November 15, 2022

First 5 LA is an independent county public agency that works to improve public systems so that they support the development of children, prenatal to age 5 in Los Angeles County. We want every child in the county to reach their full developmental potential during the earliest and most critical years of rapid brain development.

To achieve our highest aspirations for every child in Los Angeles County, First 5 LA has asserted an explicit focus on addressing systemic bias and inequities within public systems that hinder the outcomes of children, disrupt optimal development, and have disproportionally affected children of color. As a public agency ourselves, we understand that we are of public systems, therefore, what we do and how we think and behave influence outcomes that matter most for children and families. Our emphasis on systems change means we must change too. We must confront and address systemic bias and inequities within our own organization to ensure equitable outcomes for all within public systems.

Since January 2021, First 5 LA has been working with Seed Collaborative, LLC (Seed) to assess our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) competencies and identify priorities for improving the policies, procedures, practices, mindsets, and norms that shape our culture and impact our systems change work. Our DEI journey over the last year, what we have learned and are committing to are highlighted in the following report, “First 5 LA’s Journey Toward Deepening a Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” 

Click here to download. 




Women’s History Month 2025: Jan Fish, Ed.D.

Women’s History Month 2025: Jan Fish, Ed.D.

March 27,2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

Women’s History Month 2025: Denise Kennedy, Ph.D. 

Women’s History Month 2025: Denise Kennedy, Ph.D. 

March 27, 2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

After the Fires: Rebuilding LA for Young Children

After the Fires: Rebuilding LA for Young Children

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer February 26, 2025 It's a crisp, bright February morning in Robinson Park, where Pasadena's annual Black History Festival is underway. Despite the fires that raged just a mile north of the park 15 days earlier, people are gathered...

Celebrating Black History Month 2025

Celebrating Black History Month 2025

February 2025 This February, First 5 LA joins families and communities across Los Angeles in celebrating Black History Month. Originally conceived in 1926 as a way of preserving and sharing Black life, history, and culture, the event received its federal designation...

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