LOS ANGELES – First 5 LA today released the following statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé responding to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision to the State Budget:“Governor Newsom’s actions for young children and families speak louder than words. He is building...

Early Childhood Matters Newsletter – April 2019
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Kim Pattillo Brownson Appointed to State Education Board
First 5 LA Vice President of Policy and Strategy Kim Pattillo Brownson has been appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve as a member of the State Board of Education.The 11-member State Board of Education is California’s K–12 policy-making body. It plays a key role in...

Making the News: The Life-or-Death Crisis Facing Black Mothers and Babies
The birth of a child is a wondrous occasion celebrated by all cultures and traditions. It also can be a stressful time, because of health complications during pregnancy and birth. And, for some, there is a disproportionate risk of death at the start of life for a...

What We’re Doing: April 2019
Pictured [Top L–R]: Program Officer Brandi Sims; Pritzker Fellow Melissa Franklin; California Senator Holly Mitchell; Policy and Strategy Manager Amelia Cobb; Black Women for Wellness Executive Director Janette Robinson Flint Black Women for Wellness: Black Women for...

Expanding Our Approach to Advocacy with a New State and Federal Agenda
First 5 LA has long acknowledged the impact state and federal legislation has on families in Los Angeles County, and for the past few years the organization has developed an annual legislative agenda aligned with its policy goals. Legislation, after all, has the...

African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Crisis: Fighting for Hope
“This cannot be happening AGAIN,” I thought to myself as the labor pains grew more intense. Two years earlier, I had given birth to my first daughter, Hannah, at 27 weeks, 5 days — all 1 lb., 9 oz. of her. And here I was again, 27 weeks, 5 days pregnant and about to...

Commission Meeting Summary for April 11th, 2019
Highlights from the April 11 Commission Meeting include: the endorsement of local Measure EE, the approval of two key strategic partnerships and a presentation of the Landscape Review of the Strategic Plan Refinement Process, with breakout sessions dedicated to...

RESOURCE: A Guide to Creating “Safe Space” Policies for Early Childhood Programs
Early childhood programs play an important role in the lives of young children and their families. But in our current immigration policy climate, families across the country are questioning whether it’s safe to attend or enroll. This guide explains federal agency...

RESOURCE: New e-Directory for LA County Home Visiting Programs is now live!
Parenting is hard, and every parent deserves help. Having in-home support can make all the difference. Home visiting programs can help parents learn about their child’s growth and health, engage in activities that will encourage their child’s brain development, and...