News And Announcements Index

Newborn babies may have their eyes wide open, but in the first few months, their introductions to the world are likely to come from what they hear rather than what they see.

Children continue to feel the effects of California's budget crisis. State officials are taking advantage of a newly-passed law to delay payments to schools and counties.

Last week L.A. County had record high heat. Evie shares tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to keep kids healthy in the heat.

Part of First 5 LA's Healthy Births investment, the LA Best Babies Network Best Babies Collaboratives have helped L.A. County mothers met the breastfeeding goals set by Healthy People 2010.

Did you know that many babies can double their body weight by the age of 5 months?  And to get there they need lots and lots of sleep. Learn more about the power of sleep for infants.

Depending on who you talk to, immunizations are critical for the health of a society and individual children, or they can cause serious health problems. Learn more about the debate.

The latest budget proposal put forth by state Democratic legislators would be a boon to thousands of young children who rely on child welfare programs.

Evie thanks local health center AltaMed for using National Health Center week to highlight the importance of health centers and childrens' school readiness for regional elected officials.

Parents may think the markers for a child's success in kindergarten are knowing colors, counting into double digits, and recognizing letters of the alphabet. But equally important is a child's ability to successfully socialize with others - and parents can do plenty to support their child's development in that and other areas, smoothing their transition to school.

It is not uncommon for a child to be labeled as having Attention Deficit Disorder or another disorder, when in reality they may be having trouble seeing the blackboard. Learn more about eyesight and kids.

Hungarian early childhood expert Magda Gerber coined the phrase ‘educarer,' emphasizing that parents and other caregivers have a combined role in educating and caring for children.

Democratic lawmakers at the state Capitol released the details of a new budget proposal that, if passed, would restore most of the child care services slated for elimination under the governor's May Revise.

Last week was World Breastfeeding Week and to celebrate, First 5 LA joined Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach for "Unity Walk," an event supporting the hospital's journey to becoming a "baby-friendly" hospital.

Making sure children are ready for kindergarten is one of the four goals of our strategic plan. Learn how First 5 LA seeks to help prepare our youngest students for the academic challenges they will face.

The ongoing budget standoff at the State Capitol could break some records according to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. But State Controller John Chiang gives a dire warning.

Evie discusses the strategic plan, implementation plan and opportunities for stakeholders to get involved.

To gain some perspective on why vaccinations are important for public health, First 5 LA looks at a brief history of immunizations throughout the world.

As a mom, an older sister, a professional and an academic, Dawn Kurtz has always been interested in child development. Learn how this First 5 LA staff member contributes to children's well being.

From the moment they enter the world, babies have the ability to express themselves through crying. We explore questions parents should ask themselves when a baby cries and potential red flags.

A tireless breastfeeding advocate, Bonnie Henson encourages the practice through her position at Miller Children's Hospital, as CEO of Breastfeeding Taskforce of Greater Los Angeles and more. 

Evie shares a blog entry she found about child safety around barbeques, and shares other tips for those throwing a backyard party with kids and adults.

As state leaders continue to battle over California's budget, new developments on the health care front are emerging which could affect the outcome of those negotiations.

As First 5 LA works to help reduce childhood obesity rates, one effort, the distribution of the Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life Resource Kit, has shown positive results. Find out about our study.

Wellness, as defined by Arizona State University Professor Charles Corbin, is a state of existence in which an individual's positive health is exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being.

Evie discusses aspects of the recent report issued by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future.

First 5 LA has agreed to allocate $3 million to allow Los Angeles Universal Preschool  to continue funding its Early Childhood Education Workforce Initiative projects.

As the state budget stalemate enters its third week, the impending end of federal stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act  has raised concerns. 

In our Best Start communities as well as through countywide efforts, First 5 LA aims to help children maintain a healthy weight. Learn about some of our strategies and why this goal is important.

More than 150 professionals from local nonprofits, universities and philanthropic organizations gathered recently to hear four panelists discuss place-based funding at a Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs forum.

Lawrence CommunityWorks has revitalized the city of Lawrence, Mass. by taking a place-based approach to transform Lawrence's physical, social and economic landscape.