First 5 Calaveras and the Prevent Child Abuse Calaveras (PCAC) are pleased to announce the following FY 2026-27 Mini-Grant recipients:

Community Event Mini-Grants 

• Arnold Library - $500 for Family Activities Event
• Blue Mountain Coalition for Youth and Families - $1,000 for Around the World in West Point, $1,000 Kids Day at the West Point Farmers Market
• Copperopolis Library - $300 for Holiday Event, $400 for Earth Day Event
• San Andreas Library - $1,000 for Fairytale Event
• Waypoint Headings - $800 for Family Paint & Sip

Library Mini-Grants 

• Angels Camp Library - $500 
• Arnold Library - $500
• Copperopolis Library - $500
• Friends of the Mokelumne Hill Library - $500
• Murphys Library - $500
• San Andreas Library - $500
• Friends of the Valley Springs Library - $500
• Friends of the West Point Library - $500 

Play Groups 

• Blue Mountain Coalition for Youth & Families - $2,000 for West Point Playgroup
• San Andreas Library - $2,000 for San Andreas Playgroup
• Waypoint Headings LLC - $2,000 for Rail Road Flat Town Hall  Playgroup
• Mountain Ranch Youth Alliance - $2,000 for Mountain Ranch Playgroup

First 5 Calaveras funding is available for activities promoting the health, safety, development, and well-being of Calaveras children from birth through 5 years old and their families. The funding request must support one of the following First 5 Calaveras priority areas:

• Strong families
• Children are learning and ready for school
• Healthy children
• Systems integration and collaboration

Prevent Child Abuse Council Calaveras Mini-Grants 

• Waypoint Headings - $500 for ASQ's 

Prevent Child Abuse funding is for birth to 18 years and must support one or more of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors, which guide the Council’s Strategic Plan.

If you are a licensed family child care provider, preschool staff, and Family, Friend, or Neighbor caring for children other than your own, this program is for you!

We invite you to participate in Strong Start Calaveras and receive monetary incentives and support as you grow in the field of early childhood education.

Receive money for completing:

• Annual Quality Improvement Plan Goals
• Early childhood education (ECE) and safety classes

Additional supports include:

• Learning opportunities online and in-person
• Family, Friend, & Neighbor (FFN) caregiver Engagement Activity kits
• Toolkits for Dual Language Learners (DLL) or children with disabilities
• And more!!

Learn more:

• Frequently Asked Questions

First 5 Calaveras and the Prevent Child Abuse Council (PCAC) Calaveras will accept applications for the 2026-27 Strengthening Families Mini-Grants beginning August 31, 2026. The program funds local activities that support early childhood development and strengthen families.

Grants are split into two categories:

• First 5 Funding (Ages 0-5): Up to $2,000 for playgroups, $1,000 for free community events, and $500 for county libraries.
• PCAC Funding (Ages 0-18): Up to $500 for activities supporting Strengthening Families Protective Factors.

View Mini-Grant Guidelines

• Playgroup Guidelines
• Public Acknowledgement & Nutrition Requirements

Strengthening Families Mini-Grant Forms:

• Mini-Grant Forms List
• Announcement
• Application
• Budget Form
• Final Report Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Provided by Nexus Youth and Family Services, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Calaveras provides comprehensive training, guidance, support, and supervision for local CASA volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children 0-5 years old who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the court system. Their dedicated advocacy ensures that these children are safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive.

Provided by Nexus Youth and Family Services, the Heart Smart Kids program offers group learning conversations and workshops that promote positive social-emotional development in young children ages 0-5 years at their Valley Springs Youth Center and other locations in Calaveras.

Services include strategies for healthy child development, constructive parent-child interaction, positive parenting and discipline, preparing for school success, child screening, liaison and linkage to needed resources, and outreach. The goal of the program is that participants will increase their knowledge and understanding of children’s social-emotional needs and learn strategies to support their development. 

The Calaveras County Library offers the Little Leapers Early Literacy Program at library branches throughout the county. The goal of this program is to expand the message of early literacy; expand library use by families with young children; promote daily talking, reading, and singing to young children; and promote reading aloud to children for 15 minutes a day. Seven of the eight library branches’ on-site library activities offer weekly Little Leapers Storytime events. 

To get your FREE New Baby Kit, call (209)754-6914 or Download the Sign-Up Sheet and return to First 5 Calaveras.

Receive a FREE book every month until your child's 5th Birthday!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Promoting early literacy and books for young children through community partnerships. 

Our Mission

• Enhance quality interactions between parent and child.
• Increase the number of quality, age-appropriate books in young children’s homes.
• Encourage parents and older siblings to read to their child/sibling 15 minutes per day.

The Resource Connection Prevention Team visits local preschools to educate young children in regard to personal safety. Puppets, stories, songs, and art are used to engage children in lessons such as car and street safety, safe touch, feelings, kindness, assertiveness, stranger danger, household safety, and getting an adult for help and support. Parents learn safety skills and strategies to use with their child.