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- What is Proposition 10?
- Proposition 10, the California Children and Families Act of 1998, creates a funding stream to provide early childhood development services to children prenatal to five years of age. Proposition 10 increased the tax on cigarettes and tobacco products and directed the tax moneys to provide, on a community-by-community basis, all children prenatal to five years of age with a comprehensive, integrated system of early childhood development services. These services enhance the emotional, physical and intellectual foundation for every child to enter school ready to learn and develop the potential to become productive, well-adjusted members of society.
- Why is the funding for children ages
0-5?
- Current research in brain development clearly indicates that the emotional, physical and intellectual environment that a child is exposed to in the early years of life has a profound impact on how the brain is organized. At birth, the infant's brain has 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons. These neurons will grow and connect with other neurons in systems that control various functions like seeing, hearing, moving, and expressing emotion. These systems, activated by repeated experiences, provide the foundation for the brain's organization and functioning throughout a child's life. The absence of appropriate activation results in the lack of development or the disappearance of these connections; in other words "use it or lose it." The experiences a child has with respect to parents and caregivers significantly influence how a child will function in school and later in life. Our state government spends billions of dollars on education and other programs, which serve children after they enter school, but almost nothing on programs that provide services for children during the critical first five years. Ninety percent of all public resources are spent on children after their brains are almost fully developed. For too many children this is simply too late.
- How are the funds managed?
- Proposition 10 created a state
commission and individual county commissions to plan
for and oversee the expenditure of the tax moneys. Each
county commission is required to develop a strategic
plan detailing how it will achieve the intent of the
proposition.
- How much of the Proposition 10 tax
money does Ventura County receive?
- Ventura County receives an estimated 10 million dollars
per year.
- How are Proposition 10 funds being
used in Ventura County?
- Innovative programs have been funded, and ongoing funds have been committed to the following
to meet the goals of the commission:
- Neighborhoods
for Learning
Funds for communities to provide local services (including preschool)
that help families prepare young children for school
- Child Health
Funds for programs that provide access to health care services
including oral and mental health
- Family Strengthening
Funds for strategies that empower parents to provide nurturing environments for their children
- Community Outreach and Education
Funds to inform the community about the importance of the first five
years and to ensure families are aware of available services
- Results Accountability and Quality Assurance
For ongoing evaluation, accountability and quality assurance
- Community Investment Fund
Funds to increase the capacity and infrastructure of programs serving young children
- Retention Incentive Program
Funds to stabilize and retain high quality child care providers
- Emergent Needs
Funds to respond to previously unidentified needs
- How can I get involved?
- Neighborhoods for Learning
are located throughout the county. Join with other parents,
schools, early childhood educators, and service providers
to build, maintain, and strengthen an integrated system
of care for young children and their families.
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