In This Issue

Take1: Friendship Park Opened September 15th
Take2: What's New - Kid-friendly FIRST 5 Health Mobile Ready to Board
Take3: State Commission News - Providing Health Access to All Young Children
Take4: News from the Commission - Thank You to Retiring Commissioner Fred Ferrer
Take 5: Program Spotlight - Services for the Vietnamese American Population
Success Story - Mother and Daughter Bond over a Special Stone
High 5 - Special Recognition- Farewell to Long Serving FIRST 5 Training and Communications Director

Take1: Friendship Park Opened September 15th

Children of today’s digital age are becoming foreign to outdoor activities, which can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Parks are a great place for children and families to have healthy outdoor fun together. On September 15th, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County’s South West Community Partnership, Redwood Estates Service Association, and Redwood Estates Community Club celebrated the Grand Opening of Friendship Park—a universally accessible playground located in the Los Gatos Unincorporated Mountain Area at Redwood Estates.

Highlights of the event included: The FIRST 5 Van handing out free bookmarks for kids along with information for families with children ages 0-5, The South West Community Partnership Resource Table and special guest appearance by Winnie the Pooh. The Redwood Estates Community Club Tile Table was another way in which the community had an opportunity to participate. This fund raiser brought the community together to create handprint tiles constructing a toddler wall where the tiles will be imbedded. The wall will be a place where families can sit and watch their children.

Attendees were particularly impressed with the new play equipment. A small climbing wall, slides, swings, accessible ramps for wheel chairs, tractor shovels and a cute tug boat in the center of the playground make this a popular spot for young children.

The new playground equipment replaced equipment that was approximately 20-years-old and that no longer complied with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is the second replacement playground constructed for the Mountain Communities through collaborative efforts. The first playground (Good Neighbor Park), funded by FIRST 5 and Redwood Service Association, is used daily as children and families celebrate birthdays and for regularly scheduled play dates with their neighbors. Many new families have moved to the mountain area specifically to share in the enjoyment of the outdoor playground in the Redwoods. The Good Neighbor Park playground was completed in 2004. Both playgrounds were hand-built by volunteers from FIRST 5’s South West Community Partnership, Redwood Estates Service Association and Mountain Community residents.

The park officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Acknowledgements were given to Don Peters, Redwood Estates Service Association, for his dedication and commitment on this project and a thank you to Charlene Della Maggiore, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County.

Be sure to visit Friendship Park at 21450 Madrone Drive, Los Gatos.

Take2: What's New

Kid-friendly FIRST 5 Health Mobile Ready to Board

If you see a bus with colorful whimisical characters on it, it just may be the FIRST 5 Health Mobile! Children in our community need to have access to comprehensive health care, with continuous medical and dental care coverage, in order to ensure their healthy growth and development. Starting this fall, the newly designed and kid-friendly FIRST 5 Health Mobile has added services in order to provide primary health and dental care in Santa Clara County to children with least access to comprehensive health and dental care.

Mike Reza, President of the Health Mobile, knows the importance of adding this service. “The Health Mobile is excited to add health to our oral health services. We believe primary health prevention is vital to preventing childhood obesity and early diabetes,” said Reza.

The Health Mobile is a not-for-profit health and dental provider, funded by FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, to deliver comprehensive Oral and Primary Health Care services to children, birth through age 5, county-wide. The Health Mobile provides its services by partnering with local schools and non-profit organizations, which helps reach children and families in their own neighborhoods. You can also find the bus at health fairs and community events where families can receive oral and primary health information. The colorful bus is now easier for families to spot and more inviting for children.

For more information on the FIRST 5 Health Mobile, please contact Mike Reza at (408) 879-0110.

Early Literacy Campaign



Learning to read is an ongoing process from infancy. Contrary to popular belief, it does not suddenly begin in kindergarten. From a child’s earliest years, everything that adults do to support children's literacy is critical. Children experience and gain the most out of reading while reading with adults, looking at books independently or together with adults, and sharing reading experiences with friends.

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County has launched an Early Literacy Campaign from September through December. During these next few months we will focus on:

• Reading Aloud
• Reading for English Language Learners
• Parents as First Teachers of Reading
• Libraries
• Book Selections
• Reading for Special Needs Children

Our goal is to provide you with useful information on early literacy. Check out our website and events for tip sheets, important reading skills, reading activities for kids, the importance of bonding while reading together, suggestions for reading routines and choosing books, and research on reading and early brain development. Also, don’t miss our free early literacy brochures available to grantees. Be Proud To Read Aloud!

Staff Changes at FIRST 5



FIRST 5 Santa Clara County would like to announce recent additions and promotions to our staff:

Joyce Barker – Interim Chief Operations Officer
David Brody – Business Operations Director
Dawn Bussey – Communications Director
Lupe Casillas-Lowenberg – Arts Enrichment Director
Thanh Do – Community of Learning Manager
Meera Mani – Early Care & Education Consultant
Michael Rodriquez – Facilities Manager
Janice Sunzeri – Receptionist
Daniel Tran – Design Manager

Take3: State Commission News - Providing Health Access to All Young Children

In an important step toward providing health coverage for all of California’s youngest children, Governor Schwarzenegger joined with First 5 California in late August to announce its commitment to invest $20 million in a statewide health care program. This funding will help provide health access to all uninsured children ages 0 to 5, making California among the first states in the nation to cover all young children.

“First 5 is doing a remarkable job of helping and supporting our children. Putting up $20 million for health care for children is an important foundation to build on,” said Governor Schwarzenegger at a press conference held August 29th at the Capitol. “We all have to work together to provide health care not only for all children, but for all Californians.”

California has 174,000 uninsured children under age six, according to the California Health Interview Survey conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles.

Studies conducted by The California Endowment have shown uninsured children are 70 percent less likely than insured children to receive medical care for common conditions such as ear infections, and 30 percent less likely to receive medical attention when they are injured. Further, children without health coverage are often ill, hindering their ability to pay attention in class and keep up with school activities.

The $20 million contribution by First 5 California is contingent upon the state establishing a health coverage program for all children effective January 1, 2008. The newly-developed program must provide for ongoing funding beyond First 5 California’s 2007-08 commitment.

Take4: News from the Commission

Thank You to Retiring Commissioner Fred Ferrer

Representing the Local Early Education Planning Council, Fred Ferrer has served on the FIRST 5 Commission since 2001. Retiring in August 2007, Fred leaves behind a strong legacy, having served 2 terms as Commission Chair. Under his leadership, FIRST 5 adopted a 10-year Sustainability Plan that strengthened the ability of the FIRST 5 System of Care to provide quality services to children, prenatal through age 5, and their families.

Fred was also instrumental in the purchase of FIRST 5’s current building at 4000 Moorpark Avenue, providing a permanent home for FIRST 5 Santa Clara County. Fred’s leadership led to the creation of a strong partnership between FIRST 5 and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, which provides enriching and interactive exhibits targeted specifically for children under 6.

“Fred has laid the foundation for the future success of the FIRST 5 Commission, allowing us to focus on what we do best: providing resources, support and services for children and families,” said Commission Chair Cora Tomalinas. “It has been an honor to work with Fred. He is strategic in his deliberations and compassionate in his decisions, ultimately delivering with love. Thank you, Fred.”

Welcome New Commissioner Cathy Boettcher

The Local Early Education Planning Council has nominated and the Board of Supervisors has appointed Cathy Boettcher to succeed Fred Ferrer on the FIRST 5 Commission. This year Cathy proudly celebrates her 30th anniversary as an early care professional, working primarily in the non-profit sector. She presently serves as the Deputy Director for Go Kids, Inc., a private non-profit Child Development Agency headquartered in Gilroy. She brings an extensive background and passion for early educator workforce development issues, including the inclusion of children with special needs.

She has been a member of the Santa Clara County Local Early Education Planning Council since 1995, and recently was elected as the co-chair. She holds a M.S. degree in Special Education, Early Intervention from Santa Clara University, a B.S. degree in Sociology from San Jose State University and an A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from West Valley Community College.

Take5: Program Spotlight - Services for the Vietnamese American Population

FIRST 5 Community Engagement and Education partner, International Children’s Assistance Network (ICAN), increases the awareness of the importance of the first 5 years of a child’s life within the Vietnamese American community through culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach.

Services include a parenting guide that bridges traditional Vietnamese American child rearing techniques with current parenting information; a parenting workshop series for Vietnamese parents, grandparents and care providers drawing on effective Vietnamese and American child rearing techniques and knowledge; and a weekly Happy 5 radio program on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. on 1500 AM radio. Happy 5 connects parents to services and programs, addresses health concerns and promotes community events. Weekly news articles and an annual community forum complete the list of ICAN services.

Success Story - Mother and Daughter Bond over a Special Stone

Contributed by EMQ Children & Family Services Co-lead for the San Jose Unified Collaborative

As a Home Visitor, I have been blessed that my families graciously open their doors to my visits. I would like to share one story in particular. This family consists of a single mother and her 5-year-old daughter. I have had the pleasure of working with this family for about a month and a half. This family was referred from criminal court. The child had been removed from her mother’s care when she was about 3 ½-years-old and returned to her care about a year later.

When I began to visit the family, the child was living with her mother for about 6 months. The reason for this referral was because of concern for the child’s safety during her tantrums and need to hide at school and day care.

During my first visit with the family and Family Partner, I was met with open arms by both the child and mother. The mother shared that she wanted to bond and be supportive with her daughter. I was invited to participate in their family activities such as going for walks, playing games, and being part of the audience when the child performed dance routines. As the weeks progressed, the mother shared that the tantrums and hiding were subsiding. However, the mother also said that the child’s school was concerned with her recent behavioral change of not listening in class and inability to concentrate. The mother said that when her child’s teachers and therapist tried addressing the issue, she would shut down.

After hearing this, I brought a jewelry making activity for the family to do together. During this activity, I gently asked the child open ended questions about school and her recent behavioral change. The child shared that she missed her mother during the day and was worried that her mom would leave her again. Mother and daughter decided that they would find a special stone the child could keep in her pocket throughout the day as a reminder that her mother loves her and would not leave her again. With very little guidance from me, this family is on its way to strengthening and enriching their special bond. I am so lucky to witness such a beautiful and healing moment between a mother and her child.

High 5 - Special Recognition- Farewell to Long Serving FIRST 5 Training and Communications Director

Barbara Bernard retires after 20 years of dedicated service to Children and Families

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County bids farewell to long serving employee, Barbara Bernard, who retired on August 31, 2007. Barbara was one of the original FIRST 5 staff members and even helped create FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, while serving on the Prop.10 Planning Collaborative in her previous job with Social Services Agency.

“Barbara knows how to get things done! She has been my go-to person, a friend and confidant. Her presence, passion, and dedication to making children’s well being our highest priority, will be greatly missed by all” said Executive Director, Jolene Smith.

During her tenure with FIRST 5, Barbara made significant impact through the creation of the Community of Learning training program for FIRST 5 partners and through her leadership in Marketing Communications. The quality of life of children and families in Santa Clara County has been enhanced as a result of Barbara’s dedication and service to our communities.

Barbara has retired to her home state of Minnesota, residing on Little Hanging Lake outside of Moose Lake, Minnesota.

We wish Barbara a retirement full of fun and adventure!