The framers of the California Children and Families Act (Proposition 10) understood that the best knowledge of children's needs -- and the best decisions about how First 5 can meet those needs -- lies at the local level. First 5 is not based on one size fits all, but rather on local design of local approaches to address local problems.

That's why Prop 10 gave every county the option of establishing its own Children and Families Commission (now generally known as "First 5 commissions") and why the initiative required a local needs assessment and comprehensive planning process before a penny of Prop 10 revenues could be spent. First 5 Ventura County takes the concept a step further with the its 11, locally designed and managed Neighborhoods for Learning (NfLs) that refine services to reflect local need.

The programs and initiatives funded or led by county commissions reflect the communities that they serve and each NfL reflects its particular community within the county. While all commissions address the basic needs of children -- for health care, early care and education, and strong, safe families -- they do so in a variety of ways, bringing effective services and programs that really matter to local children and families.