Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112452

Dana Petersen, MA, MPH, Policy Division, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, 650-859-4518, dana.petersen@sri.com

First 5 California generates approximately $600 million annually from a tobacco tax, allowing California to provide major noncategorical resources to help its youngest children and their families. Distributed through 58 County Commissions, funds are used to expand and integrate systems to improve the health and well-being of children (birth to age 5) and their families, so children will achieve their greatest potential in school and life. An outcome-based accountability system tracks statewide progress in achieving this goal. Systematic data collection methods are used to evaluate program implementation and performance, systems change improvements, participant- and community-level outcomes, and trends in school readiness among entering kindergartners. This presentation introduces the history, structure, and goals of First 5 and its evaluation.

The legislation that supports First 5 California presents an opportunity to demonstrate that strategic investments in the infrastructure and services supporting the development of California's youngest citizens can have great benefits. Because a substantial investment has been made through Proposition 10, First 5 California hired SRI International and its partners to conduct a 3-year statewide evaluation of First 5 California. The evaluation is designed to support accountability to the public and the state legislature and to support the continuous improvement of local and state activities related to children and their families. In addition, it offers an opportunity to set a policy agenda for promoting child and family well-being by publicly monitoring the status of key indicators and community supports for young children and their families.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Articulate goals, objectives, and guiding principles of First 5 California.
  6. Describe major components of the statewide evaluation of First 5 California.
  9. Define “outcome-based accountability system.”
  12. List uses of statewide evaluation data in supporting effective programs and better policies for children and families.

Related Web page: www.ccfc.ca.gov

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF being contracted to evaluate First 5 California..

Recorded presentation