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Bright Beginnings Newsletter
January 2021
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Together, We Are All Leaders


“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

While sometimes we turn to our leaders for inspiration, we each can also be leaders in our own community. Our actions and words matter, especially for our children who look to us. Here are some tools for us to use to better help children talk about and process current events: How to Talk to Children About Coronavirus and Resources to Talk About Race and Diversity.

As we reflected yesterday on his legacy, we were reminded that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. also consistently urged us to work together, and for each other: “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” Let each of us do what we can to together prepare all children for life and for school.

Continue reading to hear about recent early childhood development news both statewide and locally, upcoming opportunities, and resources for parents and families.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Like and share the good work we all do together, through the Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative.

NEWS + UPDATES

Elsa Mendoza Jimenez Appointed to First 5 California Commission

Congratulations Elsa!


We are thrilled to share that the director of the Monterey County Health Department, Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, MPH, has been appointed to the First 5 California Commission by Governor Gavin Newsom! Elsa has been a fearless advocate for children and families in Monterey County and a long time supporter of the Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative. Congratulations to Elsa and we are excited to see what your leadership can accomplish! Read the KION article to learn more here.

First 5 Monterey County is planning a local swearing-in Ceremony for Elsa at the beginning of their F5MC Commission meeting. Please join us virtually via Facebook Live on January 25 at 9:00am.

Building on the Vision of Parents in Salinas

Coming Soon: Buckhorn Early Learning Center


From June 2015-June 2016, the Bright Beginnings Salinas Collaborative Action Team engaged parents in a listening campaign, culminating in a common vision to support parent engagement and advocacy for children. Since then, we have seen a deeper commitment through Mamas de Salinas Abogan, Building Healthy Communities' Padres Unidos, and other grass-root initiatives.

One of the newest efforts is a parent advisory committee for the new Buckhorn Early Learning Center in the Alisal Union School District (AUSD). On December 8, 27 parents, community partners, and AUSD administrators and educators gathered to start building relationships and support the opening of the center. Parents voiced their shared desire for: quality service, a safe space for children, social and emotional support, extended day for working parents, inclusion for all kids, and empowering parents. 

Parents of young children in the AUSD are welcome to join next meeting on Tuesday, February 2 at 4:30pm. Learn more about enrollment at the Center, how to prepare your child to be ready for preschool (e.g., signs of separation anxiety), and to meet elected officials. Details will be posted here and on AUSD and Bright Beginnings social media. 

The Buckhorn Early Learning Center is expected to open for the 2021-22 school year. To learn more about this new center, please click here.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

Virtual Advocacy Day

January 21 | 9:30am - 4:00pm


Join us for a Virtual Child Care Advocacy Day on Thursday, January 21 to support children and families, end child poverty, and support child care in California. The fully virtual event kicks off at 9:30am with an advocate training and legislative briefings followed by legislative meetings from 11:30am to 4:00pm.

Learn more and register here

Parent Power Summit

January 26 | 2:00 - 4:00pm


The Parent Power Summit is coming up on Tuesday, January 26 from 2:00 - 4:00pm. Register today for the opportunity to connect and learn with other Central Coast parent leaders and advocates working to support thriving children and families. Attendees will learn about:
  • Positive parenting & self-care
  • Storytelling & public communication
  • Advocating for children with special needs
  • Working with schools

Learn more and register here.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS + FAMILIES

Local COVID-19 Testing & Vaccines

Monterey County is rolling out COVID-19 vaccines, as vaccinations become available and according to state guidelines. Bright Beginnings partners are coordinating with the Health Department and others to ensure the process is smooth and as quick as possible for early educators. At this point, an available date is unknown. Stay up-to-date here on the county’s website. For the most current information and a list of free testing sites in Monterey County click here.

COVID-19 Response Scenario Map 

Monterey County Office of Education and the Monterey County Health Department have provided a scenario map to help programs respond to cases of COVID-19. Use this communication and action sheet to help you make the right decisions for families and children in your community.

Mental Health

Does your child need more emotional or mental health support than you can provide? The Kinship Center Mobile Response Team provides immediate services to families with a child or youth (ages 0-21) experiencing a mental or emotional health crisis - big or small. Services are available M-F 8:00am-10:00pm, S-S from 11:00am-9:00pm and by hotline 24/7 at (831) 687-4379.

Find Child Care

Are you looking for child care? The Monterey County Child Care website is the source 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 flyers and promotional materials on your website and social media channels.

Distance Learning Support

Need help with distance learning for your school-age child? Families and providers in Monterey County who need help with distance learning can get support from their school district's technology department. Click here for a list of district online tech support links. 

Distance Learning for Special Needs Children

Need support helping your child with special needs during distance learning? Click here for an article from the Greater Good Science Center that may help, and feel free to subscribe — it’s free! 

Free Wifi

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.

For more information on additional free hotspots and reduced rates on broadband internet, click here for resources from the Central Coast Broadband Consortium.

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. 
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