Press Room
The First 5 LA Press Room is a helpful first stop when seeking recent statements and positions on our accomplishments and priorities for L.A. County’s youngest children.

For press inquiries, email First 5 LA’s Communications Department Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Marlene Fitzsimmons at [email protected]
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First 5 LA Executive Director Kim Belshé Joins Early Childhood Advocates in Strong Opposition to the Public Charge Ruling
Feb 3, 2020 | Articles, News & Resources, Press Room
On January 30, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will begin implementing the new public charge regulations on February 24, 2020 which will allow immigration officials the ability to deny a green card to immigrant applicants if...
Gov. Newsom Names First 5 LA’s Kim Pattillo Brownson to California’s Early Childhood Policy Council
Nov 22, 2019 | Articles, Press Room
Los Angeles - First 5 LA announced today that Vice President of Policy & Strategy Kim Pattillo Brownson has been appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve as a member of the State’s Early Childhood Policy Council (ECPC). In this volunteer role, Pattillo Brownson will...
With AB 1004 Signed, More Young Kids Will Be Screened Early for Developmental Milestones
Oct 2, 2019 | Articles, Press Room
First 5 LA, First 5 Association, and Children Now are thrilled by Governor Newsom's signing of AB 1004 (McCarty), which will help ensure California's babies and toddlers receive the developmental screenings--and eventually services--they are entitled to through...
California Early Learning Groups Celebrate AB 378 Signing as Big Victory for Family ChildCare Providers, Children and Families
Oct 1, 2019 | Articles, Press Room
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- First 5 LA and Early Edge California praised family childcare providers in California for their long-fought victory for collective bargaining rights and improved early childhood education that culminated today with Governor...
Leading California Early Childhood Advocates Oppose Trump Administration’s “Public Charge” Rule
Aug 12, 2019 | Articles, Press Room
Ruling Creates Dire Future for Families As They Are Denied Access to Critical Health Care, Housing and Nutrition ServicesFOR IMMIGRATION RESOURCES, VISIT: https://www.first5la.org/parenting/articles/immigration-resources/Los Angeles, CA –– First 5 Association of...
First 5 LA: State Budget Reflects Governor Newsom and Legislative Leaders’ Comprehensive Commitment to Children and Families
Jun 28, 2019 | Articles, Author: Kim Belshé, Press Room
LOS ANGELES – First 5 LA Executive Director Kim Belshé today commended Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders for enacting a strong budget that reflects a comprehensive commitment to California’s young children and families. “Governor Newsom and the Legislature...
First 5s: Trump Proposal to Recalculate Federal Poverty Level Will Hurt Millions of California Children
Jun 21, 2019 | Articles, Press Room
ALAMEDA, CA – First 5 Association of California, First 5 California, and First 5 LA today announced their opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposal to recalculate the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — a plan that could disqualify struggling children and families...
Statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé on State Senate and State Assembly’s Proposed California State Budget
May 28, 2019 | Articles, Author: Kim Belshé, Press Room
LOS ANGELES –First 5 LA today released the following statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé regarding the California State Senate and State Assembly’s passage of their proposed State Budget: “We applaud the Assembly and the Senate for prioritizing California’s...
Statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé on Governor Newsom’s May Revision to the California State Budget
May 9, 2019 | Articles, Author: Kim Belshé, Press Room
LOS ANGELES – First 5 LA today released the following statement from Executive Director Kim Belshé responding to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision to the State Budget:“Governor Newsom’s actions for young children and families speak louder than words. He is building...
Executive Director Kim Belshé Praises Mayor Garcetti’s Commitment to Strengthen Early Childhood Educator Workforce
Apr 18, 2019 | Articles, Author: Kim Belshé, Press Room
LOS ANGELES – In his State of the City Address, Mayor Eric Garcetti set Los Angeles on a path to eliminate the school readiness gap for the most vulnerable children in Los Angeles and strengthen the early childhood education workforce. Specifically, the Mayor is...