Programs We Fund

First 5 Alpine allocated the majority of its funding in the 2007-2008 fiscal year to programs that focus on child development.Three grantees, the County Office of Education, The Bear Valley Parents Group, and the Alpine Children's Center all have diverse and comprehensive programs that produce outcomes desired by the First 5 Alpine commission.

First 5 Alpine partners with the Alpine County Office of Education to help ensure school readiness for Alpine’s children.

The Early Learning Center (ELC), under the auspices of the County Office of Education, is the largest grantee and service provider for First 5 Alpine. The Early Learning Center (ELC) provides two comprehensive early childhood programs. The ELC Infant program serves the need for quality infant care for ages 0-2. Following NAEYC standards, highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate activities throughout the day. The ELC pre-school program serves as the framework for Alpine’s School Readiness Initiative. The teachers in the pre-school program complete on-going developmental assessments while working with local kindergarten teachers to help provide successful kindergarten transitions. With the barriers that exist in Alpine accessibility is a challenge for its community members. The Early Learning Center and its collaborative partners are able to provide a central resource center for families with children ages 0-5. Local partners last year helped provide access for all children with oral health and well child examinations, immunization checks, developmental screenings and the delivery of new parent kits.

Non- Profit Parent Group partners with First 5

On the western slope of the Sierras lies the remote town of Bear Valley. This ski resort/summer home village holds many challenges for the full time residents who try to serve the varying population. The need of a quality child development program was apparent to the community as the 0-5 population increased. In 2005 the Bear Valley Parents Group, a non-profit organization, partnered with First 5 Alpine to start a drop-in 0-5 playgroup. This program has successfully served full time and part-time residents with a focus on all areas of social-emotional and cognitive development of early childhood. The program is staffed with highly trained professionals who emphasize cultural diversity throughout their curriculum.  First 5 Alpine and the Bear Valley Parents Group continue to collaborate on sustainability of the program. Efforts also extend into community outreach events throughout the year such as a bike-a-thon, children’s fair, and school readiness transition activities.

Community-based organization reaches children 0-5.

Alpine Children’s Center (ACC) has a drop-in “Preschool Play Group” that offers children ages 0-5 a place to explore diverse activities that will engage them in experiences that are meaningful.  ACC’s playgroup is open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday. The center emphasizes the importance of wonder, discovery and creativity.  The center helps develop social skills and teach acceptance, tolerance, and respect for all.  ACC’s structured program focuses on the academic and social skills that prepare children for kindergarten. ACC provides a nutritious snack for the children who participate in the playgroup.   During the school year multi-cultural activities are integrated into the curriculum and the children’s families are encouraged to participate by sharing their customs and heritage.  ACC’s playgroup serves as an opportunity for families to interact and socialize with other community members while introducing children to fun and meaningful activities.

"Pre-school for All" jumpstarts Alpine's children