Caring for your mental well-being plays a vital role in your child's growth and resilience. Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, or just the everyday challenges of parenting, you don't have to do it alone. Explore resources: first5sanmateo.org/stronger-tog... #MentalHealthMonth

Happy #AANHPIHeritageMonth! Celebrate the history and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders with your little one through stories and play. PBS Kids has a free collection of videos celebrating AANHPI heritage — watch together: pbskids.org/videos/playl...

May is #MentalHealthMonth! What does mental health mean for young children? From birth, babies and young children build the social and emotional foundations that shape their development for life. Learn how you can support your young child's wellbeing: first5sanmateo.org/investing-in...

From the very beginning, feeling part of a community helps children thrive. When children participate in our quality care and education or family support programs, they can gain trust and security.

This Sunday, April 26, the joy of reading meets the love of baseball! SMC Libraries is co-hosting a free pre-game celebration at China Basin Park before the @sfgiants.com take on the Marlins at 1:05 PM. Get details and grab tickets: smcl.org/blogs/post/l...

What skills do children build when they build together? Building develops math, science, problem-solving, communication, and early social skills all at once. Play that fully engages children builds curiosity, initiative, and persistence.

Happy #WeekOfTheYoungChild! Celebrated by NAEYC, WOYC honors early childhood educators, families, & communities who make a difference in young children's lives.

True or false: Social & emotional skills are just as important as academic skills for success in school & beyond. True! Social and emotional skills help kids navigate challenges, build friendships, and manage emotions. Learn more about the 5 protective factors: first5sanmateo.org/the-5-protec...

In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week, join Supervisor Lisa Gauthier and San Mateo County Health for a screening of the PBS documentary "The Risk of Giving Birth" on Thursday, April 16 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Cinemark Century in Redwood City. Register today: www.smcgov.org/district-4/b...

San Mateo County has approved a new Maternal Health Trust Fund to address racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, with a focus on Black and Latina mothers. First 5 SMC applauds this important step toward health equity for all families. localnewsmatters.org/2026/03/25/s...

Every parent has challenges — stress, uncertainty, moments that feel overwhelming. In the first 5 years of life, children look to their parents for stability and comfort. That's why we offer resources to help parents build resilience. Find resources: first5sanmateo.org/resources/

Looking for a free, fun activity for your little one this week? Play & Learn with Help Me Grow SMC is a free, drop-in developmental playgroup for families with children ages 0-5, held every week at local SMC Libraries. Find times & locations: tinyurl.com/5etuefzt

April is National #ChildAbusePreventionMonth, and we’re shining a light on preventing child abuse and neglect by sharing five key protective factors that help strengthen and support families: first5sanmateo.org/the-5-protec...

Need help accessing healthy food for your family? @2ndharvest.bsky.social can help. They provide nutritious food to families across San Mateo County through food distributions, CalFresh enrollment support, and nutrition education programs: www.shfb.org #F5SMCResourceFriday

Every child develops at their own pace. We connect families to free developmental screenings through Help Me Grow San Mateo County. These screenings give you a detailed look at your child's development and can help identify areas where they may need support: helpmegrowsmc.org

Do children really hate vegetables? Answer: No! Children actually often love veggies, fruits, and other healthy foods when they're served regularly. Try offering cooked spinach, roasted carrots, or steamed pepper strips. www.first5california.com/en-us/articl... #NationalNutritionMonth

Did you know? #PlayOutsideDay is every first Saturday of the month! Outdoor play helps build strong bodies, healthy minds, social skills, and a love for exploration. SMC Parks offers free Junior Ranger programs, nature games & storytelling videos: www.smcgov.org/parks/for-yo...

Have questions about your child's development? Our resource library includes free support for families seeking guidance or raising children with developmental disabilities or delays. Explore the resource library: first5sanmateo.org/resources/ #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth

March is #NationalNutritionMonth and #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth! We're sharing resources to support healthy development for all children. Did you know that @smclibraries offer FREE meals for families? Find meal times: smcl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?st...

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we're shining a light on the need for equitable early learning opportunities. Neighborhoods of color often have fewer quality early learning options. We're working to support culturally affirming programs that help Black children thrive. first5sanmateo.org/nurturing-di...

How much should young kids move each day? According to @ameracadpeds.bsky.social, infants need at least 30 minutes of “tummy time” and kids aged 3-5 need at least 3 hours of physical activity per day. Learn more: www.healthychildren.org/English/heal... #F5SMCTriviaWednesday

Immigrant families are facing fear and uncertainty right now. Early childhood educators can be a source of safety and support.

Celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth with your family this Saturday, February 21 at Daly City's 34th Annual Black History Month Celebration at the Pacelli Event Center. Bring your family and join the celebration: www.dalycity.org/DocumentCent...

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we're celebrating how Black caregivers & teachers help create spaces where children see themselves reflected positively. When Black children see themselves in their caregivers, they build a strong sense of identity & belonging. first5sanmateo.org/nurturing-di...

When should your child have their first dental visit? By their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Early dental visits help prevent cavities and get your little one comfortable with the dentist. Find a dentist and learn more: first5sanmateo.org/caring-for-l...

Happy #LunarNewYear! If you're looking for a way to celebrate with your little ones, mark your calendars for Redwood City's 15th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 28. Find more details: www.redwoodcity.org/residents/re...

When should you start talking to your baby? Answer: From birth! Your baby's brain is developing from day one, & these everyday moments create important brain connections. Narrate what you're doing, sing silly songs, & read books. www.first5california.com/en-us/articl... #F5SMCTriviaWednesday

Celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth at San Mateo County Libraries! Musician Andre Thierry is bringing Zydeco music to libraries across the county. Your kids will dance, sing, and learn about the rich Creole culture of Southwest Louisiana.

Reading together is one of the best routines you can build with your child. Let's Read San Mateo County supports young readers with age-specific tips and milestones. Start building a love of reading today: letsreadsmc.org #EarlyLiteracy

Trivia: When should your child have their first dental visit? Answer: By age one. Learn about local oral health supports: first5sanmateo.org/caring-for-l... #F5SMCTriviaWednesday #OralHealth

Transitions can bring up big feelings for young children. Big Feelings, created by First 5 San Mateo County, offers tools to help parents support kids through routine changes and emotional moments. Learn more: first5sanmateo.org/big-feelings/ #BigFeelings #EarlyChildhood

The holidays can be challenging for families experiencing #domesticviolence. If you or someone you know needs support, CORA is here with 24/7 crisis support, safe housing, & resources for #SanMateoCounty families. Help is available at 800-300-1080 or corasupport.org.

Healthy beginnings start before birth! Explore prenatal programs, breastfeeding support, and infant health resources for families in San Mateo County. Find support here: first5sanmateo.org/for-parents-... #F5SMCResourceFriday #PrenatalSupport

First 5 San Mateo County mourns the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. Rob's vision and leadership through his advocacy for Proposition 10 made our work possible. He's pictured here in 2002 with the inaugural First 5 San Mateo County team.

Safe toys = happy childhoods. This #SafeToysMonth, check age labels & skip small parts.

Trivia: When should your child have their first dental visit? Answer: By age one. Learn about local oral health supports: first5sanmateo.org/caring-for-l... #F5SMCTriviaWednesday #OralHealth

Finding child care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We are proud to partner with 4Cs of San Mateo County, which offers free resources to help families explore child care options. Call (650) 517-1400 or visit: sanmateo4cs.org #F5SMCResourceFriday #ChildCare

Every day, child care providers across San Mateo County help families work, grow, and thrive. 💙 From center-based teachers to family child care providers, thank you for giving every child a strong start! #EarlyLearning #SanMateoCounty

What helps families stay strong during tough times? Things like resilience, social connections, and reliable support, help children grow up healthy and ready to learn. Learn more about the Five Protective Factors and why the first five years matter: first5sanmateo.org/the-5-protec...

Oral health supports every part of a child’s well-being. Learn how to find local dental care, insurance options, and tips for caring for your child’s teeth: first5sanmateo.org/caring-for-l... #F5SMCResourceFriday #OralHealth

We’re back for another #F5SMCTriviaWednesday! How much return does our community see for every dollar invested in early childhood? Answer: $7! Every dollar spent supporting young children saves future costs in education, health, and social services.

There are many ways families can support their children’s health and well-being. First 5 San Mateo County connects parents to local programs that help children grow strong and thrive. Learn more: first5sanmateo.org/resources/ #First5SanMateo #EarlyChildhood

This season, we’re grateful for the parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners who make #SanMateoCounty a place where young children can thrive. Thank you for supporting the healthy development and well-being of our youngest residents every day. #Thankful #EarlyChildhood #Community

Families can find affordable, multilingual therapy through One Life Counseling Center, featured on Big Feelings, F5SMC’s early childhood mental health resource. Services are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, and Mongolian.

It’s #F5SMCTriviaWednesday! At what age can developmental or emotional screenings start for young children? Answer: As early as infancy. Early help supports learning, emotional health, and resilience. Access screenings through Big Feelings here: first5sanmateo.org/list-of-supp...

Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to support your child. Big Feelings, from First 5 San Mateo County, shares local mental health resources and tools to help parents and caregivers care for their own well-being. Learn more: first5sanmateo.org/big-feelings...

Join us on Nov 21, 10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Serramonte Main Library for a Play & Learn event with Help Me Grow San Mateo County. Families with children ages 0–5 can enjoy play-based activities that support learning and development. Learn more: www.dalycity.org/Calendar.asp...

This #F5SMCResourceFriday, we’re spotlighting BrightLife Kids, a free video-based coaching service featured on Big Feelings, F5SMC’s early childhood mental health resource. They help parents navigate tantrums, transitions, and emotions. Learn more: first5sanmateo.org/list-of-supp...

San Mateo County families — we want to hear from you! Parents and caregivers of children 0-6 are invited to take a survey by December 5 to help us understand what families need and how we can strengthen outreach in support of young children.

We’re kicking off #F5SMCTriviaWednesdays, a new series sharing quick facts and insights about early childhood development. Trivia time: What’s one sign that a young child might need extra emotional support?