The California Children and Families Commission was established after voters passed Proposition 10 in November 1998. Proposition 10 added a 50 cent-per-pack tax on cigarettes to fund education, health, child care, and other programs to promote early childhood development for expectant parents and children up to age 5.

Proposition 10 was designed to address the lack of public funding and support for early childhood development in the wake of a growing body of scientific evidence indicating that children’s emotional, physical, social, and developmental environments have a profound impact on their ability to reach their greatest potential in school and to become productive members of society.

In 1999, the Mono County Board of Supervisors established the Mono County Children and Families Commission, also known as First 5 Mono County. The County receives $200,000 each year as well as $240,000 in state matching funds and administrative augmentations. First 5 Mono County has granted thousands of dollars to local organizations and individuals to improve family functioning, child development, and child health. For more information about the First 5 Mono County Commission, contact Kathy Peterson at 760-924-7626.

View First 5 Mono County Strategic Plan

View text of California Children and Families Act