CARE IS IN MOTION

Hi, it's Megan,

It's been a spooky month, but we're marching forward, not running scared!

🧸ྀི State of play: Hands in the air if you choose care! 🙌

• We revved up the energy to put the San Diego County Child Care Blueprint in motion!
  
• We're celebrating a bit of success over at OCYS. (If you see what we did there, you're a true child care aficionado. If not, you'll pick up on it when you read item #2 below.)

1. Child Care Blueprint takes center stage

🔗 Sharing time: We joined together with child care advocates and leaders to celebrate the San Diego County Child Care Blueprint and energize the work that lies ahead.

• It has been two years since San Diego County’s new Child and Family Well-Being department rolled out its Child Care Blueprint, a strategy to improve access, equity, and the quality of childcare throughout the region. While the plan has been adopted, much remains to be done to realize the promise of the Blueprint.

• That vision is laid out beautifully by advocates and providers in a video that premiered at the event, which also breaks down the Blueprint's three core goals.

• "Some are quick wins, others require long-term investments, but together they form a roadmap that brings the Blueprint's vision to life. A strong child care system supports a strong workforce, a resilient economy and a thriving San Diego County," said Dezerie Martinez, of the San Diego County Office of Education

• How are people feeling after leaving the event?
  
  "I feel inspired and empowered. I feel recharged to be able to take on advocating for our families and for our educators."
   
  - Melanie Martinez, Dan McKinney Family YMCA

2. A Real Child & Youth Success

📣 Using our big kid voice: The San Diego City Council unanimously adopted an updated version of the Child and Youth plan.

• The plan's vision is for all San Diego children and youth to thrive, be empowered, and feel successful.

• City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera said it was a chance to make good on the intentions of the office: to weave children and families into civic decision making "in a way that let’s the young folks know they have a future in the city and families feel like they are supported in what is a very expensive city-- a city that feels like sometimes feels like you're fighting really hard just to barely get by as a parent.”

• This is just one step in realizing this plan. Next is seeing funding and action behind it! Stay tuned, because we're going to need your help to make that happen!

3. And the Winner is...

📚 Sophie Luong!

• Thank you for participating in our book club raffle! We hope you enjoy reading, "Raising a Nation" as much as we do!



• To join in on all the fun and stay up to date on advocacy events and opportunities, be sure to follow us on Instagram!

4. Remembering why we're here: family and community

🧱 Building blocks: Celebrating Día de los Muertos.

• Día de los Muertos is a cherished Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives and memories of those who have passed. Far from a day of mourning, it is a vibrant expression of love and remembrance, filled with music, color, and community.
  
• Guests can enjoy live mariachi music, traditional folklórico performances, food trucks, Catrina face painting, and family-friendly activities hosted by the San Diego County Library.
  
• As part of the celebration, organizers invite guests to submit a photo of a loved one who immigrated to this country to be printed for the community altar. Attendees are also welcome to bring photos of family, friends, or pets to place on one of the community ofrendas.

5. Caring for our neighbors

🍎 We usually hold this space for the funnies, but there's nothing funny about hunger.

During this time of uncertainty for millions of families across our nation, leaning into community is more important than ever.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please share these resources to keep our communities whole.

For more information, visit sdchildrenfirst.org or contact us at: info@childrenfirstsd.org.