Protect our children's future 

The First 5 Children and Families Commission of SLO County is dedicated to improving the lives of children, prenatal to age 5, and their families. The Commission funds programs that serve children at a local level by creating a comprehensive and integrated system of information and services to promote early childhood development.

Every dollar invested in quality early care and education saves taxpayers up to $13 in future costs. Numerous studies have shown that investing in high-quality early learning programs for low-income children significantly narrows the achievement gap, reduces high school dropout rates, and produces savings from lower costs in special education, welfare, recidivism/prisons, and crime.

The evidence is clear. Quality early education benefits all social and economic groups of children and is a cost-effective economic investment. One of the best ways to reduce the mounting budget deficit and strengthen the economy is to invest in and not cut early childhood education programs.

The deep cuts to early care and education in the governor’s proposed budget will destroy our county’s early care and education infrastructure and will have long-term devastating effects on our future, our children’s future, and our community. Call or write your state representatives today with your concerns.