As we step into a new year, I begin with gratitude.
I am deeply grateful to the First 5 Orange County team for their commitment to helping our youngest children get the strongest start possible. I am thankful for our partners who join us in the work to make systems more responsive to families’ needs. And above all, I am grateful for the families and caregivers who trust us with what matters most—their children.
Children and families are at the heart of everything we do. In systems that can feel complex or overwhelming, we find clarity and purpose by listening to families and learning from their experiences. Their voices ground our work and remind us why it matters.
The lessons of 2025 bring clarity as we move into 2026. This year, First 5 OC will launch a new strategic plan to sharpen our priorities, guide our investments, and strengthen our ability to meet the challenges families face. Here are a few of the areas we will lean into this year.
In 2025, we gathered new kindergarten readiness data and are using this data to increase our impact across programs like our Engaged Neighborhoods. Since this work began, Engaged Neighborhoods across Anaheim, Garden Grove, La Habra, and Santa Ana have seen meaningful gains in kindergarten readiness and reductions in early childhood vulnerability. Families report stronger connections to resources, greater confidence in supporting their children’s learning, and an increased sense of belonging. In 2026, Engaged Neighborhoods will grow even stronger as families continue to help shape how programs and services are designed and delivered.
Community engagement remains central to our approach. Last year, we connected with families at more than 50 events across the county, sharing simple Kid Builder activities to support young children’s growth. In the coming year, we’re determined to expand this outreach further, working with partners to put Kid Builders into more hands, because we know that everyday moments matter, and every caregiver has the power to help children grow and thrive.
We will also continue to strengthen and streamline early childhood systems through collaboration. The Detect & Connect OC collaborative will be especially critical this year, bringing together health care providers, community organizations, and families so that more children receive timely screenings and get the care they need. As access and funding continue to shift, we want to ensure that no child falls through the cracks.
We also remain committed to investing in the early childhood workforce. In 2026, First 5 OC will continue supporting workforce development across child care, home visiting, and community-based services, so that these dedicated professionals can continue the vital work families rely on.
I begin this year with optimism and urgency. Children are born every day in Orange County, each with tremendous potential, and we have a responsibility to act quickly and wisely. By staying connected to families and investing strategically, we can help more children get the strong start they deserve.
Thank you for your partnership and continued support. I’m looking forward to advancing this work together.
With gratitude,
Kimberly Goll
Chief Executive Officer and President
First 5 Orange County
