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The Stronger Starts Program by First 5 California, Powered by Cell-Ed

Raising children is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless moments of growth. At First 5 California, we’re committed to sharing resources that make that journey more manageable. We’re excited to share our continued partnership with Cell-Ed to offer the Stronger Starts Program, a free resource dedicated to supporting you in nurturing your children.

Whether out and about or at home, the Stronger Starts Program is made to be super accessible. Read on to learn more!

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What is it and why join?

Parenting is not a one-size-fits-all situation. The Stronger Starts Program, powered by Cell-Ed, was made with you in mind. It has practical tools to encourage safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments (SSNREs)—important factors that contribute to lifelong health. With a focus on accessibility, it can fit smoothly into the busy life of parenting, and you don’t need internet connection.

The learning program celebrates the progress and actions you’re already taking, and it offers support for handling everyday parenting challenges in ways that work well for both you and your child. Through quick, simple exercises, self-reflection questions, and scenario-based learning, it can help you discover new ways to support your child’s growth and development, especially through those tough moments.

Program features:
  • Languages: English, Spanish, English learners

  • Designed for: California parents, caregivers, and early childcare providers who support children from birth to age 5

Program courses:

There are six courses available, and each one features short lessons that are three minutes or less. They’re made to fit into your busy day, anytime, anywhere, and you don’t have to do the courses all at once.

Course 1: Parenting Tools

  • Learn four quick parenting tools to put into practice today: taking a pause, call and response, special time, and the benefits of a routine.

Course 2: Keeping Calm

  • Caregiving is challenging. Learn tools for you and your child to stay calm in difficult moments.

Course 3: Strengthening Bonds With Your Child

  • Your love and care are so important for a child’s growth. Learn the health benefits of your love and affection and tools to share more moments of brain-boosting connection.

Course 4: Building Community

  • Consider the people in your life and resources available that can support with caregiving.

Course 5: Teaching Your Child Problem-Solving Skills

  • A child is learning new things every day. Learn tools to help a child build skills to face life’s challenges.

Course 6: Managing Power Struggles

  • As a child learns and grows, they will test the rules. Learn tools to respond consistently in challenging situations.

Additional course: Know Your Rights*

  • Learn about your rights under the U.S. Constitution and how to confidently exercise them at home and in public.

  • *This content is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to be legal advice.

Each course usually takes an hour or less, and completing the program can take 5–6 hours. You can save your progress as you go and always pick up where you left off.

How to get started:

Getting the support you need is simple and convenient, wherever you are, using whatever device you have. With multiple ways to access the program, you can choose the method that best fits your lifestyle. Whichever method you use, be sure to enter PIN 9250 when asked to do so.

Mobile/Web Browser:

By Phone:

  • Call 866-971-8555

WhatsApp:

  • Message "START" to 866-971-8555

Cell-Ed Mobile App:

  • Download the app on the App Store or Google Play

  • Or scan one of the QR codes below with your mobile device’s camera

    • App Store:

      Apple App Store

    • Google Play:

      Google Play Store

Take the next step and join the Stronger Starts Program, powered by Cell-Ed, for free, practical tips and motivating, nonjudgmental tools to help support your parenting journey and your child’s development. We’re excited to have you join us!

First 5 California
Contributed by:
First 5 California
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