“C is for cookie, and that is good enough for me.” Who doesn’t remember that sweet fuzzy monster who measures success by the number of sweet cookies he consumes? First 5 Tehama is taking a cue from this lovable character and is measuring success by another word that starts with “C” – COMMUNITY. Why are we gauging success this way? The answer is relatively straightforward. Whether your goal is child, family, or economic health, the road to success is through a connected community. But, you don’t have to take our word for it.
These statements are telling for people of all ages. However, the lasting impact of our community connections is even more significant for younger generations. Children’s social engagement can lay the foundation for their understanding of the world around them. It also significantly contributes to their sense of self and confidence around others. Together, these contribute to an overall feeling of belonging.
Even to our smallest of children, community members matter. From neighborhoods and Main Streets to classrooms, businesses, and parks, all community environments actively contribute to a child’s developing sense of self and belonging. This, in turn, creates opportunities for connection, social capital, and economic health for years to come.
Exposure is everything. Imagine a child being drug around on an endless errand adventure. Parents may envision this as a burden that just slows down the process. However, hidden acceptance is laced within these outings if we shift the focus. Children often experience a sense of belonging at some point along the way. It can come out of nowhere, but something in the environment subtly states, “Hey, kiddo. You belong here.” It may be an overt gesture from a worker or a more obscure but highly-inclusive element that speaks to children in a particular setting. But, something as simple as a high five from an employee or hopscotch drawn in a business entryway is all needed to trigger a sense of belonging. And, it’s precious moments like these that further the development of our youth.
It’s almost as if we received a crash course in the power of community on local youth in 2022. How? Countless individuals, from educators to peace officers, stepped up this spring to create a strong sense of belonging for our children in Tehama County. Here’s a peek at some unique growth opportunities that transpired in the past few months.
CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS
A series of teacher trainings via a grant partnership with the Tehama County Department of Education, Gerber School District, WestEd, and First 5 Tehama made a powerful impact on a local level. Toddler to 5th-grade teachers and administrators joined forces to build a robust learning community to target brain building through early language and alliances. Their collaborative findings and methods transpired into fostering partnerships with families and the community, thus supporting social-emotional growth in classroom settings for each other and students.
WHY IT WORKS
Young children do not see themselves as separate from their families. Therefore, fostering partnerships with families allows us to shed light on ways to extend a child’s sense of belonging outside of this perceived circle. This is incredibly important for our children under five who have not yet fully developed an outward sense of identity. By locking arms with families, we show children we also have space for them. It’s a package deal.
FOSTERING FAMILIES
Parent Cafe, hosted by the Home Visiting Partnership, gathered 40 parents and provided the opportunity to break bread together, build relationships, share struggles, and communicate successes. Backed by a powerhouse collaborative comprised of Healthy Families Tehama, Northern California Child Development Inc., and Help Me Grow Tehama, this event brought the best of the best together to create a sense of belonging among parents.
“One of my favorite parts of our Parent Cafe is simply observing the parents as they walk into the gathering,” offered Early Head Start Program Director Tori Prest. “Sometimes, they are a bit timid, but as they engage in table conversations that share their struggles and ideas, they leave with new friends, contact information, and a restored sense of confidence. I truly love the transformation the Parent Cafe platform offers to those parents willing to be open, vulnerable, and brave.”
WHY IT WORKS
Adults are stewards of the community. Therefore, when adults feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to offer that same sense to children. After all, we can only give what we have within us.
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
Badges with Books continues to create opportunities for positive connections with local community heroes. This homegrown program began with outreach from the Red Bluff and Corning Police Departments. As the program’s success began to root, Tehama County Probation, CalFire, and the K-9 Unit jumped in to also offer support. The rapid growth of this program is a testament to the influential driver hidden within community connections.
WHY IT WORKS
Holding space for giving and gratitude within conversation is powerful. When a local hero takes the time to stop and talk to a child, the youngster sees themselves not only as worthy but also as an active part of our larger community. Likewise, books have become the catalyst for connection and have allowed children to develop a compelling mental narrative that screams inclusion.
“We have a box in our lobby, so when parents come in, especially with domestic dispute issues, I hand a book to the child and encourage them to ask their mom, dad, or family member to read it to them,” shared Sergeant James White of the Corning Police Department. “It gives the family something positive to focus on while waiting to handle the dispute. And, it offers me a positive reason to interact with the family, which is important.”