The Sonoma County Child Care & Children’s Health Initiative, established by the voter approval of Measure I in November 2024, is dedicated to advancing the well-being of children across the county. Funded by a ¼ percent sales tax, this initiative provides a permanent, local revenue source to strengthen the early care and education (ECE) system and promote children’s health and development.
Sixty percent of funds support the child care sector by investing in workforce, facilities, wages, and family scholarships. The remaining 40% supports strategies that foster children’s physical and mental health, optimal development, healing from trauma, and perinatal mental health. Aligned with the goals of the First 5 statewide dedicated revenue source Proposition 10, Measure I ensures sustained, strategic investment in Sonoma County’s youngest residents.
Ensure that children are nurtured by stable, supportive families and communities, and are well-prepared to thrive in kindergarten and throughout life.
Expand child care facilities & improve compensation and workforce development opportunities for providers and early educators and other system enhancements that increase access to childcare.
Increase access to high-quality child care & ECE for low- and middle-income children, especially those impacted by homelessness & other adverse childhood experiences.
Expand screening, assessment, and treatment for trauma and other health issues, including perinatal mental health.
Strengthen collaboration among public agencies, community based organizations, and the private sector.
Enhance program accessibility and efficiency through innovation including strategic investments in technology.
Timeframes for the implementation of Measure I are required by local ordinance
All CAC and Commission Meetings can be found here.