News And Announcements Index

Some 500 leaders and practitioners in the field of autism gathered at the Skirball Cultural Center for The Help Group's Annual Summit: Advances and Best Practices in Autism, Learning Disabilities and ADHD.

California's long awaited budget was recently signed by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and includes cuts that will affect children and families receiving services funded by the state.

A woman of many talents, Karen Blakeney-Granado has been an archeologist, a published poet, a non-profit executive director and more. Listen to our interview with Karen and find out how she came to First 5 LA.

First 5 LA is conducting a campaign to increase our readership and is urging all readers to send an e-mail to their friends and colleagues to sign up.

Why is it important for philanthropists and business leaders to support children in their earliest years? A powerful summit was held recently to turn attention and financial backing towards early childhood.

First 5 LA recently launched the second phase of Ready, Set, Grow! a program to help parents connect with L.A. County resources. Learn more about the Family Guide and Web site.

Last year, 44 infants died because they slept in a bed with their families. Learn how this happened and get valuable tips for parents on preventing sleeping- related infant deaths.

Evie encourages readers to go to our newly launched Ready, Set, Grow! Web site. An exciting new addition to the services available to L.A. County parents, Ready, Set, Grow! is fun and easy to access.

First 5 LA is pleased to announce that East West Bank will be distributing the premiere edition of First 5 LA’s Ready. Set. Grow! Family Guide through 62 East West Bank locations in L.A. County.

As part of First 5 LA's ongoing public education efforts, the Public Affairs team engaged in a variety media opportunities in July and August. Learn how we reached out to the community.

In honor of Infant Mortality Awareness month we are revisiting the Pasadena Birthing Project. This excellent program works to reduce infant mortality in the African American community.

Patricia Ploehn, the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, is the first director to be hired from within the Department. Learn how she worked her way up.

For Infant Mortality Awareness Month, Evie draws attention to the abysmal infant mortality rates in the U.S. and highlights efforts to keep all of our babies alive and healthy.

Dental problems are the number one reason why children miss school. But First 5 LA may be changing that trend. Learn what one study has to say about Healthy Kids insurance.

South El Monte youngsters learn how to budget while their parents ease the stress of back-to-school shopping at a recent “School is Cool” event to support at-risk families.

A noted Latino ad executive brings the plight of the Purepecha Indian Tribe, living in the Coachella Valley and described as the "poorest of the poor," to our attention.

Handy tips to help parents make sure their child is excited and ready to learn and not afraid of the unfamiliar surroundings that first day in kindergarten.

Reminding parents and caregivers that home is not just for kids to eat, sleep and play but also an important place to bring early education into everyday life.

So many choices...why pregnancy? was one of the winning teen pregnancy prevention messages recently displayed at a downtown Los Angeles art gallery. Learn about the LA Best Babies Network art contest and see photos of the showing.

Flu season is coming up, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines for all children 6 months and older. Learn about this year's recommended vaccines and how to keep children well.

Barbara Andrade DuBransky is a First 5 LA planning and development officer and has been with the commission almost since it's inception. Hear our interview with Barbara as she tells us about her work, her family and Best Start LA.

Evie comments about a recent report about the calorie content of most fast food kid's meals. She lists some of the "worst offenders" or highest calorie meals available through some restaurants.

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Assemblyman Jim Beall, Jr. recently held a public hearing to address foster care reform that was met with an outpouring of community concern. Listen to interviews and see photos from the event.

Southern California is home to the largest Filipino population in the U.S. Learn more about First 5 LA's recent media outreach to Filipino Southlanders about programs and services for children 0-5.

The LA County Board of Supervisors recently passed a resolution to protect First 5 LA funds from being redirected to address the current budget crisis. The resolution highlights contributions First 5 LA has made to children and families in the community.

Julie Friedman recently started the L.A. based nonprofit Family Matters @ Work. Learn how her journey through the nonprofit world inspired her to help families struggling with the balance between work and children.

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month and Evie reflects on a recent article she read about the first citation issued for a violation of the Lactation Accommodation Law, passed in 2001.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a guideline available for pregnant women who are considering receiving a routine vaccine. Learn which shots are recommended and which are not.