A division of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services

FUNDS AT WORK:

Mobile Resource Lending Library

The Riverside County Child Care Consortium offers an array of resources for licensed child care providers through its Resource Lending Library. At no cost, the mobile unit delivers and loans early literacy, physical activity, motor skill development curriculum materials and supplies and more throughout Riverside County. See van schedule for pick-up/drop-off locations and times.

New 'Baby-Friendly' Hospital

Good news for babies throughout the Riverside area - Parkview Community Hospital is now Baby-Friendly. This designation puts them in an elite group of hospitals- one of only 119 in the U.S. Baby-Friendly USA is a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding. Highlights include all staff trained in breastfeeding, support available after discharge and newborns staying with their mothers.

Evaluating for Positive Outcomes

Eighty-five percent of children’s brain growth occurs by age four, but less than 10 percent of public investment in education and development are spent on children under 5. First 5 Riverside funds programs to make sure that children get the best possible start in life and enter school prepared to succeed. Evaluating the impact of such programs helps ensure positive outcomes for children. Click HERE for First 5 Riverside's latest evaluation report.

NEWS, UPDATES & INFORMATION

State First 5 Commission Releases Annual Report
First 5 California recently released its 2010-2011 Annual Report, a collective First 5 story told through state and local data. The report is a requirement of the California Children and Families Act of 1998 (Proposition 10) and includes history, support summary and appendixes outlining result areas and services.

Ready? Set. Grow!
From their first smile to their first steps and words—it's so much fun watching a child grow and develop. Check out common milestones to expect during the first couple of years and get tips and resources to help them grow in the years beyond.

NEW Health Funding Opportunities Released
PLEASE NOTE: DEADLINES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED TO JAN. 30, 2012. SEE ADDENDUMS FOR DETAILS.
First 5 Riverside is seeking proposals and qualifications to improve health outcomes and address issues such as Asthma Management, Breastfeeding Support, Health Access, Utilization and Retention, Home Visiting, Oral Health and Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care Program services to benefit Riverside County’s youngest children. For details on the RFP/RFQ and necessary documents, please click HERE. Individual links will redirect you to the County of Riverside Purchasing website.

Social Emotional Education Campaign Launched

Nationally, 75 to 80 percent of children and youth in need of mental health services don't receive them. Infants and toddlers are especially unlikely to receive treatment due to lack of early interventions, which can lead to developmental problems. First 5 Riverside's Mental Health Initiative includes positive parenting resources, support and services to promote social-emotional wellness. Early intervention can be a life-changing experience for parents and children. The Growing Healthy Minds campaign connects parents with resources through www.growinghealthyminds.org, a 24/7 free hotline, 2-1-1, and access to free screenings and direct services through Family Service Association and the Department of Mental Health.

Family Time is FUN Time

Life gets busy, but don't forget to make time for family. Spending time together can help build a child's confidence and set a foundation for positive outcomes that can last a lifetime. See tips on how to get the fun started today.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

It's not easy finding the right child care, health service or early education opportunity for your little one. Find links to resources in those critical areas to help support young children for success in school and beyond. Download a list of Riverside County service agencies funded by First 5 Riverside, OR call 2-1-1 for services in your neighborhood.