We need your help - in this newsletter we highlighting a very important survey from First 5 of Ventura County.  They are looking for input from parents with children who are between the ages of 0-8.   Some of the questions they are trying to answer include:  What are your needs and challenges? What resources are lacking in Ventura County? See below for a write-up about what kinds of support they offer parents in our area.

Please share this survey with your friends and family.  We are lucky to have this valuable resource in our community - let's all do our part to support it!!

The OaksParent.com Team

Your input can help First 5 shape local resources for young children and families, and it only takes a few minutes.

Early brain research tells us that ages 0-5 are critical years for developing lifelong social, emotional and learning skills. In fact, 85% of brain growth occurs during this period and patterns are established for life. By working with parents, school districts, community leaders, local businesses, social service and healthcare agencies, First 5 Ventura County helps to design and fund a network of essential services for young children and their families. First 5 puts kids first with community-based health, early learning and family strengthening programs anchored by 11 locally designed Neighborhoods for Learning (NfLs). Through these ground-breaking efforts, First 5 is changing the face of Ventura County, investing more than $14 million this year alone in our community's greatest asset, its children.

As First 5 develops its plan for the next five years, we want to hear from parents and caregivers of children 0-8. What are your needs and challenges? What resources are lacking in Ventura County? The link below will take you to a short online survey. All information is strictly confidential (your name is not required) and will be used for planning First 5 programs and services. Please share this survey with family and friends. The survey is also available in Spanish - click here.

Please Click Here to Complete the First 5 Parent Survey

About First 5

California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes to improve the lives of young children, prenatal to age five, and their families. First 5 Ventura County invests this tobacco tax revenue in locally designed resources that promote accessible, high quality health, early learning and family strengthening through 11 community based Neighborhoods for Learning (NfLs) located throughout Ventura County. Each NfL is locally governed with input from professional, parent and community representatives, and designed to meet the unique needs of its region.

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything >>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

Join us this weekend from 11-4 at the Conejo Creek Park North.  Expected activities will include trucks, arts and crafts, dog agility show, sporting games, live music/DJ, train rides, inflatable jumpers, rock wall and more! This event is geared towards kids of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. USSD Kidfest also features a community expo with exhibitors and local vendors showcasing their products and services. There will also be a silent auction and raffle. Parking is also free but is limited - but there is plenty of parking across the street at the soccer fields. For more information, visit www.kidfest.us or call 661.904.5919.