Parents and providers urge Marin supervisors to fund early‑childhood services as First 5 revenue falls

Multiple parents and early‑childhood providers told the Marin County Board of Supervisors on April 7 that local playgroups, parent education and screening services are at risk unless the county steps in with short‑term funding and a long‑term fiscal plan.

"I plead to you today to consider continuing the funding for programs like the ones that my children and I have benefited from," said Lourdes Escobar, a San Rafael parent who spoke during the public comment period about the Parent Services Project playgroups.

The appeals included personal testimony and program data: Belanda Fragoso, executive director of Parent Services Project, told the board that early‑childhood programs are facing “significant funding reductions” because First 5 Marin and other streams are shrinking, and she urged the board to support bridge funding and pursue longer‑term solutions.

"If we want to ensure that every child in Marin has the opportunity to thrive, we must pair recognition with action," Fragoso said, adding that playgroups, parent education and maternal mental‑health supports are essential services.

Representatives from a range of community‑based organizations underscored the same point. Cassandra Webb, vice president of programs and impact at North Marin Community Services, told supervisors that NMCS and 11 other community partners rely on roughly $1.1 million in First 5 funding and that First 5 Marin anticipates a 20–25 percent funding reduction next fiscal year. Webb asked the board to allocate bridge funding for fiscal years 2026–27 and consider establishing a dedicated children's fund.

Other public speakers described how playgroups act as vital social and developmental supports rather than optional activities. Temby, a Marin City playgroup host, said the new program has already enrolled 19 children and provides many families their child’s first classroom experience; Erica Roles, a long‑time playgroup leader, described community‑building and school‑readiness outcomes.

Why it matters: Supervisors heard repeated testimony that reductions to First 5 and Prop. 10 revenue streams will immediately reduce access to screenings, parent coaching and culturally responsive playgroups across the county — services presenters described as preventive and cost‑effective compared with later interventions.

What the board did: The public comment period closed after multiple presenters urged action; staff and supervisors acknowledged the testimony and later placed related recognitions and consent items on the agenda. No formal county bridge funding decision was taken on April 7; speakers invited supervisors to consider proposals and to meet with stakeholders.

What’s next: Presenters encouraged staff and the board to return with specific budget options — short‑term bridge funding for fiscal year 2026–27 and a plan for a children’s fund — and to coordinate with First 5 Marin and other partners to identify gaps and priorities. The board will receive departmental reports and may consider budget action in upcoming meetings.