First 5 Sierra | 105 Beckwith Street | PO Box 556 | Loyalton, CA 96118 | 530.993.4884
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About First 5 Sierra
Proposition 10, The Children and Families Act, passed in 1998 and authorized the State of California to tax cigarettes $.50 per pack. The revenue from this tax, approximately 700 million annually is distributed to all counties in proportion to their birth rates. Small counties like Sierra, receive a minimum allocation to establish a commission and conduct the business of distributing revenues for the health, education and welfare of 0-5 year olds and their families. Sierra County Children and Families Commission was established in 2000 and has continued to assess the highest needs of Sierra County 's 0-5 population and direct available Prop.10 funds to serve those identified needs.
About Sierra County
Sierra County is a mountainous, rural county of 953 square miles in the Sierra Nevada mountains north of Lake Tahoe. Sierra County's population is 3,550: 175 0-5 year olds. The schools are in declining enrollment, but continue to have strong academic programs. The largest community is Loyalton with a population of 850. Agriculture, tourism and government comprise the primary economy.
Mission Statement
First 5 Sierra will effectively implement Prop. 10 funding for improvement of the health, school readiness and well being of Sierra County 's prenatal to five year olds and their families.
Vision Statement
First 5 Sierra envisions a continuum of appropriate and integrated health, education and recreational support services from prenatal to old age for a balanced and sustainable Sierra County community.
Goals
Build recognition and generate support for the needs of the prenatal to five year old population in Sierra County .
Strategies
Effective Public Relations
Participation on related boards, commissions and agencies
First 5 Sierra Newsletter
Model ethical, cooperative and accountable business practices
Participate in collaborative efforts to educate parents in the harmful impact of smoking on their children's lives and to support tobacco use cessation programs for the families of our prenatal to five year olds in Sierra County .
Strategies
To be determined
Provide support for collaborative efforts to improve access to medical and dental care for prenatal to five year olds and their families in Sierra County .
Strategies
Health Coalition
Integrated Services Workgroup
Index of Services and Access Guide (multi-agency effort)
Prenatal Vitamins
New Parent Kits
Transportation for Health Services
Maintain a system of dental screening, dental disease prevention and advanced treatment support for 0-five year olds in Sierra County .
Strategies
Sierra County version of Healthy Smiles
School Nurse/Primary Care Screening
Seek grants and program partners
Develop and support accessible and appropriate childcare services for 0-5 year olds in Sierra County .
Strategies
Special Needs Intervention
Teacher Training and Retention
Childcare Subsidy
Facility development and support
Develop and support accessible and appropriate school readiness programs for 3-5 year olds in Sierra County .
Strategies
Preschool Subsidy
Special Needs Intervention
Teacher Training and Retention
Curriculum Development
Curriculum enhancement-- art, music, fitness, safety, swimming
Family Literacy
Car Seat Training and Giveaway
Kindergarten Transition Support—aide, book bags, literature
Contact Us
First 5 Sierra | 105 Beckwith Street | PO Box 556 | Loyalton, CA 96118 | 530.993.4884
(click name to send e-mail)
Business Manager: Karen Rickman
Communication Specialist / Web Master: Lis Henson