Resources for Parents
At First 5 Orange County, we believe that all young children deserve to reach their full potential. But sometimes we all need a little help, and that’s where First 5 Orange County can point you to trusted resources and services that meet your family’s needs.
Play and Learn
Our early learning resources offer fun, practical, development‑boosting tools and programs that help parents create confident learners and meaningful educational moments at home and beyond.
I can't say enough good things about this program. Our daughter's social skills, interest in learning, and understanding of classroom structure blossomed during her time in Learning Link. Not only is she excited to learn and share what she learns, but she even enjoys playing teacher at home. She also made great friends and has so much affection and respect for her teacher, Ms. Maria,” – Jamey Fredrico, Dana Point Councilmember
Learning Link
Help your child learn and grow through play at a Learning Link! Learning Link is a drop-in program for children – infants to 5 years old – and their parent or caregiver. Learning Links are a great place for children to meet other children, and for caregivers to learn new ways to play with their child with the help of a qualified preschool teacher.
Building Blocks for Kindergarten
This guide introduces tips and information for parents and caregivers to help children get ready for their kindergarten school experience.
- Click here to download the resource in English.
- Click here to download the resource in Spanish.
- Click here to download the resource in Vietnamese.
Toolkit for Getting Your Child Ready for School
Built with data and insights from the Early Development Index, this toolkit for parents has activities that support your child’s development as they prepare for kindergarten.
- Click here to download the resource in English.
- Click here to download the resource in Spanish.
- Click here to download the resource in Vietnamese.
- Click here to download the resource in Russian.
- Click here to download the resource in Simplified Chinese.
- Click here to download the resource in Traditional Chinese.
Kid Builders
Speech and Language Resource
Do you have concerns about a child’s speech and language development? Here are two key resources and tips for parents to help access speech-language services and support.
Child Care
First 5 OC supports families and caregivers in exploring local child care options, offering clear information on finding quality care, and which early learning programs will fit their child’s needs.
Family Choices for Early Learning and Care
This guide from First 5 Orange County helps families and caregivers find places to turn to when it comes to finding child care, preschool or transitional kindergarten (TK) options for your child.
Our Child Care Partners
Finding the right early learning program can be an overwhelming process; Quality Start OC has helpful resources for parents to make informed choices.
Learn more about Quality Start OC.
Children’s Home Society of California can also help parents find child care as well as subsidies to support payment for care.
Parenting Help
ProFathering15: Free Virtual Class for Fathers
Home Visiting
I have had a good experience from the home visiting program. Since joining the program, I have learned so much much about my baby, like how to react to their needs and how to play, feed, and talk with them. My Parent Educator is a very kind woman who is friendly and always gives us good choices. ” – shared a mother participating in OMID’s program