First 5 Placer Press

First 5 Placer

Aug 18

3 min read

First 5 Placer Press

The purpose of this newsletter is to inform the community on news impacting the lives of kids 0-5 and their families. The intention of these stories is simply to share information, and do not necessarily reflect First 5 Placer's areas of support, opinions or efforts towards these issues.

August: National Breastfeeding Month

August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to recognize and celebrate breastfeeding families and raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding for babies, children, and parents. Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and families deserve support, encouragement, and access to the resources they need to reach their feeding goals.

Breastfeeding Awareness: Separating Facts from Myths

Breastfeeding provides babies with ideal nutrition while supporting immune health, brain development, and protection against certain illnesses. For premature babies or those with medical challenges, human milk can be especially important in reducing the risk of serious complications.

Parents and Families

27 Smart Ways to Save Money When You Have a Baby - Without Sacrificing What Matters

Right after I gave birth to my first daughter, a funny thing happened: Virtually every dollar I owned seemed to sprout wings. Then one by one, they flew away—to the pediatrician, the drugstore, and any chain that sold cute kids’ clothes. Sure, I’d known that a baby would bring new financial pressures. But when I saw my first postpartum credit-card bill, I totally freaked out.

Rea d More

6 Signs Your Toddler May Be Ready to Ditch the Crib

Wondering when to call it quits on the crib? How to know if your toddler is ready, plus everything you need to know to make a seamless transition.

Early Childhood Education

California's Phone-Free School Act Took Effect in July, but Local Parents want Uniform Enforcement

Two years after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act, kids in California are about to find out the effects of the bill once they return from summer break.

Five Things to Know About High Quality in Kindergarten

Kindergarten is one of the most consequential years in a child’s education. It’s the first universally available, formal schooling a child experiences, and for many children, it’s where they first learn to be a student and a friend. At the same time, it is not required in every state, and it can look and feel very different depending on where families live.

Children's Health

Most Kids Miss Recommended Screening for Autism, Speech Delays

New community efforts across the country are helping to connect more kids to essential therapies.

AAP: Executive Order to Reduce Childhood Vaccines Unscientific, Dangerous

A new Trump administration executive order that reduces and spaces out recommended childhood vaccines is unscientific and dangerous, AAP leaders said Monday.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Pregnancy in the Ozempic Era has Changed the Way I Think about Weight Gain

Being pregnant during the GLP-1 boom has made me think differently about weight gain—and what comes after.

The Home Birth Debate: Safety, Midwives, & Maternal Choice

Why are home births rising? We debate safety, midwives, and maternity care shortages.

Childcare

Proposed Overhaul Could Fundamentally Change Head Start. Here's Now

The Trump administration seeks to dramatically reduce those federal regulations with a shorter set of rules, and give states and local programs more authority over how Head Start operates.

Protective Factors: Strengthening Families Together

Be Nurturing

The Brain Dance. Do this 5 minute Brain Dance each morning with your child to help them transition from waking up to daycare or preschool. It allows the brain to get ready for learning and relieves stress.