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Bright Beginnings Newsletter
February/March 2021
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Celebrating Spring, Celebrating the Young Child


This child’s tee declares “Future Leader.” What would happen if we saw her as a current leader? Children see the world with wonder, a sense of exploration, a beginner's mind — qualities we seek in our leaders, especially those that bring the kind of change that ensure equity and inclusion as well as care, opportunity, and well-being for all. 

Our local leaders are changing the systems that serve our young children and families, bringing the fresh, spring-like voice of renewal and hope. Read how the Mamas de Salinas Abogan are maintaining a strong presence in our county and school board chambers; and how partners in the early learning system are ensuring that those caring for children are recognized as essential and vaccinated against COVID-19. Listen to Dr. Rosemarie Allen share teaching practices that unpack privilege and power at the ALL IN for Equity conference on April 10. 

On April 6 at about 10:30am, tune in to the Board of Supervisors meeting, as First 5 Monterey County supports the County in passing a resolution proclaiming April 10-17, 2021 as Week of the Young Child. The meeting agenda and login information will be posted here by Friday, April 2.

It’s also the date of the County budget workshop. We invite you to make a two-minute public comment on why the county should continue to invest in Bright Beginnings and the systems that support early childhood. Contact Sonja@BrightBeginningsMC.org if you are interested and want help drafting comments — or she might reach out to you!

Share and like the work we all do together through Bright Beginnings to build equitable systems that seed hope and let change blossom. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Read our Annual Report here. Sign up for our weekly digest with up-to-date COVID-19 related info and resources here, and read previous issues here.

NEWS + UPDATES

Vaccine clinic for early care and education at the Monterey County Office of Education, supported by partners in the COVID Response & Recovery for Child Care & Wellbeing Coalition.

It's Your Turn!

COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility is Opening Up


Over the last weeks, community partners have been providing hands-on support to help vaccinate child caregivers and educators. This includes informal child care providers, such as family members, neighbors, or friends that regularly take care of children that are not their own. It was even featured in the Monterey County Weekly here!

There are two special clinics for child caregivers and educators scheduled for April 17 in Salinas and on April 24 in Greenfield. For more information or to make an appointment, please call:
  • Comienzos Brillantes/Bright Beginnings:
    • 204-8076 - English y Español
    • 204-2251 - English only
       
  • Mexican American Opportunity Foundation: Recursos y Referencias/Resource & Referral:
    • 757-0775 - English y Español

Help spread the word with all who help care and educate our young children! Here is a Spanish/English flyer with the details on how to sign up. 

You can also get an appointment through your primary doctor, online at MyTurn.CA.gov, or by phone at 1-833-422-4255 (M-F 8am-8pm, Sa-Su 8am-5pm).

Stay up-to-date at www.MontereyCountyChildCare.org.

Spotlight: Shifting Power Dynamics

Mamas de Salinas Abogan


The last months have been busy for early childhood advocacy, shifting the dynamics of power in public spaces!

At the Monterey County Board of Supervisors meeting in February, Bright Beginnings Community Organizer Maria Carmen Parra led the pledge of allegiance in English, a language she learned in her adult life.

During the public comment, Norma Horton of the Mamas de Salinas Abogan shared: “I stand up and raise my voice for all providers and professionals in education to immediately receive the vaccine against COVID-19 and consider us essential workers. Without those people, who are there to take care of their children, the agricultural workers cannot go to work.”

Another Mama, Maria Trinidad, also shared: “We know that farmworkers are a priority to take the vaccine which I am very happy about but also the entire child care sector should be a priority to be vaccinated so that we can offer our care to all these children and their families.”  

Additional Bright Beginnings community partners who were also heard in the Chambers included: 
  • Daisy Hernandez of CAPSLO, who voiced the needs of the Family, Friends, and Neighbor caregivers 
  • Francine Rodd of First 5 Monterey County provided their annual community report, citing: “Investments in early childhood reach generations - helping children and families now and bolstering our communities down the road with children ready to learn, higher graduation rates, and a strong workforce.” Read F5MC’s report here
  • Sonja Koehler of Bright Beginnings presented the Initiative’s annual report, in conjunction with the Monterey County Children’s Council. Read the annual report here

The Mamas also joined the Buckhorn Early Learning Advisory Committee’s meetings in February and March to discuss early learning, specifically preschool readiness and the local control and accountability plan (LCAP), a tool for local educational agencies to set goals, plan actions, and leverage resources to meet those goals to improve student outcomes. Parents learned how they can get involved with their district through the LCAP funding budgeting process. Participants also expressed their concerns around children not getting social-emotional development in times of COVID due to a lack of social connection. The next meeting is Tuesday, April 27. Keep an eye on the Alisal Union School District’s website for details.

We invite you to join the conversation and follow the Mamas on Facebook and Instagram.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

ALL IN for Equity

April 10 | 8:30am - 12:00pm


How does equity, privilege, and power impact teaching practices? Explore this with Dr. Rosemarie Allen, and learn about ways to ensure strong, equitable foundations for people and systems to grow at the ALL IN for Equity conference on April 10 from 8:30am - 12:00pm. This community event is hosted by the Monterey County Office of Education. Download and share these flyers in English and Spanish. Register here.
 

Maternal Mental Health

April 16 | 9:00 - 11:00am


Join CSUMB and the Monterey County Maternal Mental Health Task Force to understand how maternal and family mental health supports in the perinatal period protect infants and young children and promote healthier foundations for future well-being on April 16 from 9:00 - 11:00am. Presenters will discuss preventative services, identifying early needs, and more. View the English and Spanish events flyers. Register here.

Drive Thru Resource Festival 

April 28 | 3:00 - 6:00pm


The Greenfield Early Learning Project (GELP) will host its 6th annual PK, TK, and Kindergarten Resource Festival on April 28 from 3:00 - 6:00pm at Greenfield Memorial Hall. The Festival is an opportunity for families to obtain information regarding registration to preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten programs, and also an avenue for families to receive important information and activities as they relate to their child’s developmental needs. Enrollment is from May 3-7 for TK and K. Help spread the word, please share these flyers in English and Spanish.

NMCUSD Open Position

Administrative Assistant III


North Monterey County Unified School District is currently looking to fill the position of Administrative Assistant III in their Family Resource Center.

Learn more about the position and apply here.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS + FAMILIES

COVID-19 Response Scenario Map 

Be sure to use this scenario map to help respond to cases of COVID-19 and to better inform the right decisions for families and children in your community.

Mental Health Services for Children and Youth (Ages 0 - 21)

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.

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. Call the Resource & Referral line (831) 757-0775 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

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

Click here for an article from the Greater Good Science Center that may help.

Free Wifi + Hotspots in Monterey County

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! 
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