Newsletter | Sept 2022 - Oct 2022
Expanding Conversations on Infant Mental Health
Summer fun is wrapping up and fall is almost here! That means change is in the air, and even the youngest among us are very attuned to it. As so many rich conversations about mental health are expanding, it is important that we take special care to include infants in that conversation!

Read stories from CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse), about how children heal from traumas, find out about screenings children should receive to ensure that they get what they need in kindergarten, how to advance equity in developmental screenings, and more.  
CORA: Making Sure the Kids Are All Right
Safe, healthy parents are imperative to raising safe, healthy children. CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) is San Mateo County’s only provider of comprehensive intimate partner abuse prevention services.
CORA is able to support mothers and children when they need it most, with resources for parents, as well as therapy, playgroups, and enrichments for children who need it. 
I Screen, You Screen: Supporting Children's Healthy Development
Even the best parents don't know what they don't know. Children are complicated! If parents have questions about their child's behavior, a screening can help. Screenings can be a great way to ensure that your child is on track socially, emotionally, developmentally, and physically. Find out what screenings are available, and how to access them!
Equity in Screenings: Attitudes, Access, and Barriers Towards Developmental Screening in Communities of Color
For [our] county, we prioritize building relationship[s] with our participants. And when you build that relationship, it opens up opportunities to share because they trust you. If I [as a participant] trust you and you give me the information, I'm going to utilize it. I trust that you want what's best for me.

-- First 5 Center and UCSF Pre-term Birth Initiative Report, on building trust in African American Communities
Hear from Deputy Director of First 5 San Mateo County, Michelle Blakely, on building equity, fighting discrimination, and fostering access when it comes to developmental screenings. Watch the Panel Discussion.
Housing in Our Community Is Out of Reach: It’s Time to Act!
High-cost housing is disproportionately impacting the childcare sector. In collaboration with the Child Care Partnership Council, Build Up San Mateo County has prepared recommendations and policy language that supports our home child care providers and accessible housing for all.
Meet the Chair of the First 5 Commission, Rosanne Foust
Ms. Rosanne Foust has been dedicated to supporting children in their early years throughout her career. When her own child needed early intervention, she saw firsthand how important and impactful it is to have high-quality services available for parents throughout the county. 

She is the President & CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA). Now, she has added “Chair of the First 5 Commission” to her title. Check out this interview to learn more about her story. 
Has Your 6-Month-Old Received Their COVID-19 Vaccination?
As of this summer, the littlest members of our community are eligible for the vaccine. This is one of the most important actions parents can take to protect their children and stop the spread of COVID-19.