“The first 5 years last forever.” 90% of brain development happens before the age of 5-years-old. Environmental effects impact an adult for at least 30 years. The greatest opportunity to improve the trajectory of a child’s life happen during pregnancy and the first five years of life.
First 5 Kern has built a strong reputation as an expert and advocate for children, prenatal to 5-years-old, and their families. Working in partnership with the programs who receive First 5 Kern funds, and local community partners, the lives of thousands of Kern County children and families have been positively impacted.
Our Mission is to strengthen and support the children of Kern County 0 to 5-years-old, and their families. We accomplish this by empowering providers through:
Integration of Services…
with an emphasis on Health and Wellness,
Parent Education, and
Early Child Care and Education.
First 5 Kern incorporates a family-focused, culturally appropriate, and community-based approach. Advocating for children, First 5 Kern educates parents, community members, and leaders about the importance of investing in the first five years of a child’s life.
As First 5 Kern funds programs families are connected to well-coordinated health care, education, supportive services, and parent education. Improved relationships and thriving communities are a direct result of empowering resilient families through nurturing, positive parenting and stabilizing households.
Our Vision is that one day all Kern County children will be born into and thrive in supportive, safe, loving homes and neighborhoods and will enter school healthy and ready to learn.
