First 5 Monterey County

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 2016, 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, guiding principles, impact areas and goals; and strategic priorities to guide our work into the future.

Our Vision

All children reach their unique potential in a family and community that values, respects, and invests in early childhood.

Our Mission

We enrich the lives of children, prenatal through age five, and their families by strengthening connections and advancing quality within a whole system of care and support.

Guiding Principles

Equity Focused • Systems Innovators • Relationship Based • Reflective • Good Stewards