The First 5 Sonoma County Commission is seeking individuals interested in joining the Commission to fill a vacancy as a representative of a community-based organization that is focused on promoting family resiliency and nurturing parenting of children aged 0-5. The Commission’s role in the recruitment process is to conduct outreach and interview interested candidates and then to recommend appointment to the Commission by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the First 5 Sonoma County 2026-2031 Strategic Plan as well as to observe a First 5 Commission public meeting. The next meeting will be held on September 28, 2026 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register here.
Applications are due on October 23, 2026 by 5 pm.
First 5 Commissioner Roles & Responsibilities
- Prepare for, attend and engage in 10 monthly Commission meetings annually and actively participate as a member of 2 ad hoc or regular sub-committees.
- Constructively contribute tostrategic policy and implementation decision-making processes.
- Elevate critical issues impacting children’s health and well-being in the community and advocate for policies and resources that promote optimal development.
- Ensurefiscal accountability and ethical, responsible stewardship of public funds.
- Uphold principles of fairness and transparency in government by acting in accordance with Commission’s bylaws and in compliance with the Brown Act.
- Complywith state and county ethics requirements and actively avoid all real or perceived conflicts of interest.
- Completes Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) and ethics training on a yearly basis.
Overview of First 5 Commission Membership
California and Sonoma County statute mandates the following representation on the local First 5 Commission:
Three permanent ex officio members:
- A member of the Board of Supervisors
- Director of the Sonoma County Human Services Department, or their designee
- Director of the Department of Health Services, or their designee
Six at-large members, each member representing at least one of the following categories:
- Parent who is a recipient or parent of a child who is a recipient of First 5-funded services
- Representative from the local Child Care Planning Council and/or Child Care Resource & Referral agency
- Post-Secondary educator specializing in early childhood development
- Representatives of community-based organizations that are focused on promoting family resiliency and nurturing caregiving/parenting
- Representatives of community-based organizations that have a goal of promoting and nurturing early childhood development
- Representatives of the private sector, local businesses, business associations and chambers of commerce
- Representatives of local school systems
- Representatives of local medical, pediatric, or obstetric associations
- Representatives of cities and towns that have established policy and/or dedicated resources to promoting the healthy development of children 0-5 and their families.
- Representatives of Tribal communities and/or organizations.
Reimbursement of Expenses
At-large members of the Commission may request to receive:
- $75 per diem for meetings and half day events
- $125 per diem for whole day events and meetings
- Mileage reimbursement
- Reimbursement for the cost of child care necessary to attend Commission and committee meetings
