About Us

In the first 5 years of a child's life, critical brain connections are made that shape lifelong learning. Amazingly, research shows by age 3, a child's brain has grown to 80 percent of that of an adult. How we nurture and support our children today will impact their success in school and in life.

This research helped propel the passage of Proposition 10 in 1998. Proposition 10 is a statewide initiative that provides a dedicated source of funding for programs serving children from the prenatal stage through age 5 and their families. This voter approved proposition adds a 50-cent per pack to all tobacco products. Funds are collected statewide and distributed to each county based upon annual birthrates. First 5 Tulare County was established in 1999, and is the independent public agency responsible for administering Proposition 10 funds in Tulare County. First 5 is governed by a board of Commissioners. Each Commissioner is a community volunteer with a specialized expertise or interest in Tulare County's youngest children.

Creating an integrated and coordinated system of services and supports to strengthen families and improve child outcomes has and will continue to be the focus of First 5 Tulare County.

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