First 5 LA believes that the first 5 years of life establish the foundation for the future success of our children. We put

parents at the center of our work, since parents and caregivers are at the heart of a child’s development.

First 5 LA, in partnership with others, strengthens families, communities, and systems of services and supports so all children in L.A. County enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life.

Moving forward, First 5 LA will take a more intensive approach by increasing its emphasis on systems change, collaboration and public policy. This transition supports the organization’s goal of maximizing positive outcomes for children prenatal to age 5.

The five-year plan focuses on investing in six key areas: Research and Development, Public Policy and Advocacy, Service Delivery System Improvement, Provider Training, Community Capacity Building and Communications.?

Supporting and educating parents and caregivers, creating meaningful collaborations with like-minded partners, and improving policies and practices in the health care and early care and education systems; this is the direction First 5 LA
is taking to positively impact children and families throughout L. A. County for generations to come.

Sign up today to stay informed about First 5 LA’s efforts to give L.A. County’s kids the best start.?

Sign up here for First 5 LA’s Week in Review Newsletter and get a summary of the week’s top news and views impacting young children every Thursday afternoon.




Women’s History Month: Alma Cortes, Ed.D.

Women’s History Month: Alma Cortes, Ed.D.

April 8, 2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

Help Me Grow LA: Connecting the Dots to Healthy Child Development

Help Me Grow LA: Connecting the Dots to Healthy Child Development

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer March 27, 2025 Shakur was 2 when he started crossing his fingers. It happened a lot. His mom, Brooklynn, noticed that the behavior happened every time they visited the local park. That's when she did some sleuthing online and...

First 5 LA Board Explores Prevention First Initiative

First 5 LA Board Explores Prevention First Initiative

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer March 27, 2025 First 5 LA's Board of Commissioners Meeting was convened on March 13. The meeting focused primarily on First 5 LA's Prevention First Initiative, one of the four key initiatives through which the organization will...

Women’s History Month: La Tanga Hardy, Ed.D. 

Women’s History Month: La Tanga Hardy, Ed.D. 

March 27, 2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

Women’s History Month 2025: Nancy Hurlbut, Ph.D.

Women’s History Month 2025: Nancy Hurlbut, Ph.D.

March 27, 2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

Women’s History Month 2025: Jan Fish, Ed.D.

Women’s History Month 2025: Jan Fish, Ed.D.

March 27,2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

Women’s History Month 2025: Denise Kennedy, Ph.D. 

Women’s History Month 2025: Denise Kennedy, Ph.D. 

March 27, 2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

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