June, 2015 

Making Free Summer Pre-K a Reality

For 10 years First 5 Alameda County has funded a cohort of school districts to provide free Summer Pre-K programs. This last cohort focused on the challenge of sustainability—how to move these programs from F5AC funded strategies to activities run by the districts themselves. Through participation in the School Readiness Assessment, these districts proved that the Summer Pre-K programs are invaluable and are integral to the success of any K-12 system. Because of this great work, 9 of the 11 districts were able to develop sustainability plans, funding streams, and partners to continue their summer preschool programs.

One of the sites, San Leandro Unified School District (SLUSD), recognized the impact summer programs have on incoming students and secured the funding and the political support to keep these programs going. “The district is grateful for what we learned from our strong partnership with First 5 Alameda County… By having such a high quality and positive first school experience, children enter the classroom ready to learn.” said Sonal Patel, Director of Teaching, Learning and Educational Equity.  

 First 5 Alameda County, is thrilled to see how the SLUSD has contributed to their cohort’s understanding of what’s possible in school readiness program sustainability. They’ve managed to make these essential programs a continued reality by giving all children in San Leandro a strong start and benefiting the entire district for years to come.

To learn more about the program visit the SLUSD Summer Pre-K Camp website.

To learn more about First 5 Alameda County’s School Readiness work.

 

 

 F5AC Higher Education Reunion

 

Did you know that since 2000 First 5 Alameda County has assisted students through scholarships, mentorships, internships and learning communities? Here at F5AC, we know that a single positive role model can completely change the trajectory of a young person's life, and to make that possible, we need well-trained educators, as well as early education leaders and advocates.  This week, we convened influential early childhood stakeholders who have benefited from F5AC support for a mini-reunion. 

Janet (far left) received her MA and is working on a PhD at Mills College. Today she works as Director of Parent Services at Children’s Council of San Francisco, and serves as a San Lorenzo School Board member. Mierella (second from left) learned about F5AC via our Quality Counts program. “I would never have considered a doctorate without First 5” Mierella states, “Now here I am, just call me Doctor!” After getting her PhD in early education, she now works in child care quality management at WestEd. Joya (third from left) started her career at Bananas. With F5AC support, she worked her way from a BA to a PhD and now works at WestEd. Tasha (third from right) received support, networking opportunities and training from F5AC. She works on closing the achievement gap and on kindergarten readiness efforts for the City of Berkeley. Tracey (second from right) received a F5AC scholarship to achieve her masters’ and doctoral degrees from Mills College. She says, “Fear of student debt as a direct service provider is huge!”  Candida (far right) received a scholarship from F5AC to pursue a BA and MA from Mills College. Today she is proud to advocate for programs reducing barriers for early childhood students and professionals. 

 

Grantee Spotlight: Our Family Coalition & Pride Month

June is Pride month and we wanted to profile one of our longtime grantees, Our Family Coalition (OFC), an organization that works tirelessly to include the voice of LGBTQ families in Alameda County communities. 

The OFC mission is to advance equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer  families and children through support, education, and advocacy. OFC cultivates leadership among families and maintains strong partnerships with local community organizations, as well as statewide allies that advance LGBTQ social justice and inclusion. 

According to a 2007 study of Alameda County, 22% of same-gender couples have children, and the median household income of these same-gender couples is $9,000 less than different-gender married couples with children.  Breaking isolation and fostering community for LGBTQ families is at the center of what OFC does, hosting play-groups, child-development workshops, and forging new allies with groups like the YMCA, Lotus Bloom and Habitot Children’s Museum.  F5AC is so thrilled to be working with Our Family Coalition again—they do such important work connecting families to essential services and creating a sense of belonging.  As one parent said, on the way out of the annual LGBTQ Family Night at the Berkeley YMCA, “I never realized there were so many of us!” 

Read more about their work here.

F5AC Legislative Update

It’s a busy time of year for the California State Legislature and this year is full of opportunities to support early childhood! First 5 Alameda County, along with the First 5 Association, advocated for increasing the state budget for quality early care and education this spring. On June 24, Gov. Jerry Brown signed the 2015-16 Budget Act, which includes over $300 million in increased investments and important policy developments for early care and education. In addition, First 5 Alameda County has written letters in support of AB 50 - the Evidenced Based Home Visiting Program for California; supported efforts to increase developmental screenings; and advocated for improved access to quality child care. One promising development over the last couple of weeks: the Preschool for All Act passed out of the Assembly, and now awaits action in the Senate. As many of these efforts move through the legislature, we hope to see support from the Governor’s office for them this summer. We’ll keep you posted as news develops and if there are any opportunities to add your support!

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