News And Announcements Index

First 5 LA recognizes that a qualified workforce is needed to reach the goals set in our new strategic plan. Learn about our workforce development strategy.

At their core, social workers help individuals and families who are struggling to cope with life's challenges, but sometimes their role is misinterpreted by the community at large.

Alma Martinez, First 5 LA's newest Commissioner, also serves as the principal and chief operating officer of ADM Consulting, specializing in strategic planning, public relations and government affairs.

The trend of place-based investments has been growing in recent years, as is demonstrated by First 5 LA's new strategic plan, and the Obama Administration is also riding the wave.

Evie draws attention to new additions to the First 5 LA parent-centered, Ready, Set, Grow! Web site: the Cavity Dodger, Sing-Alongs, and the Tiny Tooth Trivia Quiz, are all fun for kids. 

The next phase in California's fiscal crisis begins this week, as the State Senate embarks on a series of budget hearings that are slated to last until mid-May.

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer's field representative, Juan Camacho, was recently welcomed at the First 5 LA-funded 15th St. Family Literacy Program in San Pedro.

Most experts agree that children learn to speak in a step-by-step process. But can a parent always tell if their child is on the right path? Learn more.

First lady Michelle Obama has joined forces with the surgeon general and the Department of Health and Human Services to launch a national campaign addressing national childhood obesity.

Evie points out that when the chips are down, some of our elected officials grab for what they can, forgetting that the people have made a commitment to children in the form of Prop 10.

First 5 LA has put together a recap of the several video interviews featuring L.A. County parents and grantees who spoke up against the proposed First 5 funding grab in Sacramento.

Legislators exclude Governor’s proposed redirection of First 5 funding from current budget solutions; Cox bill dies in committee.

Through data systems integration First 5 LA will help improve the quality of services offered to families by helping agencies share data effectively and efficiently while still protecting individual privacy.

How do you find the right dentist for your child if you're in a free or low-cost health coverage program? L.A. Care Health Plan's Healthy Kids and Healthy Families programs make it easy.

Serving 3,000 families a year, Partnerships for Families grantee, SHIELDS for Families is one of the few L.A. County agencys that provide both residential and outpatient services, keeping families intact.

President Obama's proposed Fiscal Year 2011 budget includes several spending increases that could benefit young children. Learn about the potential impacts in the early care and education field.

Evie promotes The Wonder of Learning: The Hundred Languages of Children - an innovative traveling exhibit telling the story of the Reggio Emilia educational approach.

Legislators continue to seek midyear budget solutions; Cox introduces bill to grab First 5 funding; readers encouraged to join efforts to save First 5 programs.

First 5 LA interviewed several  of the many parents, grantees and stakeholders who testified on behalf of First 5 at the California Assembly budget subcommittee hearing in Sacramento.

More than 50 First 5 grantees and parents testified against the governors proposal to divert First 5 funds, before a state Assembly committee. See video of the testimony.

California Senate Democrats recently took a significant step towards preserving early childhood programs by approving a set of budget solutions that spared First 5 funding.

Evie recounts some of what was heard at the state Assembly budget hearing. Parents came from all walks of life, from compact urban areas to rural towns to big cities to testify. 

An epidemic of tooth decay exists among young children living in Los Angeles County's poorest communities, according to a recent Children's Dental Health Study commissioned by First 5 LA, along with the Annenberg Foundation, The California Endowment and The California Wellness Foundation.

For a young child who does not speak English, learning the fundamentals can be overwhelming. How do we ensure preschool-age, English language learners are ready for kindergarten?

One of First 5 LA's newest Commissioners, Duane Dennis has spent most of his professional career in the field of early child care. Learn more about the background of this champion for children.

The Urban Institute has released a report painting a bleak future for many of L.A. County's most disadvantaged children if Healthy Kids, one of California's major health coverage programs, disappears.

Evie shares with readers First 5 LA's tips on the best way to take care of a young child's teeth, including brushing a baby's gums.

In L.A. County, there are multiple systems that can touch a family. In our new strategic plan, First 5 LA will seek to support efforts throughout the county to more effectively integrate and leverage these systems.

After their baby teeth began to appear, Alexander and Emily each paid a visit to the dentist. This was soon followed by twice-a-year dental check-ups and daily brushing with the help of their mom, Jamie Goldborough.  

First 5 LA is invested in helping grow a qualified workforce of prenatal through 3 service providers, and have brought together experts who can help decide on professional best practices.