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.
Download the resource in English.
Download the resource in Spanish.
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.
Download the resource in English.
Download the resource in Spanish.
Download the resource in Vietnamese.
Download the resource in Russian.
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.
Download the resource in English.
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
Healthy Families
Child Visits and Developmental Screenings
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents and caregivers bring their children in for 11 well‑child visits from birth through 2½ years old. During these visits, your child should also receive three developmental screenings at 9, 18, and 30 months.
These screenings use trusted, research‑based tools that help you and your child’s healthcare provider work together to track how your child is growing and learning. They can also help spot any areas where extra support might be helpful, so your child can get connected to resources as early as possible.
Call your child’s doctor to schedule check-ups, screenings, or other preventive care.
Family Wellness Plans
Family Wellness Plans (FWPs) are personalized plans that help strengthen families, support healthy pregnancies, and ensure children can safely thrive at home. These plans are especially valuable for families navigating substance exposure or other challenges.
HealthySteps
HealthySteps is a child‑development program offered right in your pediatrician’s office. Families can receive added support during well‑child visits, including developmental screenings, parenting guidance, emotional support, help finding community resources, and access to a phone line for questions between visits. All services are provided at no additional cost to families.
HealthySteps is available at several clinics throughout Orange County, with locations in Anaheim, Garden Grove, Newport Beach, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, and Westminster.
Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trusted helpers in your community. They can give your family health information, help you find resources, and support your mental and physical well‑being. CHWs help prevent health problems and keep families healthy.
If you would like help from a bilingual perinatal CHW, you can call or text (714) 418-8140.
Peer Support Specialists
Peer Support Specialists with lived experience help connect parents and caregivers impacted by perinatal substance use disorder to peer support, public health nursing, or specialized perinatal substance use services. For immediate assistance, please call or text (714) 726-5920.
Additional Resources
WIC
If you are pregnant or have a child under 5, WIC can help provide nutritious food and more resources to keep your growing family healthy. Sign up today https://www.phfewic.org/en/how-wic-works/apply-for-wic/
211OC
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance getting connected with essential services, simply dial 2-1-1 or visit https://211oc.org/
Help Me Grow Orange County
Questions about how your child is growing and learning or about your pregnancy or child development? Help Me Grow OC seamlessly connects you with essential local resources and services in Orange County, including developmental screenings, care, and family support.
Call (866) 476-9025 or visit https://helpmegrow.choc.org/