FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 was born with the passage of Proposition 10 in November 1998 and resulted in a 50 cent tax per pack on cigarettes and other tobacco products 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:
1.What are we investing in?
2.What is the likelihood that we'll get a return on this investment (in the form of human gain)?
3.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 and staff believe that community involvement is crucial for program success. We are utilizing various methods for engaging the community such as:
•Developing a community education campaign to promote early childhood development
•Providing technical assistance to community agencies and partner agencies to improve the capacity and ability of agencies serving children
•Developing collaborative partnerships within the community, improving organizational capacity, and empowering community members with tools to bring about change
•Partnering with community members and key stakeholders to identify under-served and high need areas to ensure services are delivered in areas where gaps have been determined
•Actively looking for opportunities to receive input from the community by conducting public meetings, community forums, focus groups and key informant interviews. In addition, all staff shares a role in attending community meetings and hearing community input through a myriad of methods.
•Offering up-to-date information to the community through postings on our web site, publication of informational materials and other community education opportunities.
Who are the Commissioners and how are they chosen?
There is currently one vacancy on the Commission. Out of the seven existing seats, the six current Commissioners include:
•Josie Gonzales, Chairwomen County Supervisor, 5th District
•Cheryl Brown, Vice Chair - Publisher, Black Voice News
•Linda Haugan -- Asst. County Administrator-Human Services System
•Guillermo Valenzuela, M/.D., Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
•Leslie Egge - FG/SC Director ~ Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Director
•Mark A. Daniels, LCSW ~ Licensed Clinical Social Worker
•Maxwell Ohikhuare, M.D. ~ Public Health Officer
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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