Building Community Systems for Young Children

First 5 is an exciting opportunity to create comprehensive systems of care for young children and families in California. Approved by California voters in 1998, this initiative imposes an additional tax on cigarettes of 50 cents per pack, and earmarks the resulting revenue for early childhood programs. Each county has established an independent commission responsible for strategically allocating its share of First 5 funds in a way that enhances the quality, availability and integration of local services for young children and their families. With funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, CHCFC has produced a one-stop source for comprehensive and authoritative information on critical issues concerning infants and young children in California. The goal of this project is to provide the county First 5 commissions with an accessible source of up-to-date information about a variety of topics they are likely to address, and help commissions make informed strategic planning and funding decisions. A series of 20 reports and 20 policy briefs – each written by a team of experts – examines recent research, describes cutting-edge and model programs, identifies websites and other informational resources, provides a list of local experts in related disciplines and programs, and presents specific recommendations and guidelines for county commissions. The reports contain a research review, an evaluation of existing programs and systems, an identification of available funding, recommendations for action by commissions, and a list of relevant local experts and organizations. In addition, each report examines approaches to integrating programs into a more coordinated system, and considers options for funding programs, including how to blend funding from various sources along with First 5 funds in ways that leverage additional funding and ensure sustainability.


Click here to see Center publications from this program

For additional information or to order copies of the reports and briefs, please email Marcell Shannon at marcellshannon@mednet.ucla.edu or call (310) 794-0956.