Spotlight Story Index
Lives are changing as a result of investing in communities! We are excited to share with you stories of harnessing resources in caring for young families.
American culture continues to sexualize children at earlier and earlier ages, and law enforcement is seeing a parallel trend in the commercial sexual exploitation of kids. Learn how infants and toddlers are at risk.
A world traveler and renaissance man, Bill Gould has helped advance First 5 LA's mission for more than six years. Learn how this proud dad and scholar has worked to help kids.
While premature birth rates remain too high, some agencies are piloting programs to help high-risk moms. Learn what has come from a partnership between PHFE-WIC and the March of Dimes.
Many early childhood education groups have approached President-elect Barak Obama to find out how their world will change under his leadership. See what his administration has planned.
In honor of National Prematurity Awareness Day (November 12th), the March of Dimes recently released its first annual Premature Birth Report Card. The grades are bad.
Dr. Barry Zuckerman has reached parents worldwide with the message of reading early to children. Learn how this extraordinary pediatrician has connected physical health with literacy.
With thousands of toys and cribs deemed hazardous to children, 2007 was dubbed "Year of the Recall" by Consumer Reports. Recently the governor signed AB 1860 as the state's latest protection measure for kids.
The Investing in Early Educators Stipend Program enables teachers in state-funded programs to go back to school and work toward their degree. Learn more about how this program works.
The more researchers learn about autism, the more it is understood that early detection and intervention is necessary. A recent conference explored autism indicators as early as 1 year of age.
After a budget bill that cut many critical services for children and families, Governor Schwarzenegger's signature on two vital preschool bills provided a ray of hope.
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.
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.
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.
For National Autism Month First 5 LA explored a long standing controversy about the use of mercury in vaccinations and a possible link to autism. We encourage you to revisit this piece for Immunization Month.
June 7th was the Feria del Libro: A Family Book Fair, and Evie was inspired by the more than 35,000 children and parents who attended and the more that 200 vendors that came to reach them. See the photo gallery!
In this time of budget cuts, agencies are looking to ways to keep their services going despite lost funds. Learn how the First 5 LA Sustainability Project has offered support for grantees.
As the state looks for solutions to the budget crisis, Proposition 10 dollars have been suggested as a source. To help protect First 5 LA funding, the LA City Council approved a formal resolution of support.
Recognizing National Safety Month, Evie describes First 5 LA's partnership with ABC7 promoting the campaign ABC's of a Safe Summer. This three month long campaign will feature PSA's, events, and handout materials.
First 5 LA's latest initiative, the Community Opportunities Fund, is launching its first cycle. Fourteen L.A. County non-profits are on board with innovative policy and advocacy plans, as well as capacity building programs.
Armando Jimenez has lead First 5 LA's Research and Evaluation Department since it began in 2000. Learn how he came to join our team of leaders, and how working on behalf of children and families has impacted his life.
Every 20 minutes an American child is born with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In response to this crisis, members of the California Legislature have introduced eight bills to support those with ASD and their families.
More than 300 California nutrition experts, small grocers, and public health advocates gathered last week to give their input on the how the new WIC food packages should roll out. Hear interviews with the effort's leaders.
More than 400 volunteers and prominent community leaders swarmed the Crenshaw/Hyde Park area on March 19th to build a park in one day. Hear participant interviews and see how this powerful group converted a vacant lot into an interactive park.
Last week Garfield Adult School's Family Literacy program celebrated spring with a picnic lunch and Easter egg hunt. Watch our short video and learn how program families benefit.
