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.