Resources | First 5 Santa Cruz County

Community Resources

Investing in the well-being of children and families for the past 20 years.

First 5 Santa Cruz County is working to improve coordination across systems of care to increase access for young children and their families to the resources and services they need to be happy, healthy, well-prepared and ultimately thrive in life.

We believe in a family-centered approach that focuses on prevention and early interventions.

Resources for Families

Triple P Positive Parenting Program provides families with a tool kit of proven strategies for strengthening relationships with their children, promoting children’s development, and preventing or managing common parenting challenges. Click here to learn more

Becoming a parent is special — and also hard. No one has to do it alone. Free support is available for parents and caregivers to help your child be happy, healthy and thrive as a family. Welcome to your village! Resources for child care, home visiting and more are just one click away... Click here to learn more

Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions your family can make. The Child Development Resource Center is your one-stop source for Santa Cruz County families seeking childcare options. Child Care Referral Specialists can answer your questions and connect you with licensed childcare centers and licensed family childcare homes to meet your family’s needs.

Click here to learn more

Looking for other community resources and support for your family? 2-1-1 is here for you! With over 500 local resources and multiple ways to navigate them, 211 Santa Cruz County is here to help you find what you are looking for. Click here to learn more

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is now available in Santa Cruz County

Click here to enroll your child today!

First 5 California

First 5 California works to help California’s children receive the best possible start in life.

Parenting Website

Parent Guide

Kit for New Parents

Immigration and health care
resources for families

SusDerechos's website provides immigrant communities in the tri-county region of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz with reliable and up-to-date information about their rights in this country. Resources include connections to legal assistance, practical guides, and answers to common questions to help you and your families navigate everything from education and work to accessing essential services.

SusDerechos website

The County of Santa Cruz Sanctuary webpage contains key resources to support residents who are concerned about their ability to access critical health care or social safety net services to support their overall health, well-being, and ability to thrive. Resources include CalFresh and food assistance, tenant protections, immigration resources, LGBTQ+ resources, reproductive care, Medi-Cal Resources and more.

Santa Cruz County website