First 5 LA

05/13/2026

This May, we're celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with all of Los Angeles County. 🌺

This year's theme, "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together," reminds us that communities are strongest when every voice is recognized and every child sees their heritage reflected back to them.

From the Heritage of Aloha Festival to the AAPI Joy Festival at Los Angeles Public Library , L.A. County is full of kid-friendly ways to celebrate.

Read our blog post for the full lineup and the evolution of the month: https://www.first5la.org/article/aanhpi-heritage-month-2026-rising-together/

05/08/2026

To the mothers of California, this Mother's Day: thank you. You shape our families and our communities, and we are deeply grateful.

Mother's Day is also an honest moment to recognize how hard pregnancy and early motherhood can be, and how essential mental health support is in those years. The California Perinatal Wellness Alliance has been leading that work, and last week joined First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and state leaders to build on California's progress.

More on what's underway in the press release.
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/04/29/first-partner-jennifer-siebel-newsom-and-statewide-leaders-convene-to-address-perinatal-mental-health-crisis/

04/20/2026

Last Friday marked Home Visiting Day in L.A. County—a time to recognize the work of home visitors serving the largest home visiting network in the nation.

This year’s theme, “Standing With Families: Reflecting, Responding & Rebuilding Trust Together,” was celebrated across the county. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation declaring April 17 as Home Visiting Day, and more than 100 home visitors gathered for a day of learning and connection.

Diana Careaga, Director of Family Supports at First 5 LA, and Laura Kainsinger, Program Officer, shared remarks and appreciation at the event, alongside Sharlene Gozalians, Director of the LA Best Babies Network.

Together, the day highlighted the vital role home visitors play in supporting families, strengthening communities, and building a more equitable and responsive system of care across L.A. County.

04/15/2026

The voted AGAIN to proclaim April 11 - 17 as and April 16 as of the Day of the Black Infant in LA County! Thank you to Supervisor for introducing the motion and for your continued support of Black mothers and babies.

Click the link below for the official release and to learn of all of the events happening in honor of Black Maternal Health week.

https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/los_angeles_county_s_african_american_infant_and_maternal_mortality_prevention_initiative_leads_black_maternal_health_week_events_across_the_county_to_advance_safe_and_joyous_black_births?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleARh4aZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAad3Ub2mtDFE4YH6d7A6LP9PGV0GocI0bTK_Z0vT3BWfKxbQkPaRFMqlrLJfsA_aem_90EeC12BVIC7sM-3qoPWFg

03/11/2026

We are proud to support the launch of Measure of America's recent Portrait of LA County 2026 report. Using the Human Development Index, or HDI, the report’s findings go far beyond money metrics and GDP to look closely at the overall well-being of Angelenos.

👉Learn more about the report here: https://measureofamerica.org/los-angeles-2026/

03/09/2026

How do we create early-learning environments where every child feel seen, supported, and successful? Our recent story, “The Syntax of Change,” highlights the transformative work of Black ECE, a group dedicated to culturally affirming teaching practices that help young Black learners flourish in school and in life.

From research to real-world classrooms, this article explores how intentional, identity-affirming strategies are paving the way for stronger outcomes for children and families. 🌱🎓

👉 Read the full story: https://www.first5la.org/article/the-syntax-of-change-how-one-group-is-helping-young-black-learners-thrive/

Let’s champion early learning that honors culture, identity, and potential.

It’s the first morning of the BlackECE Symposium, and poet Micah Bournes has the stage. The audience — ECE professionals, policymakers, researchers, advocates and more — listen quietly as Bournes speaks with passion and intensity about the lost African languages of his ancestors:

03/03/2026

🌍✨ “Every day you live, you make some impact on the world…” — Jane Goodall.

For Women's History Month, First 5 LA is honored to join Los Angeles County in celebrating all the women who continue to forge a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Our recent article, “Blueprints for a Better World: Celebrating Women’s History Month 2026,” offers a reflection on how women — past and present — have crafted lasting legacies in Los Angeles and beyond. From water pioneers and economic visionaries to civic leaders who expanded access and justice, their work shows us what sustainable change really looks like.

👉 Read the full article: https://www.first5la.org/article/blueprints-for-a-better-world-celebrating-womens-history-month-2026/

02/19/2026

“I speak Mandarin and English, so I can…”​

Speaking more than one language supports early development, builds confidence, strengthens family connections, and reflects the rich diversity of our communities.​

Watch and share our video with the Mandarin speakers in your life! ​

Two languages. It gives you more.​

The Quality Start Los Angeles Dual Language Learner Initiative helps nurture multilingualism in L.A. County's young children by connecting with families and ...

02/17/2026

Wishing our communities a happy Lunar New Year and a year ahead filled with strength and new beginnings.

02/10/2026

First 5 LA seeks proposals from qualified organizations to implement and test creative and innovative projects that accelerate and strengthen the development and quality of multilingual Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs across LAUSD. ​

Apply: https://www.first5la.org/news-resources/funding-center/

Questions: [email protected]​

Let’s build stronger, more inclusive early learning experiences for our youngest learners.

02/04/2026

Black History Month is more than a celebration — it’s a powerful reminder of the contributions, resilience, and stories that have shaped our communities. In our latest article, we reflect on the 100th anniversary of celebrating the legacy of Black history.

Read why remembering matters and how studying history can inspire future generations: https://www.first5la.org/article/the-importance-of-remembering-black-history-month/