Who We Are
In the first 5 years of a child's life, critical brain connections are made that shape lifelong learning. Incredibly, by age 3, a child's brain has grown to 80 percent of that of an adult. How we nurture and support our children today will impact their success in school and in life.
This research helped propel the passage of Proposition 10 in 1998. Proposition 10 is a statewide initiative that provides a dedicated source of funding for programs serving children from the prenatal stage through age 5 and their families. This voter approved proposition adds a 50-cent per pack tax to all tobacco products. Funds are collected statewide and distributed to each county based upon annual birthrates. First 5 Monterey County was established in 1999 and is the independent public agency responsible for administering Proposition 10 funds in Monterey County and is governed by a board of Commissioners.
Each First 5 is responsible for conducting a strategic planning process to identify the needs and strengths of their counties. In 2023, we implemented a strategic planning process to help best define our position in the early childhood development community. From this, our overarching strategic framework emerged, including: updated vision and mission statements, values, our core role and strategic priorities to guide our work into the future. To read the full Strategic Plan Framework, click here.
Our Vision
The wellbeing of all young children and families is nurtured by responsive services, just and equitable systems, and safe and welcoming environments.
Our Mission
First 5 Monterey County enriches the lives of children, ages prenatal through 5, and their families by elevating early childhood as a priority, strengthening connections, and advancing quality within a whole system of care and support.
Values
Our values guide not only how we work, but also determine which projects and programs we choose to prioritize, who we work with, and what we work for:
Equity • Trust • Healing • Connection • Prevention
Core Roles
F5MC is most successful in supporting young children and families when we play the following core roles:
- Early childhood development Champion and advocate
- Whole child, whole family, whole Systems Connector
- Healing-focused, relationship-based, quality-driven Capacity Builder