Growing up in South Los Angeles, my father parented with a traditional “machista” mentality: I was not allowed to go out, had to care for my younger siblings, cooked, cleaned, and went to school. While my father was a provider in many ways, he did not offer much in...
January 28, 2019 Becoming a parent...
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s first state budget proposal is groundbreaking in the depth and breadth of its investments in our youngest Californians. Placing a strong priority on young children and working families, Newsom’s “California for All” $209 billion spending plan...
The start of every year is typically associated with new beginnings. The start of 2019 is particularly energizing for early childhood advocates in California —a new governor, new budget proposals and new legislative ideas focused on California’s children.But the start...
The voice of an organized group is powerful — especially if you represent the children and families in each of the 58 counties across the state of California. For the first time in First 5 history, representatives from nearly two dozen First 5s traveled jointly to...
Nearly 3 million young parents across California confront long waiting lists and daunting costs By Kim Pattillo Brownson and Bruce Fuller Pristine optimism fills the air as our kids head back to school and start anew — a refreshing balm for blistering dog days of...
Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom has made early childhood development one of his signature issues. We at First 5 Los Angeles and First 5 organizations across California stand ready to help him turn that pledge into reality. The new governor’s goal of prioritizing funding for...
California is facing an unprecedented demographic shift as our citizens are aging and birthrates are not keeping up. The Governor-elect and members of the State Legislature must prepare for this inevitable shift in population by prioritizing early childhood...
Recently, the Integration and Learning Division submitted First 5 LA's State Annual Report to First 5 California, which included our annual revenues, expenditures, service types, populations served and evaluation findings. The State Commission combines our data with...
A new baby brings joy to a family. And with each birthday, we celebrate the growth of children as we look to their future. How can we best prepare them for the wonder, the workforce and the world ahead? Today, First 5 LA celebrated its 20th year since voters chose to...
