First 5 California

Huge shoutout to First 5 Yolo! Their Welcome Baby: Road to Resilience program is setting the standard for early childhood health in CA — 98% of moms getting timely postpartum care and infants 64% more likely to complete their one-month well-child visit. Investing early changes lives. 💙

First 5 California is thrilled to welcome Yajayra Gonzalez as our new Legislative Manager!🌟 With deep experience across the CA Legislature, Governor’s Office, and local government, Yajayra will be a key player in advancing policies for CA's youngest children. Welcome, Yajayra!

"El Florecer de la Familia” is the new podcast bringing conversations about family mental wellness to Spanish-speaking audiences. First 5 California is dedicated to sharing resources that include every family in conversations like these. bit.ly/4cVdasB

Huge congrats to @FirstSolano & the Vallejo community on the grand opening of the Rise Vallejo Center! 🎉 From a former school to a vibrant hub, this center adds 200+ childcare spaces, helping kids thrive and parents get back to work. A true win for the local economy! 🏫👶✨

New research shows that universal child care in California is not only possible, but capable of helping the state flourish. As California continues to lead the charge on equity for every family, creating child care for all is the next step. Read more: stanford.io/4vSdZLB

We are honored to welcome former CA Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris to our Commission meeting! She’ll discuss creating healing-centered, trauma-informed supports for CA families. Panelists: ‣ Michael Olenick ‣ Clarissa Doutherd ‣ Jeneba Lahai 🔗 bit.ly/4sG5sZj

Shout Out @First5OC for empowering fathers with their new initiative: ProFathering15! In partnership with the National Fatherhood Initiative, this evidence-based program offers 15 bite-sized courses to help strengthen their parenting toolkit. Learn more: bit.ly/4swRfhM

"Preschool is often a child’s first encounter with structured learning—but for some, it’s their first chance to heal." 💙 Watch Executive Director Jacqueline Wong on @CalMatters discussing how trauma-informed care shapes the future of learning: bit.ly/4dQBVZh

Little ones are constantly learning. For tools to teach them how to face challenges, check out our course, Teaching Your Child Problem-Solving Skills. It’s part of our free Stronger Starts learning program, powered by Cell-Ed. Get started: bit.ly/4m6Ndst

Due to high demand, Early Bird Registration has been extended for the 2026 First 5 California Summit! You now have until April 8th to register for the upcoming event at the lowest rate possible. Register now: bit.ly/4ayBGQd

Para recibir ayuda para ver el apoyo que ya tienes alrededor tuyo y aprender cómo empezar a usarlo, checa nuestro curso, Construyendo tu comunidad, parte de nuestro programa de aprendizaje gratuito Stronger Starts, respaldado por Cell-Ed. bit.ly/3VZ1Q6H

First 5 CA is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristin Torres to Education Administrator within the Program, Innovation, and Evaluation Division. She brings deep experience in early childhood development, program implementation, and systems coordination. Congrats, Kristin!

F5CA is proud to see the official implementation of 2 key bills we championed: AB 495 and SB 98. @AGRobBonta has issued formal bulletins to schools & childcare providers across the state regarding new legal obligations to protect immigrant families. ➡️ bit.ly/41ohknj

With over $8 million invested in supporting child care givers so far, First 5 Alameda County is breaking boundaries in moving California towards our mission of making childcare as accessible to every family as possible. Read more about it here: bit.ly/3PGcYFw

Interested in presenting at the First 5 California Summit? Now is your chance to take the opportunity to present your innovative ideas for your contributions to the landmark early childhood event. You can read more details and submit your proposals here: bit.ly/4bc1hPy

The First 5 California Summit is a working convening for those shaping early childhood policy, funding, and implementation. If this work is part of your role — in government, advocacy, philanthropy, research, or systems leadership — we hope to see you. ➡️ bit.ly/4b107Gu

🚨 NOW LIVE: RFP for the Children FIRST Initiative! First 5 California is investing $10M to support children ages 0-5 in immigrant, refugee, and mixed-status families across the state. 📅 Due: March 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT 💻 Apply via Cal eProcure: bit.ly/47gh5OD

Parenting can feel easier when you have support. For help seeing the support that’s already around you and to learn how to lean into it, check out our Building Community course, part of our free Stronger Starts learning program, powered by Cell-Ed. bit.ly/4m6Ndst

The First 5 California 2024–2025 Annual Report is here! Behind every data point is a family, a provider, and a community partner working to ensure children have safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. Read the full report ➡️ bit.ly/4rxckrW

First 5 California’s mission of helping to create an equitable California where every child and family has the opportunity to thrive cannot be achieved without guiding principals to align us on our goals. Read the full 2026 policy agenda here: bit.ly/4si6gE2