What is First 5 San Bernardino?
The mission of First 5 is to "promote, support and enhance the lives of our children
prenatal through age five."
This organization came about with the passage of Proposition 10 in November 1998
and resulted in a 50 cent tax per pack of cigarettes to fund education, health and
childcare programs that promote early childhood development from prenatal through
five years of age. This initiative currently produces annual revenue of approximately
$25 million to San Bernardino County to invest in our county’s young children. The
State allocates the funds based upon the number of live births in each county. In
San Bernardino, our annual birth rate is approximately 28,000.
Who benefits from this program?
Young children and their families receive quality services through parent education,
health care, school readiness and other programs. To date, First 5 has invested
nearly $100 million throughout the County to serve thousands of children and their
parents. Ultimately, everyone benefits from this effort because of the long-term
impact on the community.
Why the 0-5 population?
Brain development research indicates that the emotional, physical and intellectual
environments that a child is exposed to have a profound impact on how his or her
brain develops. Positive experiences establish a foundation for future success.
First 5 San Bernardino believes that appropriate support services to parents and
children during the early years will increase the positive results in a child's
life.
What types of programs does First 5 San Bernardino invest in?
The Commission currently contracts with over 40 agencies to provide direct services
to young children and their families throughout the county. These programs align
with the First 5 Strategic Plan and collectively help achieve the desired results
of getting children ready to succeed in school, ensuring children are safe and healthy,
and developing healthy, nurturing, self-sustaining families.
How does the Commission make investment decisions?
The Commission makes investment decisions in accordance with our Outcomes Framework.
The three critical questions asked throughout this decision-making process include:
- What are we investing in?
- What is the likelihood that we’ll get a return on this investment (in the form of
human gain)?
- Is this the best possible use of our resources?
All partnership opportunities must align with the First 5 San Bernardino Strategic
Plan and be able to contribute to the results the Commission is seeking for our
children.
How does First 5 involve the community in achieving the vision for children?
The First 5 Commission strongly believes that community involvement is crucial for
programs success. The Commission is utilizing various methods for engaging the community
such as:
- Community Investments – to ensure services are delivered in areas where gaps have
been determined
- Input from the community is received through ongoing public meetings, community
forums, focus groups and key informant interviews
- Up-to-date information is shared with the community through postings on our web
site, publication of informational materials and other community education opportunities
- Agency participation in regional collaborative meetings of service providers
Who are the Commissioners and how are they chosen?
The current Commissioners are:
- Josie Gonzales, Chair - San Bernardino County Supervisor
- Cheryl Brown, Vice Chair - Publisher, Black Voice News
- Mark Daniels,LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Linda Haugan - Assistant County Administrator - Human Services System
- Leslie Egge - Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Director
- Margaret Beed, M. D. - Public Health Officer, San Bernardino County
- Guillermo Valenzuela, M. D. – Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
All seven members of the Commission are appointed by the Board of Supervisors:
- One (1) member shall be a member of the Board of Supervisor
- Two (2) members shall be the Director of Public Health and the Assistant Administrative
Officer for Human Services
- Four (4) members shall be representatives of community-based organizations, educators
specializing in early childhood development, local school districts, local medical,
pediatric or obstetric associations or societies, and local child care resource
or referral agency
The members of the Commission shall hold office for two (2) years, except that individuals
who serve as the Assistant County Administrator for Social Services and the Director
of Public Health shall serve for the duration of holding such office.
How can I contact First 5 San Bernardino for more information?
There are a number of ways to reach First 5 staff and Commissioners:
Phone: 909.386.7706
Fax: 909.386.7703
Address: 330 North D. St., Suite 500 San Bernardino, CA 92415
Web Site:
www.first5sanbernardino.org
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