First 5 Merced County - We're Glad You're Here

For nearly a decade, First 5 Merced County and its numerous community partners, have been enhancing the lives of our youngest children so they can succeed in school…and thrive in life.

Because nothing matters more.

Research has thoroughly confirmed it – a child’s brain develops most dramatically during the earliest years of life. And so too, the greatest opportunities we have to support our kids’ future success reside in these first years, the first 5 years.

There is now unprecedented attention to early childhood health and development throughout California and the nation.

And, we are proud to be part of the movement that places children where they belong, at the very top of our priority list.

First 5 Merced County provides leadership, coordination, advocacy, and funding to support a wide range of local programs. From Planada to Los Banos, and Stevinson to Merced — and in all the diverse communities throughout the county—our efforts have a singular goal: To ensure that our kids have the best foundation for success we can possibly provide.

That’s why we are here, doing what we’re doing. Working diligently, together with our many community partners, united by a commitment to our children.

 

 


Contributions To Our Community

While much remains to be done and new challenges arise almost daily, we are proud of our accomplishments to date.

  • Since our inception, First 5 Merced County has provided over $64 million in funding to support local Merced County programs and services. Because First 5 funds cannot be used to replace other existing funding streams, First 5 Merced County supports only critical services for which no other public funds exist. Through the strengths of our community partners, literally thousands of Merced County children and families have been served. In just the last three years (2007/08 - 2009/10), services have been provided to:
    • 34, 698 children (birth – 5 years) 28,236 parents/expectant parents
    • 5,111 providers/caregivers of children 0 - 5 years.
    Funding has been provided to 83 different agencies (116 programs) and organizations to support services in nearly every community throughout the county. First 5 Merced County has minimized costs to administer First 5 funds. First 5 Merced County has maximized funds going into the community, while creating a minimal reserve and assuring stability of funding over time.
  • Committed, stable leadership has been provided by our 9-member Commission, representing the diverse needs in our communities.
Child-Art
A child enjoying the free art activities at the “Plug-In to the Power of Preschool” event, Los Banos, October 2007.

News and Upcoming Events

Save the Date for the 2012 Merced County Children's Summit! The 9th Annual Children’s Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25, 2012, (tentatively from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM).  Details and registration information are coming soon.  Please hold this date for this exciting event! For more information, contact First 5 Merced County at 385-7337.

Nominate your Hands on Hero! We are excited to announce Merced County’s second annual Hands on Heroes program which seeks to recognize those members of our community that work tirelessly to improve the lives of children. Nomination forms are due March 6, 2012 and winners will be recognized at the 9th Annual Children’s Summit, April 25, 2012. This program is brought to you by the Family Wellness Council, First 5 Merced County, Local Child Care and Development Planning Council, The Los Banos Community Resource Council, and the Week of the Young Child Committee. Please click here to the links.

First 5 Merced County - Agricultural Awareness and Literacy Foundation (AAL): First 5 Merced County is pleased to announce that we have partnered with the Agricultural Awareness and Literacy Foundation (AAL) to offer a funding opportunity for nutrition education and dairy related field trips for Preschool classrooms in our county.

Please see the Farmology Website for more information about the Farmology program and guidelines: Our Programs : Farmology

For your convenience, please click on this Farmology Grants application. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Brooks at First 5.

Note: Grant applications are only accepted via email at: fieldtripgrants@farmology.com

 

First 5 Funding Opportunities:  First 5 Merced County is pleased to provide a variety of funding opportunities for community events, activities, and partnerships that benefit children 0-5 years and their families.  For more information, click on the ‘Funding Opportunities’ and ‘Mini-Grants Program’ buttons on the First 5 website. 

First 5 Merced County Commission Meeting:  The First 5 Commission meets regularly on the second Monday of each month (except for public holidays).  The next meeting will be held on February 15, 2012, at 5:30 PM at the First 5 Merced County Office, 676 Loughborough Dr. Merced, CA 95348.

First 5 TPAC (Technical/Professional Advisory Committee) Meeting:  TPAC will meet next on Thursday, March 15, 2012, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at the First 5 Merced County offices, 676 Loughborough Drive, Merced, CA  95348.   This is an open meeting and everyone is encouraged to attend! 

 


Resources for Parents
For parent information, please visit First 5 California's new website, First 5 CA Parents' Site.
To Contact Us
First 5 Merced County
676 Loughborough Drive
Merced, CA 95348
Phone: 209-385-7337
Fax: 209-725-3778
website: http://www.First5MercedCounty.org