First 5 Orange County today announced it is launching the Early Childhood Friendly City Initiative, a groundbreaking effort designed to help cities create neighborhoods and communities where young children and their families can thrive.
This initiative provides cities with the data, early childhood expertise, and partnership needed to prioritize early childhood development in education, health, housing, and community services — laying the foundation for stronger, healthier communities.
“We believe that Orange County can become a place where young children and families flourish,” said Kim Goll, President and CEO of First 5 Orange County. “Through the Early Childhood Friendly City Initiative, we are working hand-in-hand with local leaders to ensure early childhood well-being is at the heart of community planning and policy. When cities invest in their youngest residents, they invest in a brighter future for everyone.”
The City of La Habra is leading the way as the first municipality to officially join the initiative. The La Habra City Council unanimously passed a resolution affirming its commitment to nurturing and supporting young children and their families.
According to First 5 Orange County’s Early Development Index (EDI), only about half (53%) of Orange County’s kids are developmentally ready for kindergarten. In some neighborhoods, as many as two-thirds of children are not ready, and kindergarten readiness predicts how a child will do in third and sixth grade.
By engaging and supporting young children and their families as early as possible, cities can set them up for a lifetime of success. La Habra Little Learners’ Readiness on the Road program is already making great strides in young children’s literacy skills, as shown by the 75 percent of La Habra kindergarteners with those skills when they start school. The EDI data show La Habra students are steadily improving, with a 3 percent increase in kindergarten readiness compared to 3 years ago, Goll shared.
“I’m glad to see we’re turning the tide and it’s coming around, and we still continue together,” said La Habra Mayor Rose Espinoza. “We’re going to see a whole different La Habra as far as education and success… We believe in what you’re doing, we believe in our children, and we believe in our community.”
This resolution marks a significant step in fostering a city where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
By prioritizing early childhood development, cities can shape a future where families are supported, communities are strengthened, and children are given the best possible start in life.
For more information, contact Tiffany Alva at tiffany.alva@cfcoc.ocgov.com.