Business Details
27 Years
experience
Empowering Early Childhood Success in San Diego
First 5 San Diego has dedicated over two decades to advancing early childhood development through evidence-based programs and community partnerships. Founded in 1999, our organization focuses on the critical prenatal to age-five period, leveraging research showing 90% of a child's brain develops by age five. We provide health screenings, dental care, preschool access, and parenting resources while advocating for systemic policy changes.Our team combines decades of expertise in child development, public health, and education to create equitable opportunities for all San Diego families. We maintain transparency through annual reports detailing our impact, including serving over 49,000 children and families annually. Our approach emphasizes family-centered care, prevention strategies, and capacity-building partnerships to ensure every child enters school ready to succeed.
Services
Health Screenings
Dental Care
Parenting Workshops
Preschool Access
Developmental Support
Community Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of measurable impact improving San Diego children's outcomes
- Comprehensive programs addressing health, learning, family, and community needs
- State-certified developmental screening specialists on staff
- Proven partnerships with 47,500+ annual service providers
- Transparent annual reporting of $34.8M+ direct services
Services
Health Screenings
Our health screenings identify developmental milestones in children prenatal to age five. Certified specialists evaluate cognitive, social, and physical development to ensure early intervention. Programs include 47,500+ annual screenings that connect families with targeted resources.
Parenting Workshops
Interactive workshops teach evidence-based parenting techniques. Sessions cover language development, emotional regulation, and school readiness strategies. Materials include multilingual resources and home visitation components for accessibility.
Preschool Access
Quality Preschool Initiative connects families with accredited programs. We prioritize low-income households and special needs children, maintaining 1:7 teacher-student ratios. Curriculum follows state developmental guidelines for kindergarten preparedness.
Community Advocacy
We advocate for systemic changes improving child welfare policies. Initiatives include expanding healthcare access, increasing childcare funding, and promoting family leave legislation at local and state levels.
Dental Care
Preventive dental programs serve children from infancy through five years. Services include fluoride treatments, cavity prevention education, and mobile clinics reaching underserved communities across San Diego County.
Questions
What age groups does First 5 San Diego serve?
We focus on children prenatal through age five, with programs specifically designed for developmental stages from infancy to kindergarten readiness.
How can I access developmental screenings?
Contact our Warm Line at 1-888-534-7785 to connect with local providers offering free developmental screenings for children birth to five years old.
Are parenting workshops available in multiple languages?
Yes, our workshops and materials are available in English, Spanish, and other community languages with interpreters available upon request.
What preschool options do you help with?
We connect families with state-funded preschools, subsidized childcare programs, and quality-rated private centers meeting strict educational standards across San Diego County.
How is First 5 San Diego funded?
We receive funding through California's Proposition 10 tobacco tax, with 100% of San Diego County's allocation directly supporting local early childhood programs.
Can I volunteer with your organization?
Yes, we welcome volunteers as program assistants, event supporters, and community ambassadors. Visit our website for current volunteer opportunities.
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