Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget builds upon the robust leadership he and the Legislature demonstrated last year to prioritize young children. Once again, we see the Governor prioritizing a comprehensive approach to give our youngest children the best start in life.
We commend the Governor for both thinking about which programs to prioritize and how to administer these programs so families get what they need when they need it.
The Governor’s proposal to establish a Department of Early Childhood Development offers the promise of focusing attention on the comprehensive needs of children from birth to five, improving access to needed child and family strengthening services, improving administrative efficiency, and increasing accountability.
First 5 LA looks forward to working with the Administration and Legislature to make services more integrated and accessible for families over time through this new department. Specifically, to include other programs administered by the California Health and Human Services Agency that are critical to children’s broader developmental needs, including early identification and early intervention programs.
