Who We Are

About Us

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About First 5 San Mateo County

For more than 25 years, we have been committed to creating opportunities for all children in San Mateo County. 

Since its inception, First 5 San Mateo County has invested more than $150 million in local programs and has served nearly 100,000 children from birth through age five.

San Mateo County’s families are as diverse as our county. To help ensure all families have what they need to thrive, we work broadly and proactively to create, support, and sustain the social, physical, and economic conditions needed for children’s success.

Our Work

Learn how we support children and families

Our Comissioners

Meet the members of our comission

Our Staff

Meet our dedicated team

Our Vision

Success for every child.

Our Mission

First 5 San Mateo County promotes positive outcomes for young children and their families through strategic investments, community leadership, and effective partnerships.

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The First 5 San Mateo County Team

Our organization is led by a diverse and dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children. Our team includes experts in child development, early education, public health, and social services, as well as community members who are committed to improving the well-being of children and families during some of the most important years of their lives. 

Our History

First 5 San Mateo County was created in March 1999 after California voters passed the Children and Families First Act (Prop 10). This legislation added a 50-cent tax on all tobacco products to fund and create an “an integrated, comprehensive, and collaborative system of information and services to enhance optimal early childhood development and to ensure that children are ready to enter school.”

The Act established First 5 California to focus on statewide initiatives, while each of the state’s 58 counties has a First 5 Commission responsible for funding decisions based on local strategic priorities. For the past 25 years, First 5 County Commissions have funded various programs and services for children aged 0-5 and their families. In light of the Commission’s declining revenues, our goal is to make strategic investments and maximize partnership opportunities to make long-term positive impacts for children, families, and the community.We are fortunate to be a part of a community with a history of collaboration and partnership within and across our publicly funded service sectors and community-based organizations.

Strategic Plan

“First 5 San Mateo County strives to create the conditions that will allow all young children to prosper socially, emotionally, and economically…. This effort will require common understanding, shared ownership, willingness to change, and commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all children. “

Read our 2020-2025 strategic plan to understand how we approach our three current primary community roles: 

"First 5 San Mateo County strives to create the conditions that will allow all young children to prosper socially, emotionally, and economically.... This effort will require common understanding, shared ownership, willingness to change, and commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all children. "
First 5 San Mateo County
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