The City of Los Angeles offers a variety of tools, services, and programs to help families thrive.
Learn More About the Development of Your Baby
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), in partnership with WestEd, has launched the California Early Learning and Development website, a free, interactive resource designed to help families and caregivers navigate their child’s crucial early years (birth to 36 months). Grounded in the latest child development research, this easy-to-use site features real-life videos and practical guidance that show how infants and toddlers learn, grow, and build key skills through everyday interactions.
Whether you are looking for tips to support your baby’s growth at home or want to better understand their developmental milestones, all materials are freely accessible and available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
Explore the tools and videos today at californiaearlylearninganddevelopment.org.
Keep Your CalFresh Benefits
As part of the California Protecting Immigrant Families coalition, The Children’s Partnership, California Immigrant Policy Center, Visión y Compromiso, Asian Resources, Inc., and California Immigration Project have developed a new fact sheet on the CalFresh work requirements that started June 1, 2026.
This fact sheet helps families and individuals:
- Find out if the work requirements apply to them
- Learn how to meet the CalFresh work requirements
- See if they qualify for an exemption
The CalFresh Work Requirements fact sheet is available in 14 languages on The Children's Partnership website.
Help LAUSD Build An Early Learning System that Works for You!
LAUSD is expanding its infant and toddler programs as part of the recent Board Resolution (Res-049-25/26) to grow their Early Learning Programs.
LAUSD’s Division of Early Childhood Education wants to shape its infant and toddler programs based on feedback from parents like you. Give your input by taking the community survey and sharing it with your friends. Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the survey button below.
Build Community and Get Parenting Tips at a Parent Cafe
Libraries across LA County are hosting free Parent Cafés as an opportunity to build a community with other caregivers and gather parenting tips from Triple P Positive Parenting Program-accredited librarians.
Learn about upcoming events and register at the LA County Library Events webpage.
Early Head Start Services for Families with Children Ages 2–3
Los Angeles Education Partnership and Head Start are working together to offer center-based Early Head Start services at a new facility in Hawthorne for children ages 2-3 and their families. Services are FREE for qualifying families in Hawthorne (90250), Inglewood (90301, 90302, 90303, 90305), and South Los Angeles (90001).
Comprehensive services include educational activities, nutritional meals and snacks, social and health services, and family support, including support for families with special needs.
Enrollment requires proof of address, proof of income, proof of age, a current well-baby exam, up-to-date immunizations, and proof of medical insurance.
For more information and to enroll, call 213-622-5237 extension 223 or visit laep.org/ehs.
Use CalFresh Benefits at Farmers Markets and Get Money Back!
The California Fruit & Vegetable (CF&V) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Pilot Project allows CalFresh households with an active EBT food balance will receive a dollar-for-dollar benefit match of up to $60 per month when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at any Mother's Nutritional Center or participating farmers' markets.
There is no application. Incentive dollars are automatically added to your family’s EBT account at the time of purchase. Incentive dollars can then be used at any retailer that accepts CalFresh EBT cards.
As of July 1, 2026, the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project (CF&V) will be paused due to limited funding. During the pause, participants will no longer earn new CF&V incentive dollars when making eligible purchases; however, previously earned incentive benefits remaining on EBT cards may still be used until they expire.
To learn more and get real-time updates on the program, visit the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot Projectpage of the CDSS website.
Sports Programming for Children and Youth
The PlayLA Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports program offers low-cost, year-round quality sports programming for youth of all abilities, ages 5-17.
Explore PlayLA sports leagues, clinics, and camps on the Recreation and Parks website. You can also download the Official LA Parks app on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Earn Learn Play Youth Programs
The Earn Learn Play (ELP) website is an information hub and portal for discovering a variety of youth programs and activities offered by the City of Los Angeles, including employment, arts and crafts, sports, and other recreational programs. Many programs are free. Within the programs included in ELP, there are specific links to external websites of other City Departments and their partners to learn more and apply, where applicable.
Visit the Earn Learn Play website to explore available programming and find frequently asked questions.
Get Free Parenting Tips and Coaching
In partnership with First 5 California, Cell-Ed has launched the FREE Stronger Starts Program for parents and caregivers. The program offers coaching, mentoring, and short lessons and tips that encourage positive parenting skills. No smartphone or internet is required for access.
Stronger Starts is available to Spanish and English speakers, as well as English Language Learners. Topics include parenting tools, strengthening bonds with your child, keeping calm in challenging situations, and building a strong community.
To learn more and join the program, visit First 5 California.
Free Dual Language Learner Support Resources
First 5 LA and Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA) have launched “Two Languages, Twice The Opportunities,” a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of multilingualism for children.
Helping your little one learn their home language supports greater cultural awareness, fosters more meaningful connections with friends and family, and helps them enter kindergarten ready to succeed. Being multilingual can lead to improved academic and social-emotional abilities, more career opportunities, and better financial outcomes for your child.
Find family resources, including an informational brochure, on the QSLA website.
Join the Early Edge Parent Advisory Group
Early Edge CA is seeking new members for its Parent Advisory Group, where English- and Spanish-speaking parents throughout California share their perspectives on local and state family policies. Participants will receive a $50 gift card each time they take part in the 90-minute virtual/in-person meetings.
Consider joining the Parent Advisory Group if you are:
- A California-based parent of a child or children ages birth to 5
- A parent of young children ages birth to 5 who is also a college or university student
To submit your interest, complete this form, and a staff member will contact you. For more information, view the Parent Advisory Group flyer or email info@earlyedgecalifornia.org.
Free Virtual Behavioral Health Services
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has launched the Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platform. This groundbreaking new program provides free, safe, and confidential mental health support for young people and families across the state through free web- and app-based services. Brightlife Kids is for parents or caregivers of children aged 0-12, and Soluna is for teens and young adults aged 13-25.
Services are cost-free and do not require insurance or referrals. To learn more and download the mobile apps, visit CalHOPE.org.