First 5 Association of California Welcomes Avo Makdessian as Executive Director
SACRAMENTO – First 5 Association of California (F5AC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Avo Makdessian as its new Executive Director, which will commence on August 29, 2022. Mr. Makdessian will lead the Association, its complementary Foundation, and the First 5 Center for Children’s Policy. His expertise in advocacy, grantmaking, research, and community outreach […]
The First 5 Network Statement on the 2022-23 State Budget
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the First 5 Network thanks Governor Newsom and the Legislature for adopting the 2022-23 state budget that provides critical investments in behavioral and mental health, children’s health, early literacy, and reproductive rights. The First 5 Network is appreciative of the $10 million investment in the 2022-23 fiscal year and $20 million […]
Rep. Ro Khanna Hosts Roundtable Conversation on Baby Formula Shortage with First 5 Santa Clara CEO and Parents
On Tuesday, June 1, Rep. Ro Khanna hosted a roundtable conversation with First 5 Santa Clara County CEO, Jennifer Kelleher Cloyd and a Bay Area parent in Santa Clara County. Santa Clara County parents and caregivers continue to search for out-of-stock baby formula amid a national shortage felt throughout the country. The panel talked about how […]
First 5 San Bernardino ED Interviewed about Water Safety
First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Karen Scott was interviewed on Fox 11 News and Good Day LA on Memorial Day to discuss the importance of water safety. View the full interview here. In the interview, Scott goes over the “ABCs” of water safety: A – Active Adult Supervision B – Barriers (fencing, latches, alarms) C […]
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and First 5 LA Launch Help Me Grow LA to Support Child Development
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and First 5 LA today announced the launch of Help Me Grow LA (HMG LA), a community-driven effort to ensure every family that has developmental concerns about their child receives guidance and support. Help Me Grow will also help families navigate what can be a fragmented and […]
First 5 Network Responds to May Budget Revision
The First 5 Network Responds to Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revision May Revision Provides an Opportunity to Advance a Whole-Child, Whole-Family Agenda ALAMEDA, CA (May 18, 2022) – The First 5 Network, comprised of First 5 California, the First 5 Association of California, and the 58 local county First 5s across the state, […]
F5 Humboldt Executive Director Mary Ann Hansen Recognized as North Coast Woman of the Year
Executive Director of First 5 Humboldt, Mary Ann Hansen, has been named 2022 North Coast Woman of the Year by Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire. “Mary Ann has dedicated her life to improving the lives of kids and families. Her belief is simple, but bold: All kids, no matter their background, deserve the very best. […]
First 5s To Champion Early Childhood Investments on Annual Advocacy Day
SACRAMENTO – The statewide network of First 5s will meet with legislators April 19 for the annual First 5 Advocacy Day, to lift up key early childhood legislation and budget proposals and promote its Whole Child, Whole Family policy agenda. Among key issues First 5s will be discussing with legislators are both healthcare and Infant and Early […]
First 5 San Mateo Executive Director Named Assembly District 22 Woman of the Year
Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin announced this week that he has selected Kitty Lopez, Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County and First 5 Association Board President, as the 2022 Assembly District 22 Woman of the Year. “Kitty is an exemplary leader with a long history of accomplishments and I am pleased to […]
First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Talks UTK in Radio Interview
First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Karen Scott was interviewed recently about universal transitional kindergarten. She shared her insight with KVCR, an Inland Empire public radio station, during its monthly Education Insights radio show, appearing as a special guest alongside Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. In the interview she discusses the importance and value of early learning […]
