WHAT DOES FIRST 5 SAN LUIS COUNTY DO?
First 5 San Luis Obispo County is a public agency responsible for allocating approximately $1.4 million dollars in funding per year toward system improvements and equitable access to quality services that support the health and early development of children prenatal to age 5.
WHAT IS INVOLVED AS A COMMISSIONER?
Commissioners bring their individual expertise and experience to collectively help guide priorities and funding strategies in a way that reflects the needs of the 0-5 population in San Luis Obispo County; They review and approve financial plans, develop and approve strategic plans, approve community contracts and review program & community outcomes. Their Commission typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month in January, March, May, June, September, October and the first Wednesday of the month in December. Meetings run from 3-5:30 p.m. Commissioners may be required to attend additional meetings and invited to serve on committees related to this work. They are also encouraged to act as ambassadors by taking part in a variety of First 5 SLO County events, such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies, conferences and outreach activities. As with other county-level boards, First 5 Commissioners do not receive financial compensation for their participation.
Three seats on their 9-member Commission are designated for At-Large representatives with professional and/or personal/lived experience in early childhood. The two vacancies they are looking to fill are each three-year terms, with a two-term limit, beginning Summer 2026. Candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.
EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITY AT-LARGE COMMISSIONERS:
- Managers of children’s services programs, public health services, social services or behavioral health
services - Individuals specializing in early childhood
- Representatives of childcare coordinating groups, resource or referral agencies
- Individuals working in early prevention or early intervention for families at risk
- Educators and representatives of a local school district
- Members of a local medical, pediatric or obstetric agency, association or society
- Recipients of services related to early childhood health & development, education and/or family supports (Including Parents and Caregivers of ages 0-5)
Commission details and online application can be found at: https://www.first5slo.org/who-we-are.php or New Commissioner Application.
Deadline is 5 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2026. For additional info, contact First 5 San Luis Obispo County Associate Director Jason Wells at (805) 781-4058 or [email protected].