Positive Results of First 5 LA Initiatives Detailed in Annual Report Out This Month

More young children in LA County have access to free or low-cost health insurance, quality preschool, and other early learning programs than ever before. Those are some of the positive results attributed to First 5 LA in its 2004-2005 Annual Report, to be released this month.

Since 1998 when it was created by a voter-approved initiative, First 5 LA has invested more than $700 million in diverse grants and programs that improve the well-being of young children and families in the county.

Key accomplishments to date include:
• $600 million over five years for Los Angeles County's Universal Preschool Initiative. In the program's first year, 5,000 4-year-olds in 200 preschools and family day care homes will be funded. When fully implemented in 2014, more than 100,000 4-year-olds will be served, making this the largest preschool program in the nation.
• $100 million over five years for Healthy Kids Insurance. Nearly 60% of 14,000 eligible children under six years of age now have full health and dental coverage through this free/low-cost program.
• $67 million over five years for School Readiness. More than 200 schools and community organizations connect families with early learning, health, and social services that prepare children for school success.
• $15 million over 3 years for Healthy Births. Creation of a network of health, education, and social service programs supporting pregnant women to ensure they have healthy, full-term babies.
• $13 million over 3 years for Family Literacy. Programs to promote academic achievement of children, and strengthening parent skills and self-sufficiency.

In this past year, First 5 LA also re-funded First 5 LA Connect (a free and confidential helpline for families), distribution of half a million Kit for New Parents (a free comprehensive videotape series for new and expectant parents), and the Safely Surrendered Baby public education campaign (to raise awareness of the California law that permits newborns to be surrendered within 72 hours of birth to any hospital or fire station).