About Us
First 5 LA envisions a future where every child is born healthy and thrives in a nurturing, safe and loving community.
First 5 LA advocates for children and their families, amplifies community voice and partners for collective impact so that every child in Los Angeles County reaches their full developmental potential throughout the critical years of prenatal to age 5.
To achieve this mission for young children and their families, as outlined in our 2024-29 Strategic Plan, we are committed to our role as a:
Convener:
We bring together public agencies, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations and communities to share data, access and learn from new and diverse perspectives.
Connector:
We cultivate existing and new relationships to improve collaboration to advance better outcomes for children and families.
Trusted thought partner
on early childhood:
We ensure issues impacting children prenatal to age 5 are part of diverse agendas and spaces.
Advocate:
We promote effective family-centered resource allocation and distribution, policy and practice changes, and implementation of public policy.
Overview of the First 5 Network and our Statewide Role
At First 5 LA, we are proud to be part of the statewide network of 58 county commissions championing investments in the health and well-being of our youngest children and their families. We celebrate our collective work that began in 1998 when California voters passed Proposition 10, instituting a new tax on tobacco products to fund the creation of the statewide network of First 5s.
The First 5 network — which consists of First 5 California, the First 5 Association and the 58 county commissions— shines a spotlight on the importance of the early years of childhood. The First 5 network brings expertise and perspectives in early childhood, elevating the concerns of young children and their families where they may otherwise not be considered.
Guided by Our Values, We Partner for Collective Impact
First 5 LA’s values guide and direct how we show up and the actions we take to make the greatest possible impact for Los Angeles County’s children prenatal through age 5 and their families.
Impact:
We remain curious, open to new ideas, adaptable to improve and unwavering in our pursuit of lasting results for young children and their families.
Equity:
We honor the wisdom of our communities, recognizing that their assets hold the key to dismantling systemic barriers and forging a path to racial justice, as we champion opportunity for all.
Partnership:
We inspire collective action built on trusting relationships, diverse perspectives, humility and mutual respect.
Integrity:
We are accountable for results, ensure the most effective use of public resources and reflect on our actions.
As one of the state’s largest funders of early childhood and an independent public agency, we recognize that our strongest contributions are made in partnership with other public agencies, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic organizations and communities, including parents, caregivers and families. We look for opportunities to be part of the solution by identifying and addressing systemic barriers through a thorough analysis of systemic racism and historical inequities and aim to elevate community agency and voice, recognizing the vital role it plays in our work. Through family and community engagement, we work with diverse partners to build collective capacity and create lasting outcomes for kids prenatal to age 5 and their families.
As an independent public organization, we actively seek solutions and amplify community voices for positive change. In partnership, we are dedicated to creating a future where every child is born healthy and thrives in nurturing, safe and loving communities.
