First 5 Los Angeles

First 5 Los Angeles is a public organization in Los Angeles County, California, dedicated to improving the lives of children from prenatal to age five. Established in 1998, it is part of the statewide First 5 California initiative, which was created following the passage of California Children and Families Act (Proposition 10) in 1998. The organization focuses on early childhood development, health, and education.

History

First 5 Los Angeles was created in response to the California Children and Families Act, which imposed a tax on tobacco products to fund early childhood programs. The organization aims to ensure that all children in Los Angeles County enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life.

Mission and Goals

The mission of First 5 Los Angeles is to increase the number of children who are physically and emotionally healthy, safe, and ready to learn. The organization works towards this mission by focusing on four key goals:

• Families: Strengthening families by providing resources and support.
• Communities: Building supportive communities that contribute to the well-being of children.
• Early Care and Education: Improving the quality of early care and education.
• Health: Ensuring children have access to comprehensive health services.

Programs and Initiatives

First 5 Los Angeles funds and supports a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at achieving its goals. Some of the key programs include:

• Welcome Baby: A voluntary home visiting program for pregnant women and new mothers.
• Best Start: A community-based initiative that empowers parents and community members to create supportive environments for children.
• Early Identification and Intervention: Programs that focus on early detection and treatment of developmental delays and disabilities.

Governance

First 5 Los Angeles is governed by a Board of Commissioners, which includes representatives from various sectors such as health, education, and child development. The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the implementation of programs and initiatives.

Funding

The organization is primarily funded through the tobacco tax revenue generated by Proposition 10. Additional funding comes from grants and partnerships with other organizations.

Impact

Since its inception, First 5 Los Angeles has made significant strides in improving the lives of young children and their families in Los Angeles County. The organization has been instrumental in increasing access to early childhood education, health services, and family support programs.

See Also

• First 5 California
• California Children and Families Act
• Early childhood education
• Public health