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Smart Kids: Ready Cities

October 11, 2012

Neighborhood Partnerships for Kids

Teachers and researchers agree: quality child care and preschool experiences help children succeed in school and life. But not every family can afford these resources. According to Preschool California, only 13 percent of low-income children are enrolled in high-quality early learning programs. The achievement gap starts before kindergarten! That's why First 5 Alameda County launched the ground-breaking Neighborhood Partnership project in 2009 with six city libraries and park and recreation departments* - to "level the playing field" for infants, toddlers and preschoolers raised in high-need, multilingual, multicultural neighborhoods. The project served more than 1,000 families in its first 18 months. Approximately 60% of the children were not enrolled in licensed child care.

Linking Play and Literacy

First 5 invested funding, training and consultation so partners could provide playgroups, story times, parenting workshops, and take-home activities in the neighborhoods where families live. More than 80% of the families surveyed were "very satisfied" with their experiences. Hayward Public Library's "Learn and Play" program now has a waiting list of more than three months! For detailed descriptions of each community project, click here.

Seeds to Grow?

Neighborhood Partners and friends (including City of Hayward Mayor, Michael Sweeney, and Catherine Atkin, President of Preschool California) met recently at The California Endowment's Oakland offices to discuss the partnership's next steps. Grantees were praised for their effective use of First 5 seed grants and training, while foundations, government agencies and child advocacy organizations were asked to step up and help support and sustain these successful partnerships. Identified needs include opportunities for staff professional development, community agency collaborations, and monetary or in-kind support of programs and materials. As Mayor Sweeney emphasized, quality early learning is a proven long-term investment for our cities, county and country!

* Members of First 5's Neighborhood Partnership:

Alameda Free Library

Alameda Recreation and Park Department

City of Berkeley, Recreation Division

City of Union City Leisure Services

Hayward Public Library

Oakland Public Library