Dear Friend of First 5 California,

More than half a million children are born every year in California. In each life is an unlimited amount of potential – to grow-up healthy, to do well in school and to succeed. First 5 California believes in tapping into that potential during a child’s earliest years and working to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to thrive.

That’s why we’re here. First 5 California and 58 County Commissions throughout the state work to improve the lives of children from the time they are in the womb until they enter kindergarten.

Research shows that a child's brain develops most dramatically during the early years of life. We’ve worked hard to educate parents and caregivers about the important role they play in their children’s first years. First 5 California’s programs are designed to meet its goal of ensuring more children are born healthy, raised in nurturing homes and ready to succeed in school.

We are moving mountains. From providing educational resources for expectant parents to expanding preschool opportunities throughout the state, at First 5 California we are successfully meeting our goal of serving all California’s children regardless of their ethnic, geographical, socio-economic, or immigration status, and including children with disabilities and other special needs. It is our duty to remain bold, committed and focused. And when we succeed, we succeed together. After all, our children depend on it.

We are proud of First 5 California’s accomplishments to date, but our job is certainly not done. We are confident that we will meet the new challenges that await us and that we will succeed in giving California's youngest children the futures they deserve.

Thank you,

Kris Perry
Executive Director, First 5 California