Who We Are

First 5 San Mateo County was created in March 1999, after California voters passed the California Children and Families First Act (Prop 10). This legislation added a 50-cent tax on all tobacco products to fund and create “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, that focuses on statewide initiatives, media communications, public education, and research and evaluation functions. In each of the state’s 58 counties, a First 5 Commission is responsible for developing strategic plans that guide funding decisions to meet local strategic priorities, consistent with the legislative intent of the Act. Funds from the Children and Families First Act are distributed to each county based on birth rates in that county.

For the last 20 years, First 5 County Commissions have funded a wide variety of programs and services that address the needs of children ages 0-5 and their families. 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. 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.