Ready Kids East County is a dedicated effort that centers the experiences of Black and African American families, offering support for families with young children every step of the way. We connect families to trusted, culturally rooted programs, services, and community resources designed to support both children and those who care for them.

Join us for the 2nd Annual Ready Kids East County Resource Fair

Join us for a fun, joyful, family-friendly day celebrating Black and African American families!. Meet organizations and child care programs who offer culturally relevant programming for African American families with young children in East County.

Saturday, April 11, 2026
Marina Community Center

RSVP Here: https://bit.ly/resource-fair-2026

Click here to share/download the flyer (help us spread the word!)

Celebrating Connection and Collaboration at the Ready Kids East County Big Table Event

On October 29 more than 65 individuals participated in an incredible evening of community, and collaboration focused on enhancing services for Black and African American families. At the event,  families, partners, and community leaders come together  for meaningful conversation about culturally affirming practices, effective outreach methods and ways to tailor services to African American families.  A special thank you to our guest speaker, Nisaa Kirtman, Ph.D., for her inspiring presentation, Centering Black Families: Building Pathways to Access and Connection. Your insights provided actionable strategies and thoughtful guidance for creating equitable and culturally-centered family engagement.

Download the 2024-25 Resource Kit

The Ready Kids East County Resource Kit is a set of curated flyers that brings together valuable resources from local organizations and agencies serving Black and African American families in East Contra Costa County. Keep an eye out for our updated version in April.

What else?

Below you’ll find a calendar of upcoming events in East County and links to local organizations and resources focused on supporting African American and Black families. You’ll also find a gallery showcasing how Ready Kids East County is making a difference in our community.

More about our Ready Kids East County Work:

Supporting Our Community and Strengthening Families

We partner with families and organizations in East County to ensure that African American and Black families have access to the necessary resources and support during their early years to thrive.

Strengthening Connections & Building Bridges

First 5 Contra Costa is committed to bringing together local organizations that support Black families with young children in East Contra Costa County and creating clear pathways to help families navigate the critical resources and support needed to help children thrive.

Funding & Support

Our Ready Kids East County efforts are made possible through a strategic public-private partnership that leverages funding from California’s Proposition 10 alongside philanthropic contributions, including from the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation. This combined support enables First 5 Contra Costa to invest in and coordinate impactful programs and services that address disparities and promote equity for Black and African American families in East Contra Costa County.

To learn more about Ready Kids East County, contact Jessica Keener, Program Coordinator, at jkeener@first5coco.org