Not a “New You” – Just a New Mindset
We’ve all heard the phrase “New Year, New You.” But at First 5 Tehama, we don’t subscribe to that idea. Why? Because the you that already exists—parents, caregivers, grandparents, providers, and professionals doing their very best for children and families—is already pretty darn amazing. And nowhere is that more true than right here in Tehama County.
That said, there is something special about the energy a new year brings. A fresh mindset. A little momentum. And lately, that energy has been opening doors to new (and sometimes newly rediscovered) opportunities flowing into our rural communities. So let’s take a moment to celebrate what’s growing. We are seeing an incredible wave of parenting classes and support opportunities—from pregnancy and birth through the teen years—offered by many of our valued partners, including:
- Perinatal and hospital-based programs – HERE
- Behavioral Health – HERE
- Probation – HERE (530-527-4052)
- School-Based Mental Health – HERE and HERE
These classes aren’t just about information—they’re about connection. Research consistently shows that parenting programs rooted in evidence-based practices can:
- Improve parent confidence and skills
- Reduce stress and isolation
- Strengthen child emotional and behavioral outcomes
And you don’t have to take our word for it—families tell us every day how meaningful these spaces are.
Just want to say thank you for your words of encouragement… I wish I would have taken this class a long time ago. I am grateful to have learned better coping skills and tools to have a more healthy and positive relationship with my daughter.
More Than Classes
Some opportunities aren’t brand new—but they might be new to you. In May 2024, 18 local providers were trained in Infant Massage, an evidence-based practice shown to:
- Increase parent–infant bonding and attachment
- Support emotional regulation
- Improve sleep and digestion
- Reduce parental stress
Since July 2024, the confidence and momentum around infant massage have grown in true rural fashion — one connection at a time. HELP Me Grow has now completed 88 individual sessions, reaching families in libraries, infant and toddler classrooms, and through home visiting programs across the county.
Providers across Tehama County have embraced this strategy to support connection, trust, and responsiveness during a baby’s earliest months—when brain development is happening at lightning speed.
One parent beautifully shared—“The infant massage helped me learn her body—what she likes and what she doesn’t. I still use the leg massages at night while putting on PJs, and she loves it. It even helped during a tough eczema period—she was more comfortable with lotion and care than I think she would’ve been without it.”
Interested in infant massage? Reach out to HELP Me Grow Tehama to learn more. CLICK HERE
Brand New & Brilliant
We’re especially excited about something truly new—family-focused story hours launching in Corning! In partnership with Corning Elementary School District, First 5 is offering early-literacy-rich, playful story times that go beyond reading aloud—bringing together interactive storytelling, play-based learning, and meaningful family participation.
Why does this matter? Decades of research on dialogic reading (storytelling while reading) shows that when adults actively engage children during reading—asking questions, encouraging conversation, and connecting stories to life—children experience:
- Stronger language development
- Improved bilingual skills
- Higher reading comprehension
- Long-lasting academic benefits
And the learning doesn’t stop when story hour ends! Families will practice storytelling strategies together and take home a book to keep the reading, connection, and conversation going at home.
Join us: January 29th and February 2nd (MORE HERE)
Caring for Caregivers: Mommy & Me Yoga
In the spirit of new-year wellness (the kind that actually fits real life), we’re offering a Mommy & Me Yoga Class as our February Perinatal Meet-Up.
This will be our 4th gathering, where families come together to:
- Connect and share perinatal experiences
- Learn what’s normal postpartum—and what to watch for
- Explore supports like home visiting and postpartum therapy
- Screen for postpartum depression or anxiety (optional)
Every family will receive a yoga mat, and, yes, babies are welcome. But as always, the biggest benefit is community.
As one mom shared after a previous meet-up—“It was just really good to meet other moms with young babies.”
Event Details
February 9, 2026 // 10 am – 10:30 am
Tehama County Library, 545 Diamond Ave, Red Bluff, CA
Event Audience: Families and Parents
Brought to you by First 5 Tehama and TCHSA Public Health’s Maternal Child Adolescent Health. Please call or text (530) 840-1124 to reserve your spot with Laura Burlison, PHM-C
Sounds a lot like New Year intentions . . . done the Tehama County way! This year, we wish you groundedness, genuine connection, new friendships, and a deep belief in just how amazing our rural community is for children. Together, let’s keep creating the future we want for our kiddos—one story, one connection, one family at a time.
With gratitude and hope,
First 5 Tehama
Parents’ Choice Conference
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS—Join us for a FREE Parents’ Choice Conference on March 20, 2026, in Corning, from 8:30 am to 2:15 pm. This energizing day is designed to support and inspire families, featuring breakfast and lunch, a powerful keynote from Kevin Bracey (aka Coach Greatness), parent networking, resource tables, and interactive workshops offered in both English and Spanish.
Scan the QR code in the image below to register—we can’t wait to see you there!
Gete Paid to Become a Teacher
Thinking about becoming a teacher — or know someone who is? The North State Teacher Residency Consortium is now accepting applications for our Summer 2026 cohort!
What makes this residency different?
- Earn up to $25,000 while completing your credential
- Co-teach with a mentor for 50% of the week in a year-long placement
- Integrated coursework + real classroom experience
- Priority employment opportunities after completion
- Evening online coursework designed for working adults
- Mentors also receive a stipend (up to $4,000 in June)
- Credentials available: • Single Subject • Multiple Subject • Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate & Extensive Support Needs) • Bilingual & Dual Credentials
The program requirements are straightforward and doable—Bachelor’s degree, CTC Certificate of Clearance, and a commitment to teach for 4 years in the county or State of California.
If you’re ready to learn while teaching and get paid to do it, this could be the pathway for you. Register now for an informational session to learn about the North State Teacher Residency opportunity (see flier below).
Infant/Toddler Series
Join our 3-part training series (offered in English & Spanish) for anyone who works with or cares for infants and toddlers—teachers, caregivers, parents, and resource parents (foster providers). Learn why young children behave the way they do and gain simple, practical strategies to support brain development, emotional regulation, and positive behavior—while also strengthening your own resilience. All sessions will be held on Zoom between 3 and 4 pm. CLICK HERE to register.
