ANNUAL EVALUATION REPORT 2011/2012 FISCAL YEAR

Our Mission The mission of First 5 Amador is to promote, support, and enhance the optimal development of Amador County's children from zero to five years of age. Our Commission believes that broad community involvement is critical to the success of this mission. With Proposition 10 funds we support projects that make sense locally based on identified needs and opportunities for children and families in Amador County. Overview First 5 Amador Proposition 975 10,Broadway, passed Jackson,by California CA 95642 voters  (209)in November 257-1092 1998,  www.first5amador.com imposes a fifty-cent-per-pack  state sales tax on tobacco to fund a comprehensive, integrated system of early childhood development services for California children ages 0-5. The overall intent of the initiative is to prepare all California children to enter school healthy and ready to learn.

Evaluation efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to ensure local accountability, document program quality and effectiveness, and measure progress towards outcomes. Each funded program is diverse in terms of interventions and outcomes; therefore evaluation plans are unique to each program.

In 2011, First 5 Amador requested grantees incorporate the Strengthening Families Framework – Five Protective Factors

Research has shown that the five protective factors are linked with lower incidence of child abuse and neglect:* *http://www.cssp.org/reform/strengthening-families/the- basics/protective-factors

1) Parental Resilience – the ability to manage and bounce back from all types of challenges that emerge in every family’s life. 2) Social Connections – friends, family members, neighbors, and community members provide emotional support, help solve problems, offer parenting advice, and give concrete assistance to parents. 3) Concrete Support in Times of Need – meeting basic economic needs like food, shelter, clothing, and health care is essential for families to thrive. 4) Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development – Accurate information about child development and appropriate expectations for children’s behavioral at every age help parents see their children and youth in a positive light and promote their healthy development. 5) Social and Emotional Competence of Children – a child’s ability to interact positively with others, self-regulate their behavior, and effectively communicate their feelings has a positive impact on their relationships with their family, other adults, and peers. Challenging behaviors or delayed development can create extra stress for families, so early identification and assistance for both parents and children can head off negative results and keep development on track.

2 Baby Welcome Wagon – Home Visiting

The Baby Welcome Wagon Program (BWW) has just completed its 11th year in full operation. The program’s mission remains unchanged from its original guiding philosophy of developing the infrastructure by which local family units are provided the necessary tools to optimize their home environment which in turn maximizes their child’s readiness for kindergarten entry. The home visitation model is a face to face meeting with families preferably in the comfort of their own home.

The Five Protective Factors addressed by the BWW are child development, parenting, concrete support in times of need, parental resilience, and social connections.

The first home visit is structured around the delivery of the state provided Tool Kit for Parents with a detailed overview and explanation of all the contents found within. The kit is customized to include information specific to Amador County resources. While the program is beneficial for any families with children 0 – 3 years of age, pregnant women remain the main target population. Women who are pregnant during the time of the first face to face encounter receive a second contact, preferably a home visit but minimally a telephone follow up after the infant is born. This connection is vital in order to determine if the infant’s/family’s needs are being met. The number of home visits is not determined by the structure of the program but by the individual family’s needs. Each home visitor has the leeway of tailoring the amount of home visiting support which best meets the needs of the new parent(s). Many local families are disinclined to independently seek services within the local community. The BWW home visitor serves to bridge this gap by bringing their expert knowledge of community services to individual community families.

Home visitors kept up their professional skills during the year by attending trainings including car seat safety; safe sleeping; inclusion; behavior; breastfeeding practices; and attachments and children of addiction.

The program continues to partner with the Sutter Amador Hospital’s Diabetes Education Program. It was realized the two programs shared a common goal of contacting new parents after their baby’s delivery to determine if the family’s needs are being met. To this end, the Diabetes Program refers women prenatally to the BWW program who then refers the postpartum women back to the Diabetes Education Program for their final counseling session.

The BWW continues its partnership for the 2nd year bringing the Tobacco Free message to new parents. Tobacco Reduction of Amador County (TRAC) has supplied the program with canvas bags which the home visitor presents to the parents with the Parent Tool Kit. Total Number of BWW Referrals = 149 Jackson 38 Sutter Creek 21 Ione 36 Plymouth 5 Pine Grove 18 Fiddletown/River Pines 2 Pioneer 18 Homeless 4 Volcano 3 Unknown 3

3 Jail 1

Total Number of BWW Contacts Unable to Contact/Not 30 1st Home Visits Completed 95 Interested Moved Out of County 0 2nd Home Visits Completed 26 3rd Home Visits Completed 5 Visits Pending 16 4th Home Visits Completed 1 Families on 2nd Baby 3 5th Home Visits Completed 1 with BWW Child removed - CPS 1 2nd Contact – Telephone 12 TOTAL CONTACTS = 140

Type of Health Insurance on 1 st Home Visit (Post-partum Visit) n = 53 visits

Medi-Cal: 29 (55%) Private: 18 (34%) Healthy Families: 2 (4%) Private / MediCal 1 (1%) None: 3 (6%)

# of Pregnant Women on 1 st Home Visit (Follow-up: After birth insurance coverage.) n = 38 Babies with Medi-Cal: 17 Families lost to follow-up: 3 Babies with Private Insurance: 4 Adopted: 1 Babies with Healthy Families: 2 Pending appt./pregnant 11

Outcome / Evaluation: 85% of pregnant women will report having medical insurance for their child upon completion of second contact. -Results -- 100% of contacted families obtained health insurance for their infants.

Families reporting no insurance on first visit: 4 2 families assisted with MediCal obtained coverage 1 family obtained MediCal after 3 home visits 1 family applied and obtained MediCal with share of cost

Number of Public Health Nurse referrals from BWW home visits. 5 PHN referrals were generated from BWW paraprofessional visits. 2 families were opened to ongoing Targeted Case Management Services 3 families were not eligible/or needed intensive Public Health Nursing (PHN) home visits

4 Head of household status of BWW home visit families: 2 parent household: 32 Single parent: 24 Married parents: 39 Grandparent: 0 All children within the home of BWW home visit families: 0 – 2 years of age: 104 3 – 5 years of age: 15 Total births to residents of Amador County for 2010 = 271

BWW and the “Baby Nurse” Recognizing the warning signs is an important component when making a home visit. A prenatal home visit was made to a single young woman. The initial visit went well and a rapport was built. The follow-up visit was made within the first week after the baby was born. The infant was born with a serious health condition. The mother appeared to be handling the situation well; however, there were red flags that indicated a visit from a PHN was warranted. The mother agreed and a PHN completed a nursing assessment. The young mother continues to be followed by Public Health.

Upcountry and Camanche Community Centers

In order to reduce disparities in access to services and programs for families residing in the Upcountry and Camanche Lake areas of Amador County, the A-TCAA Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have continued to provide critical and supportive services that target families with children 0 – 5 and promote the Five Protective Factors that Strengthen Families and Protect Children.

Objective 1: Expand high-quality case management services for high-need families.

Activity: Family Advocates will provide services for 25 families with children aged 0 – 5 per year.

Outcome: Forty-two families received comprehensive case management (long term) services, 27 families with children aged 0 – 5. Crisis case management (short term – 30 days) services were provided to 122 families, 36 with children aged 0 – 5. Services and resources included referrals to domestic violence programs; food distribution; transportation; behavioral health counseling; clothing closets; and housing.

The Protective Factors impacted by these activities are “Concrete Support in Times of Need” and “Parental Resilience.”

Objective 2: Provide support for parents to increase knowledge of child development and become educators of their own children.

5 Activity: Complete baseline Parent Education Profile (PEP) scores for all families receiving long-term case management services.

Outcome: Out of 27 families with children 0 – 5 who received comprehensive case management services, 24 received services for 6 months or more and have pre- PEP and post-PEP data. The greatest gain was achieved in the area – Taking on the Parent Role. The second area with significant growth was – Support for Children’s Learning in the Home Environment.

Objective 3: First 5 programming will be offered at the FRCs.

Activity: Implement 0 – 5 activities at each FRC and assist with programs offered by partner providers; 0 – 5 activities will increase by 10%.

Outcome: Staff and volunteers provided activities and outreach material during center food distributions and multiple workshops held monthly at each center. During the year, 320 families, 28 with children aged 0 – 5 utilized the bimonthly food distribution program and 52 families, 21 with children aged 0 – 5 accessed the centers’ emergency food programs. FRC staff provided assistance during 64 playgroups and 16 Kindergarten Readiness classes, assisted 17 families with Healthy Families insurance applications, and provided bicycle helmets to 359 children through the Safe Kids program.

Staff continued to offer Baby Welcome Wagon services to Spanish-speaking families. During this reporting period, staff completed two home visits with one family. Staff also contacted two additional referrals that declined the service.

The two Protective Factors that were impacted by these activities are “Social and Emotional Competence of Children” and Social Connections”.

Objective 4: Improve Information and Referral services for all families living in FRC communities.

Activity: Provide a minimum of 15 hours per week of I&R service at each FRC through staff and volunteer hours; conduct outreach so that families with young children are aware of I&R services.

Outcome: Ten volunteers provided an average of 45 hours per week of I&R service coverage for the Upcountry Community Center. One volunteer provided an average of 15 hours per week and center staff provided service coverage during all center hours of operation.

The Protective Factor addressed by this objective is Concrete Support in Times of Need.

Objective 5: Collect data on FRC family demographics, service usage, and outcomes.

Activity: Provide simple reports that show family and participant demographics and center service usage.

6 The total unduplicated count of households participating at the Camanche Lake Community Center July – June of the program year is 201, 74 families with children aged 0-5.

The total unduplicated count of households participating at the Upcountry Community Center during the program year is 751, 138 families with children aged 0-5.

The member households represent the following individuals:

0-5 6-18 0-5 adults seniors unknown total children children parents 50+ CLCC 111 284 175 274 46 23 913 UCC 158 280 184 456 376 0 1454 The Camanche Center offered 14 unduplicated classes or programs throughout the year and the Upcountry Center offered 30 unduplicated classes or programs as well.

By offering critical and supportive programs that target families with children 0 – 5 and promote the Five Protective Factors that Strengthen Families and Protect Children, the Family Resource Centers continued to be successful in reducing the likelihood of child abuse and neglect and increasing the potential for success of improved family functioning.

Mobile Outreach Program/Toddler Playgroups

The Mobile Outreach –Toddler Playgroup program had been in operation since 2003 and consists of weekly “playgroups” in four locations. The program was designed to provide services in multiple areas of the county thereby allowing easier access for families. Each playgroup consists of a mobile-classroom with age-appropriate activities, child development information, and resources for parents. The Resource Connection (formerly HRC Child Care Resources) staffs the program and provides the equipment, material, and expertise. Playgroups are open to all stay at home children 0 – 5 and their caregiver, grandparent, mom or dad and licensed providers.

The Protective Factors addressed through the Toddler Playgroups include Social Connections, Social and Emotional Competence of Children and Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development.

Community resources such as health insurance assistance, food security, and educational opportunities are made available to parents at each playgroup.

Playgroups assist with parental resilience by offering a network of other parents to socialize with. Parents and caregivers share their stories, validate a parent’s concerns and approaches to parenting, and share strategies that have been successful in their homes.

The Playgroups resource table provides information regarding local opportunities, child development, social-emotional development, and the importance of play to foster learning. 7 The Playgroups provide an environment where children can practice their ability to interact positively with others; self-regulate their behavior and effectively communicate their feelings, as their parent is by their side to assist in the learning and observe their child’s development. This environment can aid in early identification and assistance for both the parent and their child should there be concerns regarding challenging behaviors or developmental delays.

Outcomes: There were 142 playgroups with 1,019 child visits. Two hundred and twenty-two unduplicated children participated in the program.

Unduplicated Count (This represents approximately 15% of children 0 – 5 in Amador County) Children 0 – 3 156 Children 3 – 5 66

Daily average for each location: Camanche = 6, Ione = 4, Pine Grove = 8, and Jackson = 8

Jackson has become the largest group with 322 total visits and 74 unduplicated children. Jackson continues to be a hub site serving many families on a regular basis and many on a random drop in basis. This site has many returning families which have bonded and created their own community. Several parents have shown leadership roles and have become very helpful with activities and clean-up.

Cal Fresh provided an education program once per month at each location. Material included recipes, food sampling, and information regarding nutrition.

Parents were surveyed to determine overall satisfaction. Surveys were offered in-person, on paper, and online (N=14).

54% of parents who responded agreed / strongly agreed they have learned more about parenting. 85% of adults felt that parents support each other. 92% reported playgroups allow their child to make new friends. 85% of adults agreed / strongly agreed the program is worth their time. 92% agreed / strongly agreed the program is fun for their child. 92% agreed / strongly agreed their child learns new things. 92% agreed / strongly agreed the information shared is useful to them as a parent. 92% agreed / strongly agreed the program teaches their child about getting along with other children. 86% reported their child has health insurance. 14% reported their child has a special need. One parent reported challenges with transportation.

8 Amador Cooperative Preschool

Amador Cooperative Preschool (ACP) officially opened its doors in August of 2006 and is Amador County’s only state licensed parent cooperative preschool. ACP differs from other preschools in the county in that it is run by, and for, the preschool families. Each family shares in the operation of the school, from administration to maintenance, and assists the teacher in the classroom on a regular basis. The teacher and parents work together to create a positive, safe, nurturing, and fun learning environment for all children. A strong sense of community flourishes within this cooperative structure.

The Protective Factors addressed through the preschool include Social Connections, Social and Emotional Competence of Children and Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development.

Children 3 years of age 4 Children 4 years of age 6 Children 5 years of age 6

Jackson (7), Sutter Creek (2), Pine Grove (2), Ione (3), Volcano (2)

Four children were identified as needing services for speech delay and are now receiving speech through the school district. Two mothers were referred to the Baby Welcome Wagon; two dads participated in the Dad and Me events; two families participate in the weekly toddler play groups; 2 families participate in the Upcountry Community Center programs; 6 families participated in a Kickoff to Kindergarten parent education night. Thirteen families participate in the Imagination Library literacy program and 16 children received dental screenings from Amador Smile Keepers.

This was a transition year for the preschool with a move to a new location and licensing. Parents were patient and participatory during the process.

9 Mini-Grantees

Lake Camanche Kindergarten Readiness

The Lake Camanche Kindergarten Readiness Program provided pre-kindergarten children in the outlying Camanche area a chance to participate in activities that will help prepare them for school. Activities address emotional, social, and educational skills that make them ready to learn even more. A pre and post assessment (Kindergarten Readiness Profile – KRP) was administered at the beginning and end of the program. Thirteen children 3 – 5 years of age participated in the assessments.

Outcomes: Children demonstrated an increase in the ability to stay with / repeat a task (18% to 64%). There was also an increase from 18% to 82% of children able to follow rules and participate in routine activities. Children demonstrated more self-control and self-regulation and there was a significant increase (18% to 82%) in the number of children demonstrating general coordination. There was an increase across the board of children able to separate appropriately from their caregiver on most days of the program.

This unincorporated area of Amador County has limited resources and this program has been well-received by the community for eight years.

Mind Matters Institute

The Mind Matter Institute was awarded a Community Projects Mini-Grant to provide an initial assessment, social skills training, and treatment for young children with AD/HD, autism, challenging behaviors, and learning disabilities. A total of eight children were served during this period. Five of these children were followed by Dr. Ryan Thompson; one comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluation was conducted by an autism specialist; and six children enrolled in Early Social Thinking classes. A total of 154 hours of service were provided to these children.

Outcomes: Examples of successes include – more confident and interactive; willing to share and to take the initiative; speech is more intelligible and clear; stays with the group and follows directions; now plays interactive games; better control of temper.

Early Start Social Thinking Classes: A parent shared – “This class is amazing! I feel like after this class, not only is my child communicating better, but I also learned how to help him communicate. He made a few new friends and so did I. There were a few of the kids who spent quite a bit of time resisting being part of the group. It was amazing to watch the work being done and the progress these kids had in such a short amount of time. Not only did the kids make progress, but there were a few of us moms who had a chance to sit and talk about everything from Temple Grandin to sleeping issues. We almost had our own little support group.”

10 Smile Keepers Oral Health Program

The Smile Keepers Health Promotion Initiative was developed to fill the need created by a lack of dental care for young children in Amador County. Smile Keepers is a disease prevention program that serves to protect teeth before decay begins by educating families on the importance and techniques for the maintenance of good oral care. The program also provides oral screenings for the detection of oral decay and the application of topical fluoride. When dental problems are detected, the Smile Keepers’ staff assists families in accessing appropriate dental care.

Outcomes: Children 0-3 61 Children 3-5 207

 Children were seen at 15 locations, including preschools, playgroups, and the Celebrate Our Children event. Services included education, an oral screening, and fluoride varnish application.  266 children received a first screening; of these, 252 (95%) also received a fluoride varnish treatment.  3 children received education only  101 children received a second screening; of these, 94 (93%) also received a second fluoride varnish treatment.

Of the 101 individuals that received 2 visits, 14 (or 14%) had moderate or urgent dental care needs discovered at the first visit. Of these 14 children, 4 (or 29%) had received dental treatment by the second visit and improved their status. The remaining 10 children either showed no change (5) or got worse (5). Of the larger number (87) of children that had had no active caries at the first screening, 7% had developed caries by the second screening.

Parent education was provided to 104 parents at 11 separate events. The best estimate of an unduplicated parent count is 99, based on the second encounter rate for children at the screenings.

11 Amador / Calaveras Counseling Center – Supervised Visitation / Exchange

Family Court Services has a need to provide supervised visitation and exchange to families who are court ordered to have such a service due to concerns about domestic violence, substance abuse or child abuse. The court works in collaboration with Amador Calaveras Counseling Services (ACCS) to provide such a service. The court provides a referral form to the parents to present to ACCS for the service. ACCS then sets up the intake and schedule. Interns and licensed Marriage and Family Therapists monitor the visits.

Multiple referrals were made to parenting classes and community resources to support families. Emotional health for the children is promoted by the visits since it allows children to have continuing contact with both their parents in a healthy environment. The monitors serve as coaches to help parents learn, sometimes for the first time, how to interact positively with their children.

Children 0-3 7 Children 3-5 7 Siblings 6+ 12 Adults 50

Mothers Club of Amador County – General Support

Mothers Club of Amador County (MCAC) was founded in early 2004 by a group of local mothers looking to create a support network. First 5 funding provided assistance with operating costs so the club could remain free to all parents insuring that everyone has an opportunity to participate. MCAC is governed by an elected board including a director and treasurer who work in conjunction with the Amador Community Foundation to manage the club funds. Marketing and outreach are done with flyers distributed through the information dissemination program launched by First 5. The club participates in community events such as Celebrate Our Children, Amador County Fair, and First 5’s Children’s Holiday Festival. An open house is held twice a year to encourage new moms to meet the other moms. Childcare is provided so that parents are able to attend regular meetings and events.

Members provide support to new parents by delivering home cooked meals after the delivery of their baby. Home visits are provided to new families in the community and projects such as toy swaps and speakers are conducted throughout the year.

Children 125 Adults/Families 84

12 Project Bear Cub – Tobacco Reduction of Amador County

Project Bear Cub was established to encourage preschools and day care providers to create a smoke free environment 24 / 7. Tobacco Reduction of Amador County provided education and outreach that included voluntary pledges and educational incentives. Twenty-six sites participated in the program benefiting 174 Amador County children.

Harry’s Garden – Monarch Montessori

Thirty-two children ages 3 – 5 participated in a garden project that emphasized nutrition, outdoor activities, and community partnerships. The children, parents, and instructors learned about soil, planting, harvesting, and sustainability by partnering with local businesses and community based organizations such as the Food Bank. Seventy additional children benefited from the program through events such as the Farmers Markets and Celebrate Our Children.

Smart Money for Success – Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency

First 5 awarded the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency funding to provide child care for parents taking part in a program designed to assist families with financial challenges. Twenty-one children benefited from this service allowing their caregivers to learn about housing, improving the status of their credit score, and negotiating bill-paying during difficult times.

Speech Therapy Associates – Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends is a social skills program serving children with delays in social skills, such as those with autism spectrum disorders, language delays, and attention deficit disorders. The program provides a stimulating and positive group experience for children with social communication needs.

Parents received weekly emails detailing their child’s goals and progress as well as activities to work on at home, and how to involve the whole family. There were multiple opportunities for parents to conference with the Speech Pathologist to help with carry-over of the newly learned skills. Progress was measured through data collection in clinical notes and observation of each student.

Seven children participated in the six-week session. Examples of progress included eye contact during greetings, attending group activities, following directions, sharing, and turn-taking. Anecdotal feedback from parents was extremely positive and all families chose to attend a second session which was provided at no-cost by the provider.

13 In-House Projects: Transition to Kindergarten

Background The Bridge Program in Amador County began in 2003 and initially served 16 children. This program was designed for children who would be entering kindergarten in the fall and who had spent little or no time in a preschool setting. The program was designed to introduce the young children to the structure and rhythm of the classroom. It was called a Bridge Program because it was aimed to help children cross from the pre-Kindergarten environment to Kindergarten.

In 2012 the program served 101 children at all six elementary school sites throughout the county including two classrooms in Jackson. We have augmented the program and continued to improve it including student kindergarten readiness profiles, referrals, parent education, and kindergarten enrollment outreach. In fact, we now look upon the program as a complete life- cycle of events aimed at providing a more robust service bundle to Amador County young children and their families as they prepare to enter Kindergarten.

Parent Education

Description The parent education nights were held during January and February and were located at all six elementary school locations within the school district on six different nights. During these sessions parents had the opportunity to learn more about the expectations of their children entering kindergarten in the fall. The meetings were facilitated by the School Readiness Coordinator for First 5 Amador with support provided by the Director of Amador State Preschools.

The meetings provided parents with information about school readiness and the nine desired skill set areas that correlate to being ready for kindergarten. These nine areas were identified by elementary principals, kindergarten teachers, early childhood educators, and parents and form the basis of First 5 Amador’s “Bridge to Kindergarten Calendar” that was distributed to each family.

Parents were introduced to school staff, either the principal, kindergarten teacher(s), or both. The enrollment process was reviewed and parents were given the registration date for their school. In addition, parents learned about the enrollment process for the school district’s free and reduced lunch program. This was important so that any pre-conceived ideas about these programs could be clarified and the parents could become more comfortable with participation in the fall.

Child care was very well utilized at each site. We hired professional child care providers and the children enjoyed their time exploring the kindergarten classrooms. Parents expressed appreciation in having this free service offered to them on-site. We provided healthy snacks for both the children and the parents to help tide them over until their evening meals.

14 Eighty-one families took advantage of these sessions averaging nearly 14 families from each site.

Three-week Summer Bridge Program

The program was offered at all six elementary school sites including; Ione, Jackson, Pine Grove, Pioneer, Plymouth, and Sutter Creek. One-hundred one children participated in the program. This number equates to roughly one-third of the County’s kindergarten population.

Teaching staff (lead teachers and aides) was comprised of:  kindergarten teachers from the Amador County Unified School District (ACUSD);  certified teachers who currently substitute in the district;  ACUSD special education aide;  preschool lead teacher;  instructional aides currently employed by ACUSD; and  students currently studying child development.

Each day nutritious snacks were provided. A survey was conducted to inquire about the families’ participation in other First 5 funded programs. Forty-one percent of the children had participated in the Imagination Library literacy program. Seventeen percent had participated in the Toddler Playgroups and 20% had received a Baby Welcome Wagon home visit. Twenty-one percent of the families were familiar with Potter the Otter and his message of water consumption over sugary beverages. Thirty-three percent of the children had received an oral health screening by Smile Keepers. Families were asked if their child had been to the dentist – 70% reported they had. Seventy-five percent reported having some type of dental insurance.

Twenty of the 101 students (20%) had no previous preschool experience. Forty-one children had MediCal or Healthy Families insurance. Envelopes are provided to parents each week containing information regarding community programs, health topics (i.e. oral health), and kindergarten readiness activities. Classrooms are rewarded for 100% parent participation for returning surveys and learning-related activities.

Behavioral Specialists

First 5 Amador offers consultation services by experienced behavioral specialists to assist preschool and child care programs in caring for children with behavior concerns, disabilities, and special needs. A consultant is available to assist family child care providers and early education teachers with a wide range of resources and services. The consultant offers phone and on-site assistance to programs serving children ages 0-5.

The following is a summary of services offered:

1. Telephone Support

 Lend support, listen, answer questions and problem solve  Help to identify “red flags”

15  Support providers in communication with the family regarding concerns and referral to consultation services and other resources  Assist providers and families in accessing appropriate resources

2. Program Observations

 On-site consultation with child care programs and staff  Suggestions for program modification (e.g. making space more accessible, promoting social skills and smoother transitions, behavior management techniques)  Educational materials (e.g. informational articles addressing specific needs of a provider, suggestions on curriculum development, lending adaptive materials)  Training and guidance for staff to help meet the needs of children with specific behavioral, developmental, or physical issues

3. Child Specific Observations

 Assistance in making referrals to specialized services for children  Review existing adaptive equipment (physical, fine motor, gross motor)  Provide information about special education and working with the school system  Identify long-term resources to assist inclusion efforts (e.g. connecting child with Family Resource Network, Valley Mountain Regional Center, Special Education)

The program began in October of 2008. First 5 contracts with behavioral specialists to provide services to providers, children, and families. While First 5 piloted this program, a partnership has since been established with Amador County Behavioral Health through the Mental Health Services Act. Nine children received direct services through the program with one comprehensive case providing assistance to a classroom. Thirty-one children total benefited from the program. All children served were able to remain in their child care settings.

Dad and Me

First 5 Amador believes in the importance of father involvement and sponsors bi-monthly Dad & Me events. Research shows that children who grow up with warm, nurturing, and actively involved fathers reap tremendous benefits, including better school performance, increased self- esteem, healthier relationships with peers and caregivers, and future access to greater financial resources, according to a recent review of the research. In fact, children’s potential for academic success begins long before school age. When fathers read to their young children on a regular basis, they tend to raise children who are superior readers, who perform better in school, and who have better relationship skills (Green, S. 2002)

Each of these events:

 Is based on a book that families take home to help build their early literacy library;

16  Is packed with an assortment of entertaining activities including planting, arts & crafts, water play, games, and story time;  Provides families with healthy snacks;  Provides fun and easy opportunities to help children get ready for school.

Five events were held with a total of 84 children ages 0-5 attending (17 per event). Of these 84 children, 56 children were unduplicated. Sixty-two adults (fathers and grandfathers) attended the events.

Imagination Library – Early Literacy

Originally created by Dolly Parton in 1996, the program mails a new, age-appropriate book every month to registered children from birth until their fifth birthday - at no cost to the family, regardless of income. Almost half (48%) of age-eligible children in the county are enrolled in the program. First 5 funds the majority of the program, however, community service groups and individuals have contributed toward the sustainability of the program.

Family Violence Reduction – Attorney Vouchers

In an effort to reduce children’s exposure to violence, First 5 Amador provides legal assistance to cover the cost of restraining orders and initial court and attorney fees. The objective is to remove any immediate danger. Twenty-five families benefited from this service during this fiscal year.

Outreach and Community Engagement

 Outreach and educational opportunities were offered to parents, providers and the community. Some of these include the coordination of a health festival in the Shenandoah Valley serving Spanish speaking families. UC Davis medical students provided translation regarding resources available to families.  Sixteen child care / preschool facilities received the Plays Well with Others – A Guide to Social and Emotional Development. The guide includes an overview of social and emotional development, local resources, and parenting tips. The guide provides age-by- age breakdowns of typical child development, behaviors that warrant concern, and ideas of steps families can take to help foster healthy social and emotional development in their infants and young children.  Ten to 12 parents of children with special needs met on a monthly basis at First 5’s facility to discuss challenges, ideas for stress reduction, and the availability of community services. Topics covered at these support groups include nutrition, sleeping, partner relationship issues, depression, challenges with siblings, health care, and stress.  Resources provided to families included children’s books such as My Many Colored Days, and literature/DVDs for educations (Transitions for Young Children and Challenging Behaviors for Young Children).

17  Children’s Health and Safety Expo Through a collaborative effort with the Amador Immunization Coalition, First 5 co- sponsored the event. Some of the participating agencies and organizations included: Sutter Amador Pediatrics, Amador Public Health, Amador County Unified School District, Tobacco Reduction of Amador County, Behavioral Health, Dog Safety, Safe Kids – Bicycle Helmet Safety Program, Amador County Recreation Agency, and gun lock distribution. A grant was received by the Sutter Foundation to offset the cost of the event.  Children’s International Holiday Festival First 5 Amador’s Children’s International Holiday Festival was another success this year. More than 300 individuals attended the event. Partner agencies that provided activities for children and outreach to their families included: the Amador County Recreation Agency, Amador Community Foundation, Amador Cooperative Preschool, Amador County Library, Amador Fire Safe Council, A-TCAA Family Learning Center of Ione, A-TCAA Family Resource Centers (Camanche Lake & Upcountry), A-TCAA Family Resource Services, Head Start, HRC Child Care Resources, Mothers’ Club of Amador, Operation Care, Amador County Public Health (Baby Welcome Wagon and Tobacco Reduction of Amador County), Safe Kids, Amador State Preschools and Amador Child Care Council. First 5 had Santa and a bilingual elf onsite for photos and an accompanying school readiness activity.  Car Seat Safety First 5 received a small grant to promote passenger safety. Car seats and material including outreach brochures regarding the law, car seat basics, and smoke-free cars were distributed throughout the county. Passenger safety checks were held in conjunction with several community events.  First 5 Amador’s staff provides ongoing technical assistance and material design to our grantees and partners. Our project coordinator’s creativity and expertise have given a professional look to First 5’s outreach material as well as that of our partners.  First 5’s new facility allows for more community involvement and awareness of the opportunities available for local families. Fitness classes, business and board meetings, large fund raising events, and support groups utilize the facility which also allows for on- site child care.

18