FAQ

First 5 San Diego is the region’s primary organization for promoting the health and well-being of children during the most critical years of development – from the prenatal stage through age 5. First 5 San Diego’s vision is that all children ages 0 through 5 are healthy, are loved and nurtured, and enter school as active learners.

California voters approved Proposition 10 in November 1998, which allows First 5 San Diego and other county First 5 Commissions to use a 50-cent tax on tobacco products to fund programs for children ages 5 and under.

First 5 San Diego provides no cost services throughout San Diego County including healthy development checkups, dental checkups, and high quality preschool services.

To find a service near you, click here or call 1-888-5 FIRST 5 (1-888-534-7785).

Our Healthy Development Services (HDS) program provides no cost screenings for development, speech, language, hearing, vision and behavior and referrals for treatment. First 5 San Diego’s six HDS coordinators throughout San Diego provide these services:

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 – 858-966-7510
North Coastal: Rady Children’s Hospital – 858-966-8235
North Inland: Palomar Pomerado Health – 877-504-2299
South: South Bay Community Services – 619-495-8248

To get connected, please call a HDS coordinator near you.

While First 5 San Diego does not offer childcare programs, YMCA Childcare Resource Center is San Diego’s resource and referral agency for low or no cost childcare. Please visit www.crs.ymca.org or call 1-800-481-2151.

First 5 San Diego’s programs and services are designed to help parents and caregivers support their child’s early development. First 5 San Diego provides no cost parenting workshops that offer tools and resources to help them develop effective parenting skills. To find a parenting workshop near you, call a HDS Coordinator near you or call 1-888-5 FIRST 5 (1-888-534-7785).