Los Primeros 5 del condado de San Mateo se creó en marzo de 1999, después de que los votantes de California aprobaran la Ley de los Niños y las Familias Primero (Proposición 10). Esta legislación añadió un impuesto de 50 céntimos a todos los productos del tabaco para financiar y crear un "sistema integrado, global y colaborativo de información y servicios para mejorar el desarrollo óptimo de la primera infancia y garantizar que los niños estén preparados para entrar en la escuela."

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.