Volunteers Sought To Promote Early Childhood Education

SANTA ANA, CA — Each year, thousands of Orange County residents participate in drop-in family focused early education programs. Far more take part in early reading and literacy classes. All work to promote a love of learning for area families. Now, the group First 5 Orange County is seeking volunteers to further the reach of childhood education and health programs, that organization has said.

Volunteers can help positively affect the lives of others by donating their time to the First 5 Orange County Children and Families Commission.

"By providing early access to proper health and education, we can have a profound and meaningful impact on a child's life," said Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do. "We're looking for leaders in early childhood development to join First 5 Orange County to help us develop the most effective early childhood programs."

Established in 1998 through Proposition 10, First 5 Orange County funds education, health care and child development programs that support children from the prenatal stage up to age 5. The nine-member commission is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and includes six at-large members of the public.

The commission meets six times a year. Commission members serve a two- year term and represent First 5 Orange County at community events.

To qualify for the First 5 Orange County Board of Directors, candidates must be Orange County residents with relevant expertise in one of the following two categories:

• Education and early intervention, such as teachers, educators, and other representatives of schools
• Healthy children and early intervention, such as nurses, doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals

Applications will be accepted until 3 p.m. on March 6. Visit First 5 Orange County's website for more information on the commission and to view the application, or call Lisa Burke at First5OC@cfcoc.ocgov.com