Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a non-standard agreement between the County of Monterey Health Department and Monterey County Children and Families Commission dba First 5 Monterey County to support Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative, for a maximum County obligation of $500,000 for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027;
b. Approve non-standard indemnification and insurance provisions as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($50,000) of the original agreement, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $550,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a non-standard agreement between the County of Monterey Health Department and Monterey County Children and Families Commission dba First 5 Monterey County to support Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative, for a maximum County obligation of $500,000 for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027;
b. Approve non-standard indemnification and insurance provisions as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute up to three future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($50,000) of the original agreement, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $550,000.
SUMMARY:
First 5 Monterey County enriches the lives of children, prenatal through age five, and their families by strengthening connections and advancing quality within a whole system of care and support. First 5 Monterey County is the fiscal sponsor of Bright Beginnings, which promotes and supports early childhood development, and is the host of the Bright Beginnings backbone team.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this Agreement is to continue the County’s collaboration with First 5 Monterey County to enhance the health of children and their families. The Agreement supports Bright Beginnings general operations, enhances its strategy-aligned projects, and connects projects to indicators of success. Bright Beginnings activities are based on the five conditions of Collective Impact, including a common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and a strong backbone. The Agreement also supports Bright Beginnings projects that align with the countywide Early Childhood Strategic Framework. Activities in this Agreement include general backbone support, perinatal mental health, and early care and learning.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goals: 1. Build community power and partners’ capacity to increase equity and improve health; and 2. Provide exceptional person-centered care through accessible, community-focused health services. It also supports four of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 1) Assess and monitor population health status, factors that influence health, and community needs and assets; and 3. Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health, factors that influence it, and how to improve it; and 4. Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health; and 7. Assure an effective system that enables equitable access to the individual services and care needed to be healthy.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form. Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
This $500,000 agreement is funded 50% ($250,000) by Health Realignment and 50% ($250,000) by the General Fund. There are sufficient appropriations in the Health Department’s (001-4000-8124-HEA003) FY 2026-27 Requested Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This Agreement aligns with the Strategic Goal of Well-Being and Quality of Life, Key Objective Services: Provide service enhancements to support well-being and quality of life. Funded Bright Beginnings projects will align with the countywide Early Childhood Strategic Framework.
Mark a check next to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Patricia Velarde, Management Analyst II, 796-1377
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Agreement