2025-26 Parent Advisory Group
The First 5 Contra Parent Advisory Group is an effort to more intentionally center parent voices in First 5 Contra Costa’s efforts, and to support parents as early childhood advocates. The group meets quarterly to provide insights into the needs of families with young children and to offer input on improving access to countywide resources and services.
Over the course of the year, members will develop leadership and advocacy skills, serve in an advising role to inform First 5 Contra Costa decision-making, and build relationships with other parents, caregivers, and community members.
Applications for 2026-27 now open! Help us ensure that parent voices are at the center of early childhood programs and services:
- Spread the Word!
Please share this flyer with families and community groups who might be interested in joining the Parent Advisory Group. Together, we can amplify parent voices and create positive change for young children across Contra Costa.
- Interested in joining? Apply today.
Applications are open until midnight on Wednesday, August 19. To apply, you’ll need to be a Contra Costa County resident with a child aged birth to five, and be able to attend quarterly in-person meetings on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sept. 19 and Dec 12, 2026, and Mar. 6, and June 12, 2027
For more information about our Parent Advisory Group, please contact Jessica Keener, Program Coordinator, at jkeener@first5coco.org
Learn more about the Parent Advisory Group:
First 5 Contra Costa launched its inaugural Parent Advisory Group (PAG) in fiscal year 2024-25. The PAG was made up of nine parents of children aged from birth to five years old from around Contra Costa County who met in-person quarterly to explore different topics related to early childhood education and care.
The first meeting introduced families to First 5 Contra Costa, including the agency’s role, services, and areas of focus. Subsequent meetings included discussions and presentations on key early childhood topics, including school readiness and Universal PreKindergarten (UPK), with opportunities for parent engagement and input.
Throughout the year, PAG members engage with one another, First 5 staff, and First 5 Commissioners to share their experiences, insights, and feedback. Future PAG groups will continue to provide similar opportunities for parents to learn about First 5 Contra Costa’s work, discuss early childhood topics, and contribute their perspectives to help inform the agency’s ongoing efforts.
