Infant and Children's Health

 Birth Certificate, check. Medi-Cal, check. Kisses, check.

• Get ready for your new arrival- learn more about health insurance for your growing family at Covered California.
• Are you already a Medi-Cal Member? Fill out and send in the Newborn Referral Form (English) or Formulario de Información de Recién Nacidos (español) to make sure your baby is automatically covered for 12 months.
• Download the form to get a certified birth certificate in Sonoma County.

 Sonoma County is a breastfeeding friendly community.

 Childhood immunizations protect kids from many dangerous diseases.

• Learn more about the recommended vaccinations for kids from birth to age 6 in English and in Spanish. Learn more about vaccinations for kids ages 7-18 in English and in Spanish.
• KidsHealth has information about childhood vaccinations in English and Spanish, and even helps you comfort your baby during shots!
• Questions about COVID vaccines for kids 6 months & older? HealthyChildren.org has the answers you are looking for from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Worried about the cost of vaccinations? The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program can help!

 Kids should have their first dental visit around 6 months (or when they get their first tooth, whichever happens first) and every 6 months after that!

• Sonoma County Magical Smiles is here to help you connect with a dentist, learn about healthy snacks for healthy smiles, and how to help your kids with family brushing parties and brushing calendars.
• Medi-Cal covers kids dental visits. Learn more about covered services and find a Medi-Cal dentist at Smile California for kids.
• Dental Emergency or trouble finding a dentist? Use the Find a Dentist Tool.
• Visit First 5 Sonoma County to find low-cost dental care.

 Lower Stress (yours and the kids) by going outside and getting active!

• The Sonoma County Family YMCA is an inclusive, charitable organization that enriches community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Their programs include Childcare, Teen Leadership, Camps, Team Sports, and Family Programs. The YMCA offers payment plans from monthly to annual and a financial assistance program.
• Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks provides recreation programming supporting health and wellness and building community for participants of all ages and abilities.
• Play, Learn and Camp at a Sonoma County Regional Park. Low cost annual vehicle entry passes are available for Sonoma County Residents with low income.
• Sonoma County LandPaths is an environmental education and conservation leader with the mission of fostering a love of the land in Sonoma County. LandPaths is committed to equity in the outdoors and all their programs are free or sliding scale, or offer scholarships, and all are led by diverse participants.
• You can’t beat the Sonoma County Library for fun activities! Visit the Calendar of Events or Subscribe to Library Newsletters to make sure you don’t miss anything. Classes and events from Anime to Sewing, Reading to a Dog, and Storytime at the Park!
• The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County inspires curiosity and creativity through joyful, transformative experiences, including their regular exhibits and special events. They offer a variety of memberships and admission options including discounts for WIC and Cal Fresh card holders, and free admission through the Sonoma County Library Discover and Go program. The Museum has an Open Door Policy and will not turn anyone away due to a lack of funds.

 Check out the resources below for support finding childcare providers in Sonoma County for kids of any age.

• Community Child Care Council (4C’s) Provides referrals to licensed childcare providers for all Sonoma County families and supports access to quality childcare for low income families.
• Children and Family Circle (CFC) Is a state-funded, private non-profit agency providing free or low-cost child care and support services to infants and toddlers from low-income families.
• Sonoma County Child Care Association Assisting parents and caregivers by providing qualified, professional child care referrals.
• River to Coast Child Care Services Childcare support for West County residents.
• Boys and Girls Clubs offer high-quality after-school care and enrichment in partnership with local school districts.
• North Bay Children's Center Ensuring that all children have access to critical early learning experiences. Programs for infants, toddlers, pre-school and before and after school.
• Head Start and Early Head Start Serving children (prenatal to 5 years old) from low income families with high quality home and community-center based programs.
• MyChild Care Plan is a partnership of child care resource and referral agencies across California. They offer an easy to search directory and a glossary of child care programs, philosophies, and terms.

 For home visiting programs supporting Early Childhood Education see our Home Visiting Resources.

      Did you know kids spend about 1,000 hours a year in school?

• The mission of the Sonoma County Office of Education is to foster student success. Check out their website to learn more about Sonoma County scools.
• The Sonoma County Library offers Early Literacy programs, a Homework Center and more!
• You are your child’s first and most important teacher! Learn and play together at Pasitos Playgroups for parents and their children 18 months to 4 years.
• Avance is for parents of children 0-3. Learn about child development and parenting, how to make toys for your child and engage them in learning activities.
• Make the first step toward college for your kids, learn more about the free CalKIDS Investment and Development Savings Program. All participants receive a seed deposit up to $1,500 to help pay for future education after high school.

 Even kids sometimes struggle with sadness, loss, and troubling thoughts. Support is available for kids.

• The Child Parent Institute provides child and family counseling and parenting classes.
• Sonoma County Mental Health Services provides mental health support for youth and families.
• The California Healthy Minds Thriving Kids Project has a series of free, evidence based video and print resources caregivers can use to teach kids from elementary through high school  critical mental health and coping skills.

 All kids should receive regular developmental assessments at their doctor well child visits starting at 2 months of age.

• Download the CDC milestone tracker app to learn more about developmental milestones and track your child's development.
• The Early Learning Institute can help you learn more about Developmental Assessments. You can also complete a free developmental Ages and Stages Questionnaire screening for your child on their website.
• Sign up for Text4Baby to get weekly updates on your cell phone letting you know about your baby's developmental milestones. 

 California serves families of children and youth who have one or more chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions to ensure optimal health and quality of life for all children and their families.

• California Children’s Services is a state program for children and youth with special healthcare needs. This program will connect you with doctors and trained health care people.
• North Bay Regional Center provides early intervention support for infants and toddlers with disabilities, and children’s services for kids over 3 years.
• Matrix supports families of children with special needs through a parent network and a resource center.