Community Programs

The First 5 Commission is the State and County agency that sets policy for services for children under 5 years of age and their families. The funding comes from a voter approved proposition that added a 50 cent tax to each pack of cigarettes. A full description of the Commission and its policies can be found at the First 5 web site.

The West Ed Institute for Professional Development provides stipends to support professionals who are working in the child development field to continue their education. West Ed gets its funding from the First 5 Commission. Visit the West Ed web site for more information on the program. West Ed has designated regional agencies to provide information and support to working professionals that want to apply. Contact the nonprofit agency Provider Connection, in the North Santa Clara County area, through the PACCC CARES web site.

The Child Development Training Consortium provides a matrix giving an overview of the requirements for various levels of teaching responsibility in early childhood settings. Go to the CDTC web site and click on the Child Development Permits icon. Once on that page, click on the English or Spanish version of the Child Development Permit matrix. Click on the icon above the language versions links to view a chart of the school-age emphasis matrix. For an overview of the Consortium, return to the home page and click on the Introduction to CDTC icon. Visit the CDTC web site.

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