Developmental milestones indicate a child should be running from adventure to adventure long before their third birthday. Doctors could not determine why one local toddler was not taking any steps. With encouragement, a healthy and consistent environment, and nurturing parenting, the child was walking within two months of enrollment in the Small Steps Child Development Center.

Small Steps Child Development Center is a program of the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault.

Through the program, parents are taught the importance of reading and literacy for future growth. They meet with program advisers and are given books to learn the fun of reading together. During the last class session, one girl moved from 1.8 to 3.2 reading level over just a 10 week period. Parents have stated that the program helped them build a better relationship with their children and the culture of learning at home has changed their lives.

Greenfield School Readiness is a program of the Greenfield Union School District

The initial purpose of her call was to proactively seek out homeless resources, because she was not able to make her rent payment. Instead, the 2-1-1 operator was able to get her in touch with programs that offered financial assistance for rent. She was also connected to a Maternal-Child Outreach Program as well, in order to obtain perinatal care.

2-1-1 Kern County is a program operated by Community Action Partnership of Kern

A school nurse referred her three year old special needs student after the child had complained of pain during school hours. An assessment revealed the child had decay on every tooth. KCCDHN worked with our contracted pediatric dental office and the parents to help the child with a full check up and an expedited appointment for further treatment at UCLA, including arranging transportation.

Kern County Children’s Dental Health Network is a program of West Kern Community College District and works through Kern County Superintendent of Schools.

Through case management, a young mother received referrals to get into housing. The Black Infant Health program also connected her with in-home supportive services to assist with the daily tasks of caring for her baby. The little one was born full term at a healthy birth weight and continues to be up-to-date with well-baby checkups and immunizations.

Black Infant Health is a program of the County of Kern, Public Health Services.