Welcome Baby!
We love Plumas County babies!
Welcome Baby provides ALL families that are either expecting or celebrating the arrival of a new baby a folder of Plumas County Resources for families and a FREE parent kit! What's inside the kit?
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​Diapers and Wipes
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Infant Oral Health Kit
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Tote Bag
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Infant Toy
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Reusable Water Bottle
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Baby Sleep Sack
Lactation and Postpartum Support
Home Visiting
Research shows home visiting can be an effective method of delivering family support and child development services that lead to improved child health and development as well as strengthened parenting skills.
Nourishing Newborns Home Visiting
(530) 616-8448
nourishingnewborns@gmail.com
FREE No income requirements
Offers support through free home visits with a Certified Postpartum Doula, Infant Massage Instructor, and Breastfeeding/Lactation Medicine Physician.
Nourishing Newborns supports families with:
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Nutrition education
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Certified Postpartum Doula Services
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Physician Lactation Consultation, including labwork, imaging, and physical exam
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Patient advocacy and integration with your health care team
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Infant massage instruction
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Referrals to needed resources
Roundhouse Council
Home Visiting for Native Families
Marlene Mullen
(530) 310-3762 (text or call)
marlenemullen2020@outlook.com
Provides elder and inter generational support to new parents and their families through home visiting.
Family First Home Visiting
(530) 283-6330
familyfirst@countyofplumas.com
FREE No income requirements
Free home visits to any family prenatal to age 18. No income eligibility requirements. All home visitors are Nurses and/or Health Educators.
Family First supports families with:
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Prenatal and birthing education
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Newborn and lactation support
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Child development support
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Resources and Referrals to connect families with needed services
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Car Seats and other material supports
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Services available in Spanish
Playgroups
FREE, no income requirements
For families of children ages 0-5
Playgroup Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 am
Bunkhouse Building, Plumas County Fairgrounds
A child-led play-based learning environment encouraging exploration, creativity, and social development. Caregivers also have a chance to socialize, build connections, and be connected with needed resources.
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Walking Group Thursdays 10:30-11:30 am
Caregiver and child physical activity group focused on movement and connection. We will gather at Gansner Park and start walking the bike path at 10:45. Walk or roll together with our little one(s). Let us know if you are in need of a stroller or carrier.
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***For smoke and weather location updates call Alicia Kerr (530) 334-0679
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Imagination Library
FREE, no income requirements
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library mails FREE monthly books to all Plumas County children ages 0-5 regardless of income. Sign each sibling (0-5) up to get their own special, age-appropriate book.
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Reading to your child from birth helps build strong bonds and supports their social-emotional, cognitive, language, and literacy development.
Early Childhood Development
Complete the Ages and Stages questionnaire for a no-pressure way to track and celebrate your child's progress and discover new ways to support their growth and development.
After you complete the online questionnaire Alicia Kerr, Family Services Coordinator, First 5 Plumas will follow up with ideas and activities to support your child's development based on the ASQ results.
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If you would like support completing the ASQ Developmental Screening, text or call Alicia Kerr, Family Services Coordinator (530) 334-0679
Mental Health Supports
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
What is Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health?
Mental health in young children is about how they develop socially, emotionally, and behaviorally from birth through age five. It includes a child’s ability to express and manage their feelings, build trusting relationships, feel safe and supported, explore and learn, and cope with everyday challenges. Young children develop these skills through their relationships and daily experiences with parents, caregivers, family members, educators, and other trusted adults.
Some important parts of young children's mental health include their ability to:
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Build secure and trusting relationships
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Express and manage their emotions
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Feel safe, loved, and supported
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Explore their environment and learn new things
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Learn through play and everyday interactions
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Adjust to changes and new experiences
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Develop confidence and resilience when facing challenges
The first five years are an important time for building the foundation for lifelong well-being. Children will naturally experience stress and challenges as they grow. Not all stress is harmful. With the support of caring and responsive adults that help them feel safe, everyday challenges can help children learn to cope and develop resilience. Protective factors- responsive caregiving and secure relationships; safe, stable, and nurturing environments; positive early experiences and consistent routines; strong family and community support; access to health care and early intervention services; opportunities for healthy sleep, nutrition, play and exploration- help children develop resilience and create a strong foundation for their lifelong well-being.
Reference: https://www.zerotothree.org/issue-areas/infant-and-early-childhood-mental-health/
How Should Parents Seek Help?
Complete an Ages and Stages Questionnaire Social-Emotional developmental screening and receive a follow-up with Alicia Kerr, First 5 Plumas Family Services Coordinator.
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This questionnaire can help identify areas of concern, connect you with the appropriate resources and services, and provide a baseline for providers to monitor changes and provide the right supports.
Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health refers to mental health challenges during pregnancy and up to 2 years after. These conditions are the most common complications of childbearing and can affect the whole family.
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1 in 4 birthing women experience symptoms of depression or anxiety during the perinatal period.
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1 in 10 partners experience symptoms of depression or anxiety during this time.
Conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and postpartum psychosis are more common than many people realize.
If you are struggling, know that you are not alone, and it is not your fault. These challenges can feel frightening or overwhelming. Reaching out for support is a brave first step. With the right care, understanding, and resources, you can begin to feel better, rebuild your confidence, and feel supported in your parenting journey.
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How Should Parents Seek Help?
Getting an appointment with a Behavioral Health Care Provider:
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Plumas District Hospital
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Make an appointment with your child's Primary Care Physician and/or make an appointment with a Behavioral Health Provider.
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You can make an appointment for therapy with a Behavioral Health Provider through the call center (530) 283-2121
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You can get a referral through your Primary Care Physician or a Behavioral Health Provider to see Dana Mark Petersen, MD Pediatric Behavioral Health
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Eastern Plumas Health Care
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Make an appointment with an Eastern Plumas Health Care provider through the call center (530) 832-6500 option 1 for clinics to get a referral to see a Behavioral Health Provider for therapy and medication management.
Seneca Health Care
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Make an appointment with a health care provider through the call center (833) 227-3743 to get a referral to see a telehealth Psychiatrist or Psychologist.
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Talking with your Healthcare Clinician about your Mental Health​
Behavioral Health Family Support Group
Chester Wellness Center
FREE, No Income Requirements
Joining a Family Support Group can be a life-changing experience. It provides a safe space for individuals and families to share their challenges and successes with other who understand. Whether you're facing parenting struggles, caring for a loved one, or dealing with family dynamics, these groups offer emotional support, practical advice, and new perspectives. Connecting with other allows you to learn coping strategies and build a supportive network. If you're seeking a community where you can be heard and uplifted, consider joining our Family Support Group!
Mindful Nurturing Parenting Training
Series for Caregivers of Children 0-5
Free, no income requirements
8-week online video course with text support for parenting resources and questions and 1-on-1 sessions with the instructor. Parents who complete the course and submit the final survey may select a gift up to a $40 value. Options include items such as: diapers, board books, developmental toys, formula, and baby necessities.
Oral Health
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this simple ritual at the end of the day:
1. Each night, help your children to floss and brush their teeth.
2. Read a favorite book (or two)!
3. Get to bed at at regular time each night.
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Each night, help your children brush their teeth.
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Before teeth come in, use a soft washcloth to wipe your baby's gums after each feeding and before bed.
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Once even just one thooth appears, brush two times a day with fluoride toothpaste.
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Under age 3: toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice.
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Ages 3-6: toothpaste about the size of a small pea.
Its okay to let your child practice brushing, but they need your help to do the best job!
For some children the stimulation from toothbrushing and flossing can be overwhelming and difficult to tolerate.
Click below for some tips to help you and your child succeed with dental care.
Diaper Bank Program
Diapers are available while supplies last at:
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Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center, 591 Main St., Quincy
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Open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm
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Through Nourishing Newborns Home Visiting
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(530)616-8448, nourishingnewborns@gmail.com
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At First 5 Plumas Playgroups- Quincy and Portola
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Chester Wellness & Family Resource Center, 372 Main St, Chester
Direct Phone: 530-297-8140, Toll Free: (800) 757-7898, option 3
Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday (Winter hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)​ -
Portola Wellness Center, 280 East Sierra Street, Portola ​
Phone: 530-283-6307, option 2, Toll Free: (800) 757-7898, option 2
​Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
Plumas County Food Assistance
Find information about Food Bank locations and times in each community in Plumas County.
Almanor Basin Food Pantry 386 Main Street, Chester
Second and Fourth Saturdays 10 am-12 pm
Fruits, vegetables, meats/proteins, dairy, bread, canned goods, and commodities.
***New families bring photo ID and proof of residence (i.e. utility bill)
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Chester Wellness Center 372 Main Street Chester
Monday-Friday 9 am-2 pm Call 530-283-6307 to schedule a food pick up
Feather River College Food Assistance Mon-Thurs 9 am-12 pm
Plumas County Community Suppers
Chester Memorial Hall 225 Gray St.
Every other Thursday 5-6 pm November-April
Child Care Plumas County
Plumas Rural Services Child Care
Resource and Referral
No Income Requirements
Free child care referrals for parents through Trust Line- the California registry of in-home and license-exempt child care providers (babysitters and nannies) who have passed a background check.
Plumas Rural Services
Child Care
Payment Program
Eligibility Requirements
The Child Care Payment Program can pay child care costs for parents or guardians who are working, seeking work, homeless, incapacitated, in an approved training program, referred by CPS. referred by the County Welfare Department.
Sierra Cascade Family Opportunities
Head Start and State PreSchools
Eligibility Requirements
Provides high-quality, inclusive child development programs- NO FEE, INCOME ELIGIBLE ENROLLEMENT
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Chester: Marlene Marryman 530-258-3194 ext. 1214
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Greenville: Linda Pettit 530-284-7195 ext. 2711
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Portola: Sherry Hornback 530-832-1029
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Quincy: Vanessa Jester 530-283-0592
Feather River College
Child Development Center
Plumas District Hospital Child Care Center
Lost Sierra Kids
Community Learning Center
Provides a nurturing and engaging learning environment with developmentally appropriate curriculum, credentialed teachers, and play-based curriculum.
Children ages 2-5, enrollment priority is low-income families, students, and working parents, but also have several over-income slots available.
No Income Requirments
Open to ALL Families for children ages 0-5.
530-283-7165
COMING SOON
Parent Resources
First 5 California will convene, partner in, and help lead the movement to create and implement a comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated system for California’s children prenatal through age 5 and their families. It will promote, support, and optimize early childhood development.