Helpful Links
Pregnancy, Childhood, and Child Care
Child Care Resource and Referral Network
www.rrnetwork.org/find_child_care
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
First 5 California (Parent Site)
http://www.first5california.com
Information, activities, and support resources for parents and children ages 0 to 5
La Leche League
http://www.llli.org
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
http://www.naeyc.org
Promoting high-quality learning by connecting practice, policy, and research
Newborn Hearing Screening
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/nhsp
Local referrals for infant hearing tests: NHSP helps identify hearing loss in infants and guide families to the appropriate services needed to develop communication skills
Office of Women’s Health
https://www.womenshealth.gov
Information on women’s health, including a national health helpline: 1-800-994-9662
Paid Family Leave Program
https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/Paid_Family_Leave.htm
Information on paid time off to care for a new baby or other family members
Pathways
http://www.pathways.org
Free resources to help understand, track, and encourage your baby’s milestones for the best possible outcomes
Planned Parenthood
http://www.plannedparenthood.org
Local referrals for birth control, prenatal care, and sexual health
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
http://www.edd.ca.gov/disability
Information on short-term disability leave for pregnancy or other reasons
TrustLine
http://www.trustline.org
Background checks on child care providers across California
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DWICSN
WIC helps families by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, vouchers for healthy foods, and referrals to healthcare and other community services
California Teratogen Information Service (CTIS)
www.ctispregnancy.org
The Pregnancy Health Information Line is a statewide service operated by the California Teratogen Information Service (CTIS). 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
http://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com
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
www.chcfinc.org
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
http://www.cordbloodbanking.com/cord-blood/
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
www.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/programs/cs/
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
www.firstsigns.org
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 Babies Network
www.fussybabynetwork.org
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. 888-431-BABY
HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics
www.healthychildren.org
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
www.livewellsd.org
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
www.marchofdimes.com
Working to help mothers have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.
National Children’s Oral Health Foundation
www.ncohf.org
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
www.thinkplaycreate.org
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.
Project ABC
www.projectabc-la.org
Project ABC is designed to create a system of care for young children who are in need of mental health services in the Los Angeles area. The goal is ensure that children 0-5 years old have access to mental health services that are family-centered, strength-based, and culturally competent.
San Diego County Library
www.sdcl.org
Informed, Literate, and Engaged Communities.
San Diego Family Magazine
www.sandiegofamily.com
A community resource for parents and families in San Diego County.
YMCA Childcare Resources
www.ymca.org/locations/ymca-childcare-services
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
www.zerotothree.org
Zero to Three supports the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families.
2-1-1 San Diego
http://211sandiego.org
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 operates a First 5 San Diego Warm Line (1-888-5 FIRST 5) that assists parents of children ages 0 through 5 with locating services and resources for their families.
Health and Insurance
California Children’s Services
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ccs
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
http://www.cda.org/public-resources/low-cost-dental-services
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
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/immunization/Babies.aspx
Information on recommended immunization schedules for babies and young children
Covered California (California’s Affordable Care Act Program)
http://www.coveredca.com
Help with buying private health insurance or enrolling in Medi-Cal
Family PACT
http://www.familypact.org
Referrals to state-funded clinics for comprehensive family planning services
Healthfinder
http://www.healthfinder.gov
Easy-to-use health information website with information on health conditions, doctor visits, everyday healthy living and pregnancy
KidsHealth
http://www.kidshealth.org
Advice on children’s health, behavior, and growth– from before birth through the teen years
Medi-Cal Access Program
http://mcap.dhcs.ca.gov
Low-cost health insurance for middle-income pregnant women
Sight for Students
http://www.sightforstudents.org
VSP Sight for Students gift certificates provide children in need with no-cost eye care and prescription glasses from a local doctor
Food and Nutrition
CalFresh
www.cdss.ca.gov/food-nutrition/calfresh
California’s SNAP/food stamps program; food aid for people with low incomes
1-877-847-3663
Choose My Plate
http://www.choosemyplate.gov
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
http://www.foodsafety.gov/risk/children
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
http://www.nutrition.gov/
USDA-sponsored website that offers credible information to help you make healthful eating choices
Disability
California Early Start
http://www.parentcenterhub.org
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
http://www.parentcenterhub.org
Information and resources for parents of children with disabilities
Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP)
http://ddtp.cpuc.ca.gov
Free relay services and phone equipment for all deaf and disabled Californians
Family Resource Centers Network of California
http://www.frcnca.org
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
http://www.nchpad.org/Individuals~Caregivers
Fitness and sports information for people with disabilities
Learning and Technology
California School Directory
www.cde.ca.gov/
Online search tool; information about schools
Common Sense Media
http://www.commonsensemedia.org
Reviews and ratings for kids shows, websites and programs
National Literacy Directory
http://www.nationalliteracydirectory.org
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
www.heart.org
Information and classes on first aid and CPR
1-888-CPR-LINE (277-5463)
Child Safety Seat Information
http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/child-safety-seats
How to properly secure your child in a safety seat
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
http://www.fema.gov
How to prepare for and deal with disasters
Lead Hotline
http://www.epa.gov/lead
Tips to prevent lead poisoning
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
http://www.missingkids.com
Information and resources for missing and exploited children
Poison Control
http://www.calpoison.org
Emergency help for victims of poisoning
Safe Kids California
http://www.safekidscalifornia.org
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
http://www.safercar.gov/parents
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)
http://www.nhtsa.gov
Information on car and highway safety
Emotional Health and Violence Prevention
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
http://www.childhelp.org/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
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net
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.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
http://www.thehotline.org
Resources for victims of domestic abuse 1-800-799-7233
National Parent Helpline
http://www.nationalparenthelpline.org/find-support/state-resources/california-resources
Emotional support for parents and caregivers of children 1-855- 4A PARENT
Postpartum Support International
http://www.postpartum.net
24-hour support for new mothers with depression 1-800-944-4773
Suicide Prevention/ Crisis Support
http://www.hopeline.com
24-hour crisis hotline focusing on suicide intervention, prevention, awareness and education 1-800-784-2433
Substance Abuse
Al-Anon
www.al-anon.org
Free support groups for family and friends of people who abuse alcohol or drugs
1-888-425-2666
Alcohol and Drug Services Adult Systems of Care
https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Pages/SUD-Directories.aspx
Listings of alcohol and drug treatment programs by county
California Smokers’ Helpline
http://www.nobutts.org
Free, personalized, confidential help in multiple languages to put an end to smoking
National Alcohol & Drug Information
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment
Information and referrals for substance abuse and mental health treatment