EARLY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

In the past, First 5 Monterey County has funded an array of programs that have fit the four priority outcomes of improved: child development; child health; family functioning and systems for children and families. An extensive review including input from county stakeholders and analysis of local secondary data and child development and early education research has led the Commission to the conclusion that the greatest impact on those four priority outcomes will be achieved by focusing strategically on increasing sustainable quality early learning opportunities for ages 0-5 and their families.

The content of this focus area will be developed in a collaborative manner with community members, service providers, grantees and policy makers in a manner consistent with the guiding principles and values of the Commission. That process will take place from January to December 2006.  Through this focus area, culturally responsive programs will be provided for parents and caregivers to support their efforts to care for children ages 0-5.  This will include support for all types of childcare environments (including: center-based; licensed family childcare homes; and family, friend and neighbor).

The design of the focus area will be based on the social-ecological model in which all the environments that touch a child will be addressed, including: individual (child); interpersonal (family, caregiver); institutional/organizational; community; and policy.

While local First 5 Monterey County funding dollars will be focused on those environments, the role of the Commission as a catalyst, convener and facilitator will be used to ensure that the holistic needs of children 0-5 are also being met.

First 5 Monterey County seeks to work collaboratively with the entire community to increase culturally responsive, accessible and sustainable quality early learning opportunities that are based upon research and promising and best practices.  Future funding requests will be reviewed in light of this goal.