Our Work
Our
Work
Preparing children for lifelong success.
Investment, Engagement, Leadership
First 5 San Mateo County directly supports children and families’ well-being today and strengthens the systems that support them for a sustainable impact in the future. We prioritize children and the adults who care for them so that our community can thrive. We invest, engage, and lead so that all young children have the environments and opportunities they need to prosper socially, emotionally, and economically.
The First 5 Years
The first five years are the most important time of a child’s development. Lack of access to opportunity can have the greatest negative impact during this time. Striking disparities in what children know and can do are seen by kindergarten, and these differences are strongly associated with children’s social and economic circumstances.
Explore Our Work
Learn more about our investments, initiatives, and partners in our different focus areas.
Equity in Early Childhood
Although San Mateo County is one of the wealthiest regions of the nation, the cost of living here is high and the county has the greatest income inequality of anywhere in California. Fighting for equity in early childhood is one of the most important ways we can create success for every child.
Children living in low-income families are less likely to visit the dentist, attend preschool, be read to daily, or have access to enrichment activities. They are more likely to be diagnosed with a developmental disability and to have a parent dealing with depression.
