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Goodbye 2020
What has made 2020 stand out? Many things, and as we go deep into the winter season, we reflect on what has brought light into a year with much darkness. Here are a few moments that stand out for us:
We are uplifted by the broad recognition that child care and education is a cornerstone to the wellbeing of individuals, businesses, and the economy. Read about it in the Salinas Valley Business Journal (see page 16).
We are humbled by the grace and endurance of the child care and education providers who keep their doors open and embrace distance learning, and of those that had to temporarily shutter to keep everyone safe. We’ve fared better than some, as recently heard on the news. Our informal care networks have stepped up to the plate, too. You are true heroes.
We pay our respect to all who have been impacted by COVID-19 and local wildfires by staying smart and safe through the holidays. Let’s keep wearing face coverings, washing hands, keeping physical distance, not gathering outside our households, and getting tested. We can keep this up for just a while longer — it will make 2021 all the sweeter.
There is so much more — take a look on Facebook and Instagram. Like and share the good work you all do together, through the Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative.
Most of all, our hearts are warmed by the stories of resilience of families and the joyous smiles of our young ones. Together, we do our best to ensure they have what they need in these times.
Goodbye 2020. Hello 2021!
NEWS
Together WE Raise Monterey County
2020 has been an exhausting year. People of all ages are being taxed physically, mentally, and emotionally, so finding ways to address our overall well-being is important.
For the first time ever, First 5 Monterey County is participating in Monterey County Gives!F5MC has had tremendous support and are almost to their first goal of raising $25,000! With a donation through MCGives!, more than 1600 local children will benefit from First 5 Monterey County mental health training.
The Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce recently published an article written by First 5 Monterey County Senior Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Manager Nina Alcaraz highlighting tips and resources to take care of yourself, your immediate circle, and help bolster our community. Check it out on page 16 here.
Be sure to watch F5MC’s short video and consider giving the gift of mental health to local families and children this giving season here.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS + FAMILIES
Local COVID-19 Resources
Read about how our county is bracing for new state health orders, what to do if someone was sick at a holiday gathering, and the most current free testing sites in the Monterey County COVID-19 Community Newsletter, available in both English and Spanish. To learn more about the new stay at home order for Monterey County, click here.
Are you looking for child care? The Monterey County Child Care website is the central point 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 the flyer, and use promotional materials on your website and social media channels.
Talking about Diversity + Racism with Young Children
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.
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.
We want to hear from you!
Do you have early childhood development resources or upcoming opportunities and community events that you'd like to share with us? Click here to let us know!
Want to read or share this newsletter in another language? Click here to view this email in your web browser and then select "Translate" at the upper right-hand corner to choose your preferred language.
