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8 October 2009
On Sept. 29, 2009 more than a dozen San Jose Leadership Council members gathered at Leah Toeniskoetter's ('06) new condo in Japantown to learn more about First 5. Dawn Bussey ('07) and Molly Fezell ('03) work for First 5 and discussed the work this group does in our county.
Based on sound research in early child development, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County supports the healthy growth and nurturing of children prenatal through age 5. By working with parents, community leaders, social service and health care agencies, FIRST 5 funds and sponsors essential services for young children and their families. They are a voice and an advocate for young children and their families, investing more than $30 million of Proposition 10 tobacco tax money each year in Santa Clara County to support critical issues such as:
• children's health insurance,
• advanced training for early childhood teachers,
• parenting skills and domestic violence workshops,
• mental health services for children, and their caregivers, and
• arts and early literary programs
What is Prop. 10?
In November 1998, voters passed a statewide ballot initiative to add a 50 cent-per-pack tax on cigarettes. The monies collected are to be used to fund education, health and child care programs that promote early childhood development, from prenatal through age 5. Programs will be funded at the county level to best meet local needs as determined by each community. The intent is for all California children to be healthy, to live in a healthy and supportive family environment and to enter school ready to learn.
What is the goal of Prop. 10?
Prop. 10 funds are intended to promote, support and improve early childhood development through coordinating resources and programs that emphasize family support, parent education, child care and development, and health care.
Prop. 10 is unique because it represents a historic effort to gather input from the public. Prop. 10 directs each county to create a strategic plan based on extensive input from communities, including families, service providers and advocacy groups. The plan outlines how counties will use these new funds to develop comprehensive, integrated systems of support and services for all children, 0 to 5 years of age. Spending decisions will be made by those who work most closely with children.
For more information, visit www.first5kids.org or contact Dawn and Molly.
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