Policy Pick: California Nabs Race To The Top Early Learning Challenge Grant

January 9, 2012
Federal funds will be used to improve licensed child care programs, school districts and child care partners in the state.

Policy Pick: Long Beach Rethinks its Drinks (and Snacks)

December 19, 2011
Long Beach adopts healthy foods and beverages policy for vending machines and events.

Policy Pick: New Report Finds Affordable Child Care Shortage in California

December 19, 2011
A bad economy and budget cuts makes finding licensed child care difficult for families.

Policy Pick: California's Kids Left Behind In Race to the Top**

December 5, 2011
The U.S. Department of Education drops California as a contender for more than $200 million in funding for early education.

Policy Pick: Super Committee Breakdown Could Spell Trouble for Young Kids

December 5, 2011
Head Start, WIC and other programs for young children and families are in jeopardy because of Congressional stalemate.

Policy Pick: Meet the New First 5 LA Federal Advocates

November 14, 2011
At a Policy Roundtable, early childhood policy issues were discussed with First 5 LA's Washington D.C.-based advocates.

Boxer Introduces Early Learning Proficiency Act

November 7, 2011
New legislation clarifies use of federal funding for early education.

Policy Pick: California Revs Up For Race To The Top

October 31, 2011
California competes for federal early childhood education funding.

Preventing Childhood Obesity Under Health Care Reform

October 17, 2011
A First 5 LA panel discussion on how health care reform will help combat childhood obesity.

Policy Pick: Victories for Young Children and Pregnant Women

October 17, 2011
The Governor used his bill signing pen to make healthy decisions for the state's youngest children and women.

Policy Pick: New Brief Recommends Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

October 3, 2011
A new policy brief released by First 5 LA examines the impact of sugar sweetened drinks on young children.

Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant

September 26, 2011
Will California get millions of dollars from the federal government to improve early care and education?

Policy Pick: Filipino Health Coalition

August 29, 2011
New Filipino Health Coalition will focus on maternal alcohol, tobacco and drug use in L.A. County's Filipino community.

Policy Pick: First 5 LA Will Soon Launch Policy Advocacy Fund

August 22, 2011
A new PAF grant will be available to a broad range of participants to strengthen the impact on policy affecting young children.

Policy Pick: Teen Parents in Foster Care

August 15, 2011
Bill being considered by state would require case workers to report on teen parents in foster care.

Policy Pick: More Child-Friendly Bills Slated For Hearings

August 8, 2011
Key legislators are scheduled to meet on possible new laws on issues including fetal alcohol syndrome and health care.

Policy Pick: Legislators Set To Tackle Promise Neighborhoods Bill

August 1, 2011
If passed, AB 1072 would take a place-based approach in 40 communities throughout California.

Policy Pick: Advancement Project Helps Bring Preschool to Southeast L.A. County*

July 11, 2011
LAUSD Approves $10 Million for new early education center in highest need community in District.

Policy Roundtable: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

June 27, 2011
Advocates shared information about sugar-sweetened beverages and their role in childhood obesity.

Policy Pick: Combatting Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

June 20, 2011
A new state bill that would aid in the fight against fetal alcohol syndrome will be taken up by Senate Health Committee.

Policy Pick: California Healthy Food Financing Initiative

May 23, 2011
Pending bill would fill in state's "food deserts" with opportunities for fresh produce and other healthy food options.

Policy Pick: Health Committee Green-lights Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act

May 16, 2011
The Assembly Health Committee approves legislation that would prohibit BPA in specified baby products.

Policy Pick: Early Learning Advocacy Day

May 9, 2011
This year's event in Sacramento comes at a critical time in early learning. Find out how to have your voice heard.

Policy Update: Health Insurers Resume Children’s Insurance Policies in Light of New State Law

January 10, 2011
Insurance companies made controversial decisions to stop selling child-only policies in response to the new Health Care Reform Law

Public Policy Conference

December 20, 2010
State leaders discuss the future of public school education and other areas that may face cuts due to the state's financial challenges.

Policy Pick: The House of Representatives Passes the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

December 20, 2010
New bill will address hunger and obesity problems by encouraging, and providing for, better nutrition for children and families.

Policy Update: Health Insurers Scrap Child-Only Coverage

October 4, 2010
In response to the Health Care Reform law, some health insurance providers say they will stop issuing new individual policies to children.

State Budget Update: Budget Deadline Passes As Legislators Continue To Assess Proposals

June 21, 2010
For the 23rd time since 1986, California lawmakers failed to meet the constitutional deadline (June 15) for submitting a balanced budget to the governor.

Policy Pick: Early Childhood and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

June 14, 2010
The U.S. Congress is currently revising the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) - the nation's signature education law - and some law makers are considering including a focus on early childhood education.

Policy Pick: Obesity, Nutrition and the White House

June 7, 2010
Leaders on D.C.'s Capitol Hill are focusing much attention on childhood nutrition these days - including the report Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation and the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Bill.