What is First 5 San Diego?
First 5 San Diego educates and helps parents and others help children during these early years. We are committed to the vision that all San Diego children will enter kindergarten "Ready to Succeed."

What is the mission of First 5 San Diego?
The First 5 Commission of San Diego County leads the San Diego community in promoting the vital importance of the first 5 years of life to the well-being of children, families and society.

Where does First 5 San Diego get it’s funding?
First 5 Commission of California takes the 50¢ a pack cigarette tax enacted by Prop 10 in 1998 and disperses the money to help children 0-5 years old and their families.

How do I find First 5 San Diego services?
To find First 5 San Diego services in your area call 1-888-5 First 5 (1-888-534-7785)

What types of programs does First 5 San Diego provide to residents of San Diego County?
The programs provide a safety net for families in our county, supporting health, learning and social/emotional development of children during the most critical period of their lives and preventing the need for costlier services in the future.

The programs include Healthy Development (development, speech, language, hearing, vision and behavior assessment/treatment); School Readiness; First 5 for Parents; Healthcare Access (assistance getting signed-up for California State Insurance); Oral Health; and Childcare Services.  First 5 also funds 211, the County’s information line, which in times of emergency becomes a vital emergency information line with “reverse 911” evacuation notifications.  Our programs are divided geographically, by County zip code.

What is the Healthy Development Program?
Our Healthy Development Program provides screenings and referrals for development, speech, language, hearing, vision and behavior. Service providers are located in all areas of the County:

Central: Family Health Centers of San Diego – 619-515-2406
East: Family Health Centers of San Diego – 619-515-2463
North Central: Rady Children's Hospital – 858-966-1700 x 7347
North Coastal: Rady Children's Hospital – 858-966-8235
North Inland: Palomar Pomerado Health – 877-504-2229
South: South Bay Community Services – 888-622-2978

Please call the location nearest to you; they will give you details on their program.

How do I get information on the School Readiness Program?
Our School Readiness Program also divides the County into regions.  Find a coordinator in your area:

Chula Vista    Ginger Hartnett    619-425-9600 ext 1760
Escondido    Jan Zelasko    760-489-4131
National    Rita Palet    619-336-8672
Oceanside    Teri Porter    760-966-1923
San Diego    Carol Berridge    858-496-1823
San Ysidro    Lorena Valera-Reed    619-428-4476 ext 3583
Vista    Analilia Sanchez    760-724-7129 ext 5310

If these programs are full or not available in your area, San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) offers a Preschool for All Program. Learn more about Preschool for all at sdcoe.net (search “Preschool for All”) or call 858-292-3586.  

Does First 5 San Diego offer any childcare programs or resources?
Our childcare programs are run by the YMCA Childcare Resource Center. Contact the YMCA Childcare Resource Center at 619-521-3070 or through www.ymcacrs.org. The YMCA is San Diego County’s resource and referral agency for childcare (and preschool) and will have information on First 5 programs as well as other childcare and preschool options in the County.  The YMCA is your best source for low- and no-cost childcare and preschool information in the County of San Diego.

Other sources include:
•    Child Care Assistance Program: 1-800-716-4300
•    Head Start 1-888-873-5145
•    San Diego CARES 1-866-227-3773

Does First 5 San Diego offer any parenting programs?
First 5 San Diego offers a variety of parenting programs.  SAY San Diego has a Start Smart program that provides parent information and education through in-home and interactive classes (619-582-9056). If you are between the ages of 12 and 25, San Diego Youth & Community Services has an Options for Health program that provides health and nutrition education for pregnant women and parents (619-521-2250).

How do I contact the Healthcare Access Project?
Our Healthcare Access Project helps qualified recipients get signed up for state health insurance and in some cases can help those in need with low-cost medical care. Regional providers can be contacted at:

Central    SAY San Diego     619-582-9056 ext 234
East    Neighborhood Healthcare    619-517-7993
North Central     SAY San Diego    858-974-3603 ext 240
North Coastal    Vista Community Clinic    760-407-1220 ext 126
North Inland    North County Health Services    760-736-8661
South    Home-Start    619-422-9208 ext 5462

How do I locate Oral Health service providers?
For a list of Oral Health service providers, please click here.

How do I receive a Kit for New Parents?
The Kit for New Parents may be obtained for free by calling toll-free 1-888-5 First 5 (1-888-534-7785).  The operator will ask for contact information for delivery and offer you information about service-provider in your area who offer free and low-cost resources you may be able to use.