Funded Programs and Investments
First 5 Lake makes several investments in community service providers to implement its strategic plan. Program specific funding investments are described below:
Mother-Wise Car Seat Safety Program
Mother-Wise supports families with young children in Lake County by providing essential car seat safety services. These include car seat education, installation instruction, and distribution, as well as community-wide outreach.
Car seat safety installation programs are considered a promising practice in promoting child passenger safety. These programs aim to educate parents, caregivers, and communities about the proper installation and use of car seats to ensure the maximum safety of children while traveling in vehicles.
Here are a few reasons why car seat safety installation programs are recognized as effective practices:
• Ensuring Correct Installation: Correct car seat installation is critical for optimal child protection, but many parents and caregivers find the process complex. These programs offer expert guidance to help reduce installation errors and ensure car seats are securely and correctly installed.
• Education on Proper Usage: It's not enough to have a car seat installed; it's equally important to use it correctly. These programs offer education and training on the proper use of car seats, including securing the child in the seat, adjusting the harness straps, and ensuring appropriate positioning. By educating parents and caregivers, car seat installation programs promote consistent and proper usage of car seats.
• Certified Technicians: Car seat safety installation programs often involve certified child passenger safety technicians who have received specialized training. These technicians possess in-depth knowledge of car seat safety standards, installation techniques, and best practices. Their expertise ensures that parents and caregivers receive accurate information and assistance when installing and using car seats.
• Community Collaboration: These programs often involve collaborations with various local partners, including healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. By working together, they can reach a larger audience, provide widespread education, and establish a network of resources for ongoing support.
• Impact on Injury Prevention: Research has shown that proper car seat usage significantly reduces the risk of injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle accidents involving children. Car seat safety installation programs play a crucial role in increasing the correct usage rates and ensuring that children are properly protected while traveling.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of these programs can vary based on factors such as community engagement, resources, and outreach efforts. However, as a best practice, car seat safety installation programs have demonstrated positive outcomes in promoting child passenger safety and reducing injuries.
76
26
82
Services Provided
Children (ages 0-2)
Children (ages 3-5)
Parents, Caregivers, & other Family Members
Do families have an increased understanding of parenting and child development?
The program collects surveys at program enrollment, at the time of class completion and following car seat safety installation. As a result of program participation, the following percentages of families served indicated that they either agreed or strongly agreed with the following statements (n=68):
97%
97%
As a result of my participation in the car seat safety program, I have the information needed to ensure my child(ren) is/are properly restrained in a vehicle.
As a result of my participation in the car seat safety program, I understand what type of child passenger safety seat(s) to use to restrain my child(ren).
97% As a result of my participation in the car seat safety program, I have the information needed to properly install a child car seat in a vehicle.
Do families have an increased understanding of parenting and child development?
The Mother Wise Car Seat Safety Distribution Program collects parent surveys at program enrollment, at the time of class completion and following car seat safety installation.
Parental
Understanding of the Appropriate Use of a
Car Seat
Appropriate Placement of Children: percent of participating families that understand where children should ride in a vehicle based on their age.
Appropriate Car Seat Selection: percent of participating families that understood what to consider when selecting a car seat for their child.
Appropriate Car Seat Selection: percent of participating families that understood to use rear-facing, forward-facing or booster seats.
Appropriate Use of Booster Seats: percent of participating families that understood the function of a booster seat.
Appropriate Use of Seat Belts: percent of participating families that understood when a child could use a seat belt in a car.
Parent Satisfaction with the Program
“As a first-time mom, I found the demonstration on how to properly install and use a car seat very helpful.”
“Being on a budget but still ensuring my child’s safety has been made possible with this program.”
“One client has a special needs child and was unable to find someone to help her properly install the car seat.”
In Collaboration with Community Partners
Lake Family Resource Center Tribal Health WIC Sutter Health Adventist Health Mendocino Community Health Clinic
Shade Canyon Playgroup
Shade Canyon Charter School offers Waldorf-inspired playgroups, held twice a month at Peace & Plenty Farm. These outdoor, nature-focused gatherings invite young children and their families to explore, create, and connect. Each session weaves together nature-themed crafts and songs, encouraging families to bond while sharing in their children’s sense of wonder. The playgroups are led by a Waldorf-trained teacher, along with guest educators, and typically feature an opening circle, a Waldorf-style story, and activities such as crafts, games, or nature walks.
The Shade Canyon Charter School implements playgroups using the Waldorf Education Roots and Shoots framework. Waldorf Roots and Shoots playgroups are considered a promising practice in the field of early childhood education. While it's important to note that the effectiveness of any educational approach can vary based on individual circumstances and preferences, Roots and Shoots playgroups have gained recognition and popularity among parents, educators, and researchers.
The Roots and Shoots playgroups are usually designed for children from birth to around three years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The name "Roots and Shoots" symbolizes the idea that these playgroups serve as a foundation for a child's growth and development.
Some key characteristics of Waldorf Roots and Shoots playgroups:
• Rhythmic structure: The playgroups often follow a predictable and rhythmic structure, which helps children feel secure and develop a sense of familiarity. This rhythm may include activities like free play, singing, storytelling, finger plays, and outdoor exploration.
• Nature-oriented: Waldorf education places a strong emphasis on the connection between children and nature. Roots and Shoots playgroups often incorporate outdoor play and exploration, providing children with opportunities to engage with the natural world.
• Imaginative play: Playgroups encourage imaginative play as a means for children to explore and understand the world around them. Simple, natural toys and materials are often used to stimulate creativity and foster open-ended play.
• Social interaction: These playgroups provide a space for young children to interact with their peers and develop social skills. Parents and caregivers also have the opportunity to connect with one another, share experiences, and build a supportive community.
• Parent involvement: Parents or caregivers actively participate in the playgroups, engaging in activities alongside their children. This involvement allows parents to observe and better understand their child's development and provides an opportunity for them to learn about and embrace the principles of Waldorf education.
Waldorf Roots and Shoots playgroups offer a gentle and holistic approach to early childhood education. These playgroups provide a nurturing environment that fosters the growth of the child and the connection between the child, parent, and community.
Age Profile of Individuals Served
35 Children (ages 0-2)
22 Children (ages 3-5)
52 Parents, Caregivers, & other Family Members
Services Provided
Result of Program Participation
Demographic Profile of Children Served
Shade Canyon playgroups intertwine nature-inspired crafts and songs, allowing families to connect with one another. These playgroups are facilitated by a Waldorf-trained teacher as well as guest educators and typically include an opening circle, a Waldorf-style story, and a craft, game or nature walk.
17 playgroups were provided that had an average attendance rate of 9 children (ages 0-5) and 9 parents and caregivers.
Do families have an increased understanding of parenting and child development?
The program had originally intended to offer pre- and post- service surveys to identify any increases in family habits that support child development During the program term, it became difficult to collect this information from families in a manner that could adequately report on these measures. As a result, the program shifted to issuing parent satisfaction surveys in the fourth quarter to (at minimum) understand the immediate benefits of program participation. The following data represents an unduplicated percentage of parent participants that indicated they either agreed or strongly agreed with the following statements (n=26):
75%
64%
82%
46%
In a usual week, I or another family member reads stories or look at picture books with my child(ren) every day.
In a usual week, I or another family member practice counting or doing activities that involve numbers with my child(ren) every day.
In a usual week, I or another family member play (sing songs, play games, build things, etc.) with my child(ren) every day.
In a usual week, my child(ren) follows a regular routine like getting up and going to bed at the same time every day.
100% I have improved knowledge of child development because of my participation in the Shade Canyon playgroups.
Blooms Healthy Together – Bloom Facebook & Bloom en Español Facebook:
Lake County Blooms Healthy Together (referred to as Bloom) is a multi-faceted program operated out of the Lake County Office of Education (LCOE). The goal of Bloom is to help parents prepare their young children for kindergarten. One component of Bloom includes the active management of the Bloom and Bloom en Español Facebook pages where information is shared about child development, early learning activities, literacy, healthy habits, and school readiness. Both pages offer monthly learning challenges with developmentally appropriate prizes to nurture parent’s engagement and conversations around child development. In addition, the pages also share information about programs, resources, and events available within Lake County communities with the goal of getting families connected to resources and supports that they may not already be aware of.
The use of social media to communicate with and engage parents of young children has not yet been identified as a best practice as it is not supported with empirical evidence of its effectiveness. While some studies have been conducted on the use of social media platforms for engaging parents, they have focused on very specific service populations as opposed to the more general category of parents with very young children, and/or they have centered on school-based specific platforms. That said, many early care and education providers are implementing the use of social media platforms for engaging parents based on the following considerations:
• Reach and accessibility: With its extensive user base, Facebook’s broad reach can enhance accessibility, allowing a diverse range of individuals to engage, communicate, and participate actively.
• Real-time updates and communication: The real-time nature of Facebook enables prompt updates and communication between parents and educators. Educational institutions and early childhood programs can efficiently share time-sensitive information such as announcements, reminders, and event details, fostering active engagement and participation from parents.
• Information sharing and resources: Facebook serves as a valuable platform for the exchange of educational resources, tips, articles, videos, and other relevant content that supports parents in their child's learning and development. This can facilitate the dissemination of valuable information, encouraging parents to actively engage in their child's educational journey.
• Community building and support: Facebook facilitates the formation of online communities and groups where parents can connect, share experiences, seek advice, and support one another. These virtual communities foster a sense of belonging and create opportunities for collaboration and interaction among parents, enhancing their engagement and involvement.
• Visual content and engagement: The multimedia capabilities of Facebook, such as the inclusion of photos and videos, contribute to the potential of heightened engagement with parents. Visual content possesses the ability to capture attention effectively, convey information, and create a more immersive and engaging experience for parents.
(ages 0-2)
(ages 3-5)
Parents, Caregivers, & other Family Members
At minimum, 84 parents, caregivers, and other family members of children ages 0 through 5 engaged with the Bloom Facebook page during the reporting period. This number represents self-reporting of utilization via the Annual Family Participation Survey.
Services Provided
The chart above represents the number of Bloom Facebook followers over the last three years. It is important to note that these individuals may or may not be Lake County residents and may or may not have young children. There is no way of isolating these two conditions.
The Bloom program provides posting of information specific to young children. The number by type of posts to the Bloom Facebook and Bloom en Español Facebook pages over this contract term are provided below. (Averaged 15 posts per month per page)
Early Care & Education Messages
These messages include information about all areas of development, school readiness, and the health and wellbeing of the entire family unit.
These messages offer parents activities they can do with their children to support their optimal growth and development.
These messages provide families with information about local community resources and events that may be of interest.
Result of Program Participation
Do families have an increased understanding of parenting and child development?
The Bloom program issues a year-end Family Participation Survey through its Facebook page(s) to understand the population being served and the impact of the program on families. The following data represents results from survey respondents only and not the entire population of followers on either Bloom Facebook page. For context, it is important to note that there was a total of 55 survey respondents who completed the Family Participation Survey in English and 29 survey respondents who completed the survey in Spanish.
The following data represents an unduplicated percentage of survey respondents that indicated they either agreed or strongly agreed with the following statements:
90%
91%
75%
69%
62%
As a result of my participation in the Bloom Facebook page, I have learned new information to support my child(ren)’s development.
As a result of my participation in the Bloom Facebook page, I have implemented activities in my home to support my child(ren)’s development.
I have appreciated being able to engage with other parents through the Bloom Facebook page.
Bloom Facebook administrators were responsive to my communications via Facebook messenger. (24% stated that it was not applicable to them)
I feel like my ideas and opinions were welcomed and will be included in the Bloom Facebook page. (31% stated that it was not applicable to them)
79% My impressions and interactions with staff of the Bloom Facebook page have been positive.
87% My overall satisfaction with the Bloom Facebook page is/was very good.
In addition to questions about the value of the Bloom Facebook pages, the year-end Family Participation Survey sought to collect information about how the page may or may not have supported families in accessing community resources based on information provided by Bloom. The results of those areas of exploration are provided below.
The following data represents an unduplicated percentage of survey respondents that indicated they either agreed or strongly agreed with the following statements:
76%
31%
I became aware of community resources (other programs available in the County) because of information I saw on the Bloom Facebook page.
I reached out or was connected to a community resource/program after having seen information about that resource/program on the Bloom Facebook page.
78% I became aware of community events because of postings I saw on the Bloom Facebook page.
42%
43%
I participated in a community event because of postings I saw on the Bloom Facebook page.
I visited a Bloom Outreach booth at a community event I attended.
Blooms Healthy Together – Oral Health Project
Another component of Blooms Healthy Together includes the Oral Health Project. This project provides dental education, annual screenings and referrals to children enrolled in LCOE State Preschool sites and Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten at all School Districts in Lake County. The program also attempts to connect with private preschools and family childcare providers to offer similar services to other young children in the community.
Oral health plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of young children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, poor oral health can not only lead to pain and discomfort for young children, but it can also impact their cognitive and social development.
As such, the Bloom Oral Health program offers support for young children’s oral health using the following best practice elements based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association:
• Regular Dental Care: Bloom offers dental screenings for children allowing for the monitoring of oral health and the identification of any potential risks early on. For those children identified as having a risk, referrals and supportive services are offered to support additional care.
• Oral Health Education: Bloom provides students with oral health education, focusing on the importance of oral health and how to maintain it. Age-appropriate educational materials and interactive tools are used to engage children in learning about oral hygiene.
Who Was Served
5
537
4
Children (ages 0-2)
Children (ages 3-5)
Children (0-5)
Ages Unknown
48 Parents, Caregivers, & other Family Members
Services Provided
The oral health program provides screenings, oral health education, and case management to children and families at locations throughout Lake County. The number of people served is offered below.
Oral Health Screenings
Children (0-5) received
screenings Oral health screenings are provided in partnership with local dental clinics. Each screening is given a rating between 1-4.
Imagination Library
The Imagination Library is another program operated out of LCOE. It is a book gifting program that provides free age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of the family’s income. The program aims to foster a love of reading, improve literacy skills, and promote early childhood development.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is considered evidence informed in early childhood literacy, widely recognized for its effectiveness and positive impact on children's literacy. Numerous studies have shown that early exposure to books and reading can significantly benefit a child's cognitive and language development.
A notable study conducted by researchers Mariah Evans, Jonathan Kelley, Joanna Sikora, and Donald J. Treiman titled "Family scholarly culture and educational success: Books and schooling in 27 nations" published in the Research in Social Stratification and Mobility journal in 2010, examined the influence of books in the home on children's educational outcomes in 27 countries. The researchers found that the presence of books in the home has a significant positive impact on children's educational attainment, regardless of parental education levels or socioeconomic status. This research suggests that having books readily available in the home exposes children to reading materials and encourages a culture of literacy. It emphasizes the importance of creating a print-rich environment, where books are easily accessible, and parents actively engage in reading with their children.
What do you like most about the program?
[The Program] encourages us to read.
What suggestions do you have for program improvement?
None. This was a wonderful experience for both my children, and I super appreciate it.
Age Profile of Individuals Served
1323
977
Children (ages 0-2)
Children (ages 3-5)
1940 Parents, Caregivers, & other Family Members
Services Provided
27,600
Result of Program Participation
Number of Children Served Over Time
Number of Children (ages 0 through 4) Receiving Books from Imagination Library
Imagination Library reached approximately 63% of children between 0 and 4 in Lake County. 2 This represents a slight decrease from the prior year.
books were distributed to Lake County families between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
The program had originally intended to collect pre- and post- service surveys to identify any increases in family reading habits over time. Due to the low response rate to both pre-service and graduate/annual survey participation, these results are not available. The following data did not depend on pre- and post- survey completion and represent results at the time a family graduated (aged out) from the program or at year-end.
100%
65%
97%
Of survey respondents indicated having more books in the home because of participating in the Imagination Library program
Of survey respondents indicated having a library card that can be used to check-out books for their child(ren)
Of survey respondents indicated having a designated reading area or bookshelf in the home where their child(ren) can access books (100% of the graduate surveys indicated having a designated space).
37% Of survey respondents indicated having taken their child to the library at least once a month.
100% Of survey respondents indicated the books received through were age appropriate.
100% Of survey respondents indicated the books received through were culturally appropriate.
100% Of survey respondents indicated the books received through were high quality.
2 “P- 2B County Population by Age.” California Dept. of Finance, Population Estimates and Projections, which estimates a total of 3,654 children 0 through 4 in the County. Retrieved on August 22, 2023 from: https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/projections/.
In addition to investments in direct services to families with young children, First 5 Lake also invests in improved systems of care. These investments include the following:
Smart Start Eligibility Wizard:
The Smart Start Eligibility Wizard (SSEW) is a website built for families with young children to identify and help navigate services and resources within Lake County. The SSEW allows Lake County families to enter basic demographic information and receive a list of services and programs for which their family may qualify. In many cases, the families are able to opt in to having their information forwarded to a provider who will then follow up with them to address their needs.
First 5 Lake leveraged American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to enhance the referral process of the Smart Start Eligibility Wizard (SSEW) by supporting the development of a new backend database. This database is designed to streamline and improve how referrals are managed, making it easier for families to access services. While plans to integrate the new system began with enthusiasm, progress was stalled due to issues with the original developers of the SSEW. Despite these setbacks, First 5 Lake remains committed to improving the referral process and ensuring the system meets the needs of local families and service providers.
Title IV-E Trainings:
First 5 Lake administers the Title IV-E training grant, contracted through Chabot Las Positas Community College, to enhance community support services for foster youth by facilitating training and professional development opportunities. Through this grant, First 5 Lake brings in outside agencies to provide webinars and workshops, sends staff from community-based organizations to relevant conferences, and fosters shared learning and language among partners. These efforts aim to strengthen the knowledge and skills of local service providers, improve collaboration, and ultimately enhance outcomes for children and families in Lake County.
Title IV-E is a federal program that provides funding to states for foster care, adoption assistance, and guardianship assistance programs. It aims to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children who are at risk of entering or are already in the child welfare system. The program helps cover the costs of foster care placements, administrative expenses, training for child welfare staff, and preventive services to help keep families together. Title IV-E funding is critical in supporting services that reduce the need for out-ofhome placements and promote family reunification or other permanent solutions for children in care.
Home Visiting Technical Assistance Grant
The Home Visiting Technical Assistance grant, provided by First 5 California to a region of 21 First 5 local counties, supports local home visiting efforts by strengthening programs and fostering collaboration. Under this grant, First 5 Lake assumed leadership of the Home Visiting Collaborative in Lake County, bringing together agencies that do home visits and establishing two-year goals aimed at expanding home visiting services and
promoting collective learning. These goals include learning about and integrating CalAIM initiatives, which focus on improving health and social outcomes for families, ensuring that home visiting programs are aligned with broader state efforts to enhance care and support for vulnerable populations, and working closely with our local managed care plan
Home visiting is an evidence-based approach to supporting families with young children, grounded in research that shows its effectiveness in promoting positive outcomes. Programs are typically delivered by trained professionals who visit families in their homes to provide guidance on child development, parenting practices, and health. Studies demonstrate that home visiting can improve early childhood development, increase school readiness, enhance maternal and child health, and reduce instances of child abuse and neglect. The personalized nature of home visiting allows for tailored support, making it a proven model for strengthening families and fostering long-term well-being.
Leadership and Advocacy:
First 5 Lake regularly participates in various leadership roles as an element of its position as a neutral convener and advocate for young children and their families. Activities during this reporting period included hosting crosscollaborative meetings; continuing to participate in Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Leadership Cohort; and aided in the County’s completion of the Comprehensive Prevention Plan to reduce child abuse and neglect reports.
The Executive Director supports cross-collaborative efforts and serves on the following boards and committees:
Conclusions & Recommendations
This evaluation report was developed to highlight the reach of First 5 Lake's investments during the reporting period, rather than the impact or outcomes of those investments. The inability to report on outcomes is primarily due to issues identified in last year’s evaluation report, which persisted throughout this period. For context, these issues are briefly summarized below, along with additional considerations based on the current report period.
Disconnect Between Strategic Plan, Evaluation Plan, and Program Services: The Commission’s existing Strategic Plan (2019-2024), the way investments are managed, and the evaluation approach require reassessment as the strategic plan is being revised. The broad nature of the current plan, combined with how programs are funded and evaluated, has contributed to a misalignment between goals and outcomes
Gaps in data collection efforts continue to impede the Commission’s ability to have a clear understanding of services provided and the impact on families served: Despite working towards a participatory evaluation process with an emphasis on joint analysis and co-creation of evaluation to set clear expectations around the data collection expectations, there is a continuing need to strengthen data collection and reporting activities. This has resulted in moving away from evidence-based or best practice approaches in both service delivery and evaluation activities
The 2023-2024 local evaluation of First 5 Lake County underscores the organization's commitment to supporting the well-being of young children and families. This report highlights the breadth of services offered, reaching over 5,700 individuals through various programs focused on safety, early education, health, and community resources. While significant efforts were made to engage families and address community needs, challenges in data collection and alignment with the strategic plan limited the ability to assess the full impact of these programs. Moving forward, strengthening data practices and ensuring alignment between goals, strategies, and evaluation efforts will be crucial to maximizing the benefits of First 5 Lake’s investments and achieving longterm positive outcomes for the county’s youngest residents.
