First 5 in the News

Recent media coverage of First 5 programs, people, and activities around the state.

Orange County, California Pioneers Model to Help Cities Prioritize Kids Under 5
Zero 2 Eight / August 13, 2025

The ‘Early Childhood Friendly City’ initiative addresses early learning gaps by helping cities prioritize early childhood development across sectors.

Letter to the Editor: Yocha Dehe partnership critical for First 5 Solano
Daily Republic / August 15, 2025

From Executive Director, Michele Harris: “In my 20 years with the First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission, I have had the privilege of working alongside Solano’s families to ensure their young children have access to the resources they need to thrive.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launches in Nevada County thanks to Rotary Club of Nevada City and First 5 Nevada County
YubaNet.com / August 1, 2025

Books To Build Brighter Futures. Inspiring a love of reading from birth to age five by gifting the joy of early literacy—one book at a time.

State bill would prohibit ICE at California day care centers, but does it go far enough?
The Californian / March 4, 2025

The inclusion of day care centers is important, according to Francine Rodd, executive director of First 5 Monterey County, a countywide agency that supports early childhood development initiatives.

First 5 SLO County Awarded Grant Funding for Child Care Initiative
February 26, 2025

First 5 San Luis Obispo County is proud to announce a grant award from Uplift Central Coast to lead the formation of a Regionwide Child Care Coalition, comprised of six counties’ leading minds in child care innovation from Santa Cruz to Ventura.

California voters erased a plan to keep kids insured. It might be too late to fix it
CalMatters / February 3, 2025

Children regularly lose Medi-Cal coverage because of administrative errors. California’s plan to keep them enrolled evaporated when voters passed Proposition 35.

First 5 Mono adopts Early Learning Care Policy to address significant childcare shortage
Public CEO / December 4, 2024

In an effort to address the Mono County’s continuing childcare shortage, First 5 Mono has adopted an Early Learning Care Policy outlining the County’s ongoing need to provide high-quality childcare for its youngest, and most impressionable and vulnerable residents.

Guest column: Celebrating 25 years of First 5 Ventura County
VC Star / November 30, 2024

For 25 years, First 5s across the state — including First 5 Ventura County — have focused on improving the health and education of our youngest Californians, from prenatal through age 5.

State Senator Mike McGuire Appoints First 5 Humboldt’s Mary Ann Hansen to Early Childhood Policy Council
Lost Coast Outpost / November 19, 2024

“Mary Ann Hansen is an exceptional and effective leader. No one works harder on behalf of our kids and she will bring passion and dedication to the Early Childhood Policy Council,” Pro Tem McGuire said.

Redding Chamber and First 5 Shasta host event educating on supportive childcare policies
KRCR / November 13, 2024

First 5 Shasta and the Redding Chamber of Commerce hosted a community luncheon on Nov. 13 at C.R. Gibbs American Grille on Hilltop Drive, focused on the importance of having family- friendly policies for workers.