In a world racing from AI to algorithms, this episode of Champions for NorCal Kids reminds us that literacy still starts somewhere much more familiar: homes, classrooms, libraries, and small towns.

We sit down with Kathy Garcia, Executive Director of Expect More Tehama, to talk honestly about the raw data behind literacy outcomes, the challenges rural communities face, and the better side of rural work that doesn’t always make headlines: deep relationships, shared responsibility, and communities that refuse to give up on their kids.

This conversation connects Tehama County’s literacy movement to the broader North State, showing how local action, aligned systems, and committed partners can shift outcomes. Not with hype, but with heart, strategy, and persistence.

Because in rural communities, literacy isn’t a trend... It’s a promise.

In this episode of NorCal Champions for Kids, we’re breaking new ground on a topic that matters for families, educators, and community champions across Northern California: Early Literacy in Rural Communities.

We dive deep into provocative conversations and bold questions, the kind that make you rethink assumptions and spark action.

Hot Take #1: “Book deserts hit rural communities harder than food deserts — but we talk about them less.”

In cities and towns across the country, discussions about food deserts have dominated headlines and policy actions. But what about book deserts, places where families struggle to access books, reading materials, and literacy resources? We explore:

• Why book access is essential infrastructure for children’s development.

• How limited access to books affects vocabulary growth, school readiness, and lifelong learning.

• What it means for rural counties like Shasta and Tehama — where long distances, few libraries, and limited bookstores create real barriers families face every day.

Hot Take #2: “Home literacy matters more than preschool literacy in rural communities.”

Formal preschool programs are vital, but what happens when they simply aren’t accessible due to geography, cost, or capacity? In rural places, early literacy often starts at home. So should we rethink where and how we invest?
We unpack:

• The case for parent coaching over classroom hours alone.

• The power of book distribution programs and in-home reading support.

• How home visiting programs can meet families where they are — literally and figuratively.

• Whether funding should pivot to support literacy strategies that work within rural realities, not just urban models.

We also explore questions like:

• Is access to books a civil right?

• Can community champions step in where systems fall short?

• How can innovative programs create literacy ecosystems rooted in rural strengths rather than deficits?

Whether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or community supporter, this episode will give you new ways to think, and act, on early literacy for every child, everywhere.

Tune in, join the conversation, and help us champion a future where every child in NorCal has the books, support, and opportunities they deserve.

In the first episode of our series, "it takes a village to raise readers", Wendy and I share our personal journeys in literacy — the moments, mentors, and experiences that shaped how we see reading and the power it has in kids’ lives.

Join Wendy and Heidi for an in-depth conversation exploring how First 5 Modoc began using AmeriCorps to support preschool classrooms and how that small start has grown into a powerful model for building career pathways and bringing parenting support to some of California’s most rural and isolated communities.

Despite challenges from recent budget cuts, Modoc remains deeply committed to this work. Like many rural regions, they lean on strong relationships, community grit, and shared purpose to keep moving forward.

Tune in to hear how this small county is making a big impact.

What keeps families thriving in some of California’s most remote rural areas? Join Heidi and Wendy as they talk with and learn from Gordon, Shasta County’s Head Start Executive Director with over 20 years of passion and purpose!

From serving 3 counties to delivering whole-child, whole-family care, this episode dives into what makes Shasta Head Start a lifeline for families — and (spoiler alert ) it’s all about the PEOPLE.

Discover how evidence-based practices, human connection, and community commitment are creating real change — and why YOU should care.

In this series on Advocacy and Awareness, we will hear from many counties and champions for NorCal kids who are actively pivoting and working to fill gaps where services have been cut; specifically in programs like AmeriCorps, SNAP, and Head Start.

Join Heidi and Wendy as they discuss the looming changes to services for children and families, the impacts these have already had on our infrastructure in the North State, and how First 5s and First 5 champions can support and advocate moving forward. Our youngest children depend on these critical supports. So, it is essential that we understand, act, and uplift each other together.

Please take a moment to review these important resources:

Number of children impacted

The First 5 Center’s post breaks down how many children (birth to age 5) in each county rely on Medi-Cal. You can find that breakdown here: More than half of California’s children from birth to five rely on Medi-Cal.

https://first5center.org/blog/more-than-half-of-californias-children-from-birth-to-five-rely-on-medi-cal

Harmful policy impacts

This overview explains how Medicaid work requirements would create additional financial and health burdens for California families with infants and toddlers: Medicaid work requirements threaten to place additional financial strain on California families with infants and toddlers.

https://first5center.org/blog/medicaid-work-requirements-threaten-to-place-additional-financial-strain-on-california-families-with-infants-and-toddlers

Join us for an exciting conversation during the week of the young child, where we talk about local events and opportunities for families with young children in our community.

Visit CAEYC here: https://caeyc.org/board-chapters/chapters/california-cascade-chapter/

Join podcast co-hosts and First 5 Executive Directors of First 5 Shasta and First 5 Tehama as they reflect on the year through data. Getting to know First 5 through data is a powerful way to monitor the effectiveness of early childhood programs and policies. Data helps identify needs, track progress, and make informed decisions about how to best support young children and their families.