First 5 Monterey County

For families, child care is about so much more than finding someone to watch their child. 💛

It can mean being able to go to work.
It can mean going back to school.
It can mean keeping a job, paying the bills, and building a future for your family.

But for many parents, finding affordable, high-quality child care can mean navigating long waitlists, high costs, limited options, and difficult choices.

When families have access to quality child care, children have opportunities to learn, play, build relationships, and thrive—and parents have the support they need to pursue their own goals.

Child care is family support.
Child care is economic support.
And child care is an important part of a strong early childhood system. 🌱

We’re sharing this resource from ZERO TO THREE because these challenges are not abstract—they are part of the everyday experiences of families and early educators across the country.

Read more in our bio: ZERO TO THREE: How America’s Child Care Crisis Impacts Parents

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. 💗

For families who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or baby, the love doesn’t simply disappear. Grief can be complicated, deeply personal, and carried in ways others may not always see.

This month, we hold space for parents and families remembering the babies they love and honor the stories that are part of their families.

If you or someone you know is looking for support click the link in our bio to learn more about the Birth Network of Monterey County who offers a Miscarriage, Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support Group and other resources for families.

💡 Innovative thinking is happening throughout California!

Monterey County community members had an opportunity to join an economic tour in Fresno and the Scale Conference. First 5 Monterey County staff joined to better understand how the Fresno community is incorporating early childhood and child care as part of economic development.

When our families have safe, playful, educational child care, not only are we developing the future workforce, but we are strengthening our current workforce.

Studies show that when parents have high-quality child care, employees are able to show up regularly, stay longer with the organization, and report greater satisfaction.

Child care is all our business. 💛

A book can be a bedtime routine.
A moment of connection.
A new word. A new idea. A new adventure. 💛📚

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children in Monterey County can receive a high-quality book delivered to their home every month at no cost to their family.

Today, September 25, we’re celebrating the very first Give Like Dolly Day—a day to celebrate the power of giving, books, and the legacy Dolly Parton started by making the joy of reading available to children everywhere.

Together, we can continue that legacy and help bring more books, more connection, and brighter beginnings to children in our community. 💛

Tap the donation link in our bio and select the option to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Monterey County.

📸 Giving Like Dolly? We want to see it! Tag us in your photos or send them our way so we can celebrate all the ways our community is spreading the joy of books and giving. 💛📚

Just three months after launching locally, over 15% of Monterey County’s children are already participating in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, putting us well on our way toward the program’s...... Read more under Latest News in our bio in our September Newsletter.

📬 Sign up for our newsletter to receive family resources, local events, early childhood updates, community stories, and ways to stay connected to the work supporting young children and families.

🌟 Taking Monterey County to the First 5 California Summit! 🌟

We’re proud to have our First 5 Monterey County team represented at the First 5 California Summit in Los Angeles, connecting with early childhood leaders from across the state and sharing ideas that can strengthen our communities.

A special shoutout to Nina Alcaraz and Jenn Rigney for leading a powerful session on rethinking kindergarten readiness and shifting the question from “Are children ready?” to “Are we ready to support children?”

We’re proud to represent Monterey County and grateful to be part of a statewide early childhood community working toward a brighter future for children and families. ❤️

California Dolly Parton Day is September 25! 📚✨

This September 25, we’re celebrating Dolly Parton’s legacy of helping children discover the joy of reading—and honoring that legacy by investing in the children right here in Monterey County.

One way to carry Dolly’s vision forward is by giving a gift that helps bring free, high-quality books to local children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. 📖💕

Want to help make a difference? Donate to support Monterey County children!

👉 Tap the donation link in our bio and select the option to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Monterey County.

Together, we can honor Dolly’s legacy by putting more books—and more opportunities to learn, imagine, and dream—into the hands of local children. ❤️

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, languages, and stories that make our communities so beautiful.

For children, culture is more than a celebration—it’s part of who they are. It lives in the songs they hear, the stories their families share, the foods around the table, the languages they speak, and the traditions passed down from one generation to the next. 🌎✨

When children see their culture, language, and family reflected and valued, they are reminded that who they are matters and where they come from is something to be proud of.

Here’s to celebrating our families, honoring our roots, and creating communities where every child can grow up feeling seen, connected, and proud of their story. ❤️

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

🌟 Meet Jorge Rodriguez!

Please join us in welcoming Jorge to the First 5 Monterey County team as our new Data & Evaluation Specialist! 📊💙

With a background in computer science and more than four years of experience with the Monterey County Health Department, Jorge brings a passion for using data to better understand what’s working, strengthen programs, and support meaningful improvements for children and families.

We’re excited to have Jorge’s curiosity, experience, and heart for community on our team! Outside of work, you can find him enjoying a cafecito with friends, going for walks, collecting mechanical keyboards, or spending time with his cat, Mitsuki. 🐱☕️

Welcome to the team, Jorge! We’re so glad you’re here! 💙