If children are healthier, early care and education systems are meeting our children's needs and families are stronger, then we will know “systems” for children have been changed for the better. First 5 Fresno County focuses its funding on three primary initiatives.
First 5 Fresno County recognizes that our children and families have great needs. However, we have limited funds and those funds must be invested in sustainable, long-term strategies that will have a positive impact on the greatest number of children.
Therefore, the Commission made a deliberate decision to focus the majority of its resources on four core areas: health, early care and education, family strengthening, and systems change.
A goal of First 5 Fresno County is to improve child health through preventative care, early identification, and services for children prenatal though age 5. Optimal physical and mental health in early childhood are critical pieces to preparing a child for lifelong learning and social development. First 5 Fresno County believes early identification and intervention are essential for all children to reach their full potential.
First 5 Fresno County believes all children deserve high quality early learning opportunities from infant care to preschool. A child's education is best supported through partnerships among parents, child care providers, and other members in their life. First 5 Fresno County is committed to funding programs that have achieved or are working towards nationally accredited standards of care (National Association for the Education of Young Children) in early care and education.
First 5 Fresno County believes healthy parent-child relationships are central to optimal child development. First 5 Fresno County funds programs and services to support positive parenting practices, provide safe, stable and nurturing environments for children and increase parent leadership and advocacy.
Guiding Principle #3 - High Quality
High Quality
We will invest, whenever possible, in evidence-based and promising practices. We will maintain the highest standards of quality in our work and require that our funded partners provide the highest quality programs possible.
Policy Platform
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Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan guides all of First 5 Fresno County's investments.
