and new social-emotional tips every month! Click here to learn more. Attention teachers: It’s the summer of self-care! Download Strategies for Student Support …