Focusing public attention on the needs of young children and their families, the Board of Supervisors adopted First 5 San Bernardino’s resolution on April 9 proclaiming the second week of April through 2029 as The Week of the Young Child in San Bernardino County. To commemorate the day, paper doll artwork created by local children was presented to each supervisor by First 5 San Bernardino Assistant Director Cindy Faulkner.
“This important action serves as a reminder that children’s earliest years shape their learning and development for the rest of their lives, explained First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Karen Scott. “Each year during this special week, people all across the U.S. come together to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood education and the incredible impact it has on our little ones, and we’re excited to once again formally celebrate this week in San Bernardino County,” Scott concluded.
The following day, Karen Scott joined Assembly Member Eloise Gomez Reyes and First 5 California’s Director of Government Affairs Courtney Armstrong at the California State Capitol. These powerful women were crucial in moving AB 2982 forward, which established a workgroup to address the needs of infants, toddlers and their families.
According to the bill’s author, Reyes, California has made progress in supporting young children and their families; however, significant gaps remain. “We must comprehensively work to address the needs of California’s infants, toddlers and their families,” stated Reyes in the bill summary.
AB 2982 establishes a workgroup to develop recommendations focused on establishing a 10-year comprehensive, equity-focused prenatal-to-three system policy agenda. The workgroup created under this bill will be responsible for reviewing current policies and practices related to early childhood systems, developing recommendations to address the needs of subpopulations of young children, and ensuring there is alignment and partnership among state agencies to ensure our young children can thrive.
The bill, which passed out of committee with bipartisan support, is now being referred to the Appropriations Committee.
Additional County Update News – April 25, 2024
- Board of Supervisors actions, April 23
- Financial preparedness
- CERT members celebrated during Volunteer – Week
- Probation partners recognized during – Volunteer Week
- Board members attend Brightline high-speed rail groundbreaking
- Code Enforcement Cannabis Unit and California Department of Fish & Wildlife working together!
- Safeguarding EBT benefits!
- Maria Merced Williams and John Rains House is open after renovations
- County Purchasing rebranding reflects department’s public service mission
- San Bernardino County history
- Things to Do
- Pet of the Week