Helpful Links - First 5 San Diego

Pregnancy, Childhood, and Child Care

California Child Care Resource and Referral Network

Call our toll-free number to speak to an information specialist who can answer your general child care questions, or connect you with your local resource and referral agency (available in English and Spanish). 1-800-KIDS-793

San Diego County – Local Child Care Resource and Referral Network: The YMCA of San Diego

The YMCA recommends families to call the local Community Care Licensing office at (619) 767-2200 to schedule an appointment to review the licensing history and substantiated complaints of childcare providers. If you have questions or need more referrals, please contact the child care referral line at 1-800-481-2151 or e-mail myreferral@ymcasd.org.

First 5 California (Parent Site)

Information, activities, and support resources for parents and children ages 0 to 5.

La Leche League

Information to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Promoting high-quality learning by connecting practice, policy, and research.

Newborn Hearing Screening

Promoting high-quality learning by connecting practice, policy, and research.

Office of Women’s Health

Information on women’s health, including a national health helpline: 1-800-994-9662

Paid Family Leave Program

Information on paid time off to care for a new baby or other family members.

Pathways

Free resources to help understand, track, and encourage your baby’s milestones for the best possible outcomes.

Planned Parenthood

Local referrals for birth control, prenatal care, and sexual health.

State Disability Insurance (SDI)

Information on short-term disability leave for pregnancy or other reasons.

TrustLine

Background checks on child care providers across California.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC helps families by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, vouchers for healthy foods, and referrals to healthcare and other community services.

MotherToBaby California

The Pregnancy Health Information Line is a statewide service operated by MotherToBaby California. The service provides FREE information to pregnant and breastfeeding women about chemical and environmental exposures that may be harmful to their baby’s health.

Cerebral Palsy Guide

Cerebral Palsy Guide is a national organization that provides parents and caregivers with information on cerebral palsy causes, symptoms, treatments and support groups.

The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families

Through educational and health programs, trainings and services, CHCF provides families with the skills and information they need to raise healthy children, to make sure those children are well cared for and have what they need to succeed in life.

Cord Blood Center

Our goal is to provide information for expectant mothers and families considering cord blood banking – we want to help you find the right option for your loved ones. Whether you choose private banking for the safety of your family, or public banking to help patients in need of a transplant, The Cord Blood Center is committed to giving you relevant, up-to-date information on benefits, pricing and current research for cord blood stem cells.

County of San Diego Health and Human Services

The County of San Diego has historically made every effort to protect, serve and enrich the children in our region. Here you will find an array of services dedicated to promoting healthy, happy and opportunity-filled lives for every child.

First Signs

The First Signs Web site provides information on a wide range of developmental issues, including information on screening and referrals and treatments for autism spectrum disorders.

Fussy Baby Network

Offering support for families with a baby who is fussy, crying excessively, or has difficulties with sleeping or feeding. Visit this site if you have questions or concerns, or feel exhausted and overwhelmed by chronic crying.
1-888-431-BABY

HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics

HealthyChildren.org is the only parenting Web site backed by 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. You’ll find information regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics’ many programs and activities, policies and guidelines, publications and other child health resources, and more.

Live Well San Diego

Live Well San Diego is an innovative initiative of the County of San Diego to be healthy, safe and thriving. Although Live Well San Diego began in 2010 as a health strategy, it has evolved into a greater long-term effort to improve the health and wellness of all County residents.

March of Dimes

Working to help mothers have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies. We support research, education, and advocacy, and provide programs and services so that every family can get the best possible start.

National Children’s Oral Health Foundation

National Children’s Oral Health Foundation mission is to eliminate pediatric oral disease and promote overall health and well being for millions of children from vulnerable populations.

The New Children’s Museum

The New Children’s Museum provides a dynamic, playful public space and community center for children and families—a place to experience exciting art exhibitions, hands-on studio projects, performances, birthday parties, in-depth classes, camps and educational programs.

San Diego County Library

Informed, Literate, and Engaged Communities.

San Diego Family Magazine

A community resource for parents and families in San Diego County.

YMCA Childcare Resources

The YMCA Childcare Resource Service is San Diego’s source for low or no cost childcare programs in San Diego.
1-800-481-2151

Zero To Three

Zero to Three supports the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families.

2-1-1 San Diego

2-1-1 San Diego is a free 24-hour phone service and online database that connects people with community resources. 2-1-1 also assists parents of children ages 0 through 5 with locating services and resources for their families.

Health and Insurance

California Children’s Services

California Children’s Services (CCS) is a state program for children with certain diseases or health problems. Through this program, children up to 21 years old can get the health care and services they need. CCS will connect you with doctors and trained health care people who know how to care for your child with special health care needs.

California Dental Association

Help finding low-cost dental services; use the search feature on the right to look for clinics that offer free or discounted dental services to those in need.

California Department of Public Health Immunization Schedule

Information on recommended immunization schedules for babies and young children.

Covered California (California’s Affordable Care Act Program)

Help with buying private health insurance or enrolling in Medi-Cal.

Family PACT

Referrals to state-funded clinics for comprehensive family planning services.

Healthfinder

Easy-to-use health information website with information on health conditions, doctor visits, everyday healthy living and pregnancy.

KidsHealth

Advice on children’s health, behavior, and growth– from before birth through the teen years.

Medi-Cal Access Program

Low-cost health insurance for middle-income pregnant women.

Food and Nutrition

CalFresh

California’s SNAP/food stamps program, food aid for people with low incomes.
1-877-847-3663

My Plate

Information on healthy eating; MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future.

Food Safety: Children Under Five

Information on food safety for children under 5; Learn about safer food choices for people with a higher risk for foodborne illness, including young children.

Nutrition

USDA-sponsored website that offers credible information to help you make healthful eating choices.

Disability

California Early Start

The Early Start program is California’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Early Start services are available statewide and are provided in a coordinated, family-centered system.

Center for Parent Information and Resources

Information and resources for parents of children with disabilities.

Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP)

Free relay services and phone equipment for all deaf and disabled Californians.

Family Resource Centers Network of California

Parent to parent support, outreach, information and referral services to families of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them. All ESFRCS serve families of children birth to three years of age.

National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability

Fitness and sports information for people with disabilities.

Learning and Technology

California School Directory

Online search tool; information about schools.

Common Sense Media

Reviews and ratings for kids shows, websites and programs.

National Literacy Directory

Information on programs to help families learn together including listings for Early Childhood, Family Literacy, High School Equivalency/Adult Basic Education, English Language Learning, and Citizenship Classes

Safety and Emergencies

American Heart Association

Information and classes on first aid and CPR
1-888-CPR-LINE (277-5463)

Child Safety Seat Information

How to properly secure your child in a safety seat.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

How to prepare for and deal with disasters.

Lead Hotline

Tips to prevent lead poisoning.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Information and resources for missing and exploited children.

Poison Control

Emergency help for victims of poisoning.

Safe Kids California

Safe Kids volunteers work every day to reach parents and children providing tips, tools and equipment to keep children safe from car crashes, drowning, fires, burns, concussion, poisoning, heatstroke, suffocation and more.

Safer Car

NHTSA works to prevent injuries and fatalities for all road users—including children, teens, older drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers with disabilities. Here you’ll find information and resources to keep your loved ones safe on the road, in and around cars with resources for where to get your child’s car seat checked for proper travel safety.

Vehicle Safety Hotline (National Highway Safety Administration—NHTSA)

Information on car and highway safety.

Emotional Health and Violence Prevention

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

Help with discipline problems and parent stress; child abuse prevention. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.
1-800-422-4453

Mental Health America

MHA’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need it; with recovery as the goal.