Research shows that a child’s brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and that caregiving during these years shapes the way a child learns, thinks, and behaves for the rest of his or her life. Proposition 10 was passed by California voters to fund health and education programs that take advantage of this critical time in development and provide children with a strong foundation.

Numerous studies have confirmed that investing in the early years reduces the need for more expensive tax payer-funded services later, such as foster care, special education, and welfare programs. First 5 investments are giving Contra Costa’s children the foundation they need to succeed in school and life.