Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Early Childhood topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
First 5 Mono reports gains in screening and kindergarten readiness but flags dental needs and funding decline
Summary
First 5 Mono reported improved developmental screening and kindergarten readiness in 2024–25 and high participation among licensed childcare sites, but noted rising untreated dental problems at kindergarten entry and declining revenue that may affect continuity of some programs.
First 5 Mono County presented its FY 2024–25 annual evaluation on Jan. 12, reporting higher rates of developmental screening, strong participation in child‑care quality supports and gains in kindergarten readiness while flagging persistent oral‑health gaps and funding pressures.
Executive Director Molly Devaye told the board the agency’s programs — including home visiting, playgroups and a child‑care quality system — reached large shares of the county’s children aged birth through 5, and kindergarten observation data showed nearly 70% readiness academically and about 52% readiness across all developmental domains for incoming kindergartners in the most recent year.
Devaye said developmental screening in the county has expanded because child‑care providers and home‑visiting staff are administering screens, raising early‑identification of delays and enabling earlier services for children who need them. She highlighted increases in participation among licensed child‑care sites (86% participation in the child‑care quality system) and credited partnerships with schools and libraries for program delivery.
A troubling indicator: First 5 reported that untreated dental problems among children entering kindergarten rose to nearly 40%, a measure public health staff said they would monitor and address through coordinated outreach.
Devaye also noted revenue is declining and that First 5 will continue much of the current programming for 2025–26 while pursuing additional funding avenues, including potential local ballot options and grant support.
What’s next: First 5 will continue programming, coordinate with county health on oral health interventions and return to the board with funding proposals as available.
