March - 2022

HEALTHY EATING ACTIVE LIVING

What is HEAL?

The Marin Countywide Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Initiative brings together residents and community partners from throughout Marin to create a road map to improve community health. We are pleased to announce we have received a grant from the Marin Community Foundation for HEAL work with families and providers enrolled in our Access to Quality Child Care program. This program focuses on policies, systems and practices to support HEAL work in child care and support quality. Other opportunities include: more training for the provider community, on-site work with specialists in different areas, garden and nutrition education and much more!

Watch more HEAL videos

"Loose Parts" Materials Offers Inspiration!

In 1971, Simon Nicholson wrote an article in a Landscape Architecture journal called How NOT to Cheat Children – The Theory of Loose Parts. Over the decades which have ensued, Nicholson’s paper has had a profound impact on many childcare professionals, particularly playworkers, early years practitioners and outdoor and environmental educators. Loose parts play develops skills across the whole curriculum. It is child-led, and helps children strengthen their independence and se

FORUM: Transitional Kindergarten

Marin First 5 is inviting you to join the FORUM: Transitional Kindergarten Friday, April 1st starting at 10 am to 3 pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Rafael Lunch is included OPENING REMARKS by Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Bruce Fuller from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education. BREAKOUT SESSIONS by region to discuss workforce issues, funding, logistics, quality programs and equity concerns. KEYNOTE ADDRESS: State Superintendent

Nutrition for Infants and Toddlers

There are lots of questions that come up, on what to feed infants when they are ready to transition to more solid foods. Children's developmental readiness is what child care providers and parents experience by children's actions and behaviors. Their interest in foods, their ability to hold their neck up without support, and the use of their tongue are just some of the indicators of a child's readiness and feeding skills. In addition to a child's readiness for more solid food

Funding Opportunity for Licensed Child Care Facilities!

Funding Opportunity for Licensed Child Care Facilities! Last month, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Care and Development Division (CCDD) opened their Application to the Minor Renovation and Repairs Grant that aims to preserve, enhance or expand existing child care spaces. Center-based and Home-based child care providers in California who were licensed ON OR BEFORE August 1, 2021 can apply for grants to cover the costs of minor renovations and repairs