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June is Pride Month, and First 5 San Mateo County is honored to celebrate alongside the LGBTQ+ individuals and families who are part of our community. We believe that every child deserves to grow up surrounded by love, acceptance, and a strong sense of belonging, and that starts with making sure the families raising them feel seen, supported, and connected.
If you are an LGBTQ+ parent or caregiver in San Mateo County, we encourage you to explore the LGBTQ+ Parent Peer Support Group, hosted by the San Mateo County Pride Center. This free, monthly gathering offers a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ parents of children ages 0–17 to connect with one another, share experiences, and find community. Every kind of parent and caregiver is warmly welcome.
The next meeting takes place on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM via Zoom. You can register here.
| | | Dive Into Summer Reading: Free Programs for Every Age | | Summer is a wonderful opportunity to keep young minds curious and engaged, and San Mateo County has a wealth of free resources to help families do just that. Whether your child is just beginning to explore books or is already an enthusiastic reader, there is something for everyone this summer. | | | San Mateo County Libraries' Summer Adventure | |
San Mateo County Libraries' annual Summer Adventure reading challenge is back and open to participants of all ages and abilities, running June 1 through August 31. Families can pick up an activity log at any library branch or print one at home, complete fun challenges, and earn a chance to win exciting prizes. Youth ages 0–18 are eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship or tickets to see the San Francisco Giants, while adults 19 and older can win a County or State Parks Pass.
Beyond the reading challenge, libraries across the county are hosting storytimes, book clubs, themed maker events, and more throughout the summer. Families can also access free eBooks and audiobooks anytime through the Libby app with a library card. Explore the full Summer Adventure here.
| The Big Lift: Inspiring Summers | |
Now in its 11th year, The Big Lift's Inspiring Summers program offers a free, full-day summer learning experience for students entering Kindergarten through 3rd grade in Fall 2026. The program is designed to strengthen language and literacy skills while building positive connections to school. Students take part in reading, science, art, field trips, mindfulness activities, and more, with breakfast and lunch provided each day.
Students must be enrolled in a Big Lift district in Fall 2026 to participate. Some program sessions still have space available — we encourage families to apply as soon as possible. Learn more and apply here.
| The Big Lift: Let's Read San Mateo County | Families looking for ways to support their child's reading at home can explore LetsReadSMC.org, a resource developed to help parents understand how reading develops, what milestones to look for at each age and grade level, and how to build strong literacy habits in everyday moments. | | | Healthy Smiles Start Early: Oral Health Resources for Your Child | | |
At First 5 San Mateo County, we take a whole-child approach to early development, and that includes healthy teeth. Oral health has a direct impact on a child's physical well-being, school success, and self-confidence. When children experience tooth pain or decay, it can interfere with eating, sleeping, and learning. In fact, children with poor dental health are nearly three times more likely to miss school.
Our partners across San Mateo County are working hard to make dental care accessible for every family — from screenings in schools and preschools to free take-home resources for new parents. Whether you are looking for a dentist, guidance on caring for baby teeth, or information about your child's Kindergarten oral health screening requirement, we have resources to help.
Explore our full collection of oral health resources for families and providers here.
| | Play & Learn: Free Weekly Drop-In Playgroups for Families | |
Play is how young children learn, and Play & Learn with Help Me Grow San Mateo County is one of the best free resources available to families in our county. These weekly drop-in developmental playgroups are designed for children ages 0–5 and held at San Mateo County library branches throughout the week. Families can drop in to sing, play, and connect with others in their community, all while supporting their child's early learning and development.
No registration is required — just show up and join the fun. Playgroups are currently held at the following locations:
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Mondays, 11:00 AM San Bruno Public Library, 701 Angus Ave W.
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Tuesdays, 10:30 AM East Palo Alto Library, 2415 University Ave
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Wednesdays, 10:30 AM North Fair Oaks Library, 2510 Middlefield Rd., Redwood City
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Fridays, 10:30 AM Serramonte Library, 40 Wembley Dr., Daly City
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Fridays, 10:30 AM Pacifica Sharp Park Library, 104 Hilton Way, Pacifica
Call or text 650-762-6930 for more information, and find the full June schedule here.
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| Getting Your Child Read for Kindergarten | |
Is your child starting Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten this fall? The good news is that if you have been talking, reading, and singing with your child, you have already been preparing them. School readiness is built in everyday moments, and the simple things you do together every day make a real difference.
First 5 California has put together a practical, easy-to-use guide with tips across social-emotional, language, motor, and academic skills to help your child feel confident and ready for the big day. Explore the guide here.
You can also find additional school readiness resources, including tips by age and topic, here.
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| Thank you to the parents, caregivers, and community partners who work every day to support San Mateo County’s children and families. |
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