First 5 Shasta's
School Readiness Initiative
The experiences of young children, from the prenatal stage to age five, build the foundation for learning later in life. The quality of these early childhood experiences influences a child's ability to function, learn, and succeed in school. First 5 Shasta's School Readiness Initiative aims to empower families and schools to build the skills children need to succeed in kindergarten, school, and life. The Initiative connects families, schools, and the community in a partnership focused on preparing young children to enter kindergarten ready to succeed.
Shasta Snapshot
 The First 5 Shasta School Readiness Initiative began providing services in 2003. Through the Initiative, prevention and early intervention strategies address child health, healthy child development, and family strengthening and support. Efforts also address enhancing the school environment to include consideration of young children in policies and practices adopted by the schools.
First 5 Shasta employs a School Readiness Coordinator housed at First 5 Shasta to oversee implementation of the Initiative at participating schools in Shasta County. The School Readiness Coordinator provides oversight and technical assistance to Family Advocates at each school site.
Family Advocates
A range of school based services support pregnant women and children under age five and their families living in the neighborhoods of participating schools. Services are provided by School Readiness Family Advocates, paraprofessionals trained in child development, early childhood practices, and community resources. A Family Advocate is located on each school campus and provides outreach and assistance to families with young children. Family Advocate activities include:
- Child health and development
- Health screenings
- Topic-specific parenting support
- Child recreational activities
- Strengths-based case management
- Referrals to community resources
- Home visiting (Parents as Teachers curriculum)
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