Early childhood support can change the entire trajectory of a child’s life—and it starts earlier than most people think.
First Five, often called “First 5” or “First Five Years,” is an early childhood development and family support initiative designed to empower parents and caregivers during the most critical years of a child’s life—from birth to age five.
Home Start’s First 5 First Steps program, offered in partnership with First 5 San Diego and Healthy Families San Diego County, provides no-cost, long-term support to expectant parents and families with young children throughout San Diego County.
What Is the First 5 First Steps Program?
Home Start’s First 5 First Steps program connects families with trained professionals who provide personalized, home-based support beginning during pregnancy and continuing through early childhood.
This voluntary program focuses on:
- Supporting healthy child development
- Strengthening parent-child relationships
- Preparing children for preschool and kindergarten
- Providing emotional and practical support for parents
Each family receives services tailored to their unique strengths, needs, and goals, creating a support system that evolves alongside them.
Beyond parenting guidance, families are also connected to essential resources such as:
- Healthcare providers
- Behavioral and developmental specialists
- Food and housing assistance
- Mental health support
Think of it as a steady hand on the shoulder during a time that can feel both magical and overwhelming.
A Partnership That Grows With Families
At the heart of the program is the Family Support Specialist—a dedicated partner who walks alongside each family throughout their journey. Family Support Specialists:
- Guide pregnancy and birth preparation
- Offer newborn care education
- Support early childhood development through play-based learning
- Help families set and achieve personalized goals
- Offer emotional support without judgment
- Connect families to community resources
Over time, this relationship becomes something more than support—it becomes trust, consistency, and reassurance.
Celebrating Milestones: The First 5 Graduation Ceremony
Each year, Home Start celebrates families who have completed the program with a First 5 First Steps graduation ceremony.
These are families who have spent 2–3 years in the program—growing, learning, and reaching important milestones together.
By graduation day, Family Support Specialists have often witnessed:
- A child’s first steps
- First words
- Early developmental milestones
- The transition into preschool
The ceremony is both a celebration and a reflection—a moment that captures years of dedication, growth, and transformation.
A Record-Breaking Year: Class of 2025
In June 2025, Home Start celebrated a record 56 graduating families, marking a 55% increase from the 2024 cohort.
- Approximately 30 families attended the ceremony
- Children wore caps and gowns
- Certificates of completion were awarded
- Families received gifts to commemorate the milestone
These children are now entering preschool and kindergarten with a strong developmental foundation, built through years of collaboration between families and their Family Support Specialists.
What It Takes to Graduate the Program
Graduation represents more than time spent—it reflects meaningful progress.
Families in the program complete:
- Individualized family goal plans
- Developmental assessments
- Regular home visits
- Milestone tracking over 2–3 years
Each step builds toward a future where both parent and child feel confident, supported, and prepared.
Real Stories from First 5 First Steps Families
Participant A
“I heard about the program from a friend. I was pregnant with my first child and nervous because everything was so new.
First 5 First Steps gave me so much support, both practically and emotionally. My Family Support Specialist always had answers or was ready to listen when I needed to vent. They taught me how to understand my baby’s cues and build a strong bond from the very beginning.
I used to doubt myself a lot, but now I’m proud of how much I’ve grown as a mom.
Graduation day was emotional—seeing my baby in a cap and gown reminded me how far we’ve come. My Family Support Specialist believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
I hope to go back to school and become a social worker so I can support families the way I was supported.”
Participant B
“I joined First 5 First Steps because I wanted guidance during my pregnancy. It had been nine years since I had my youngest child, and I felt overwhelmed.
The home visits, education, and having someone who truly understands made all the difference.
When my baby struggled with sleep, my Family Support Specialist helped me create a goal plan. Within weeks, things improved—and so did my confidence.
She supported me without judgment, gave parenting tips, and helped me better understand my baby’s development. This support helped not just my newborn, but my entire family.
I now feel more confident and connected to resources that will support us even beyond the program.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of First 5 First Steps
Home Start is continuing to expand the impact of the program by:
- Increasing family engagement
- Building new community partnerships
- Strengthening existing collaborations
- Creating more opportunities to celebrate family milestones
As the organization prepares for the Class of 2026 graduation, there is growing excitement to support and celebrate even more families.
Strengthening Families, Protecting Children
The First 5 First Steps program is a powerful example of Home Start’s mission in action:
To protect children by strengthening families.
By investing in early childhood development and empowering parents with tools, confidence, and support, Home Start is helping build a future where children enter school—and life—ready to thrive.