Monday Morning Report | First 5 LA - Champions for Our Children
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Calendar

Click events below to view full listings.

Best Start Regional Information Meeting - Pacoima and Panorama City
Oct. 5, 2010
6:30 - 8 p.m.

When the Pantry is Bare: Emergency Food Assistance and Hispanic Children
Oct. 5, 2010
9 a.m. - Noon

Women and Health Care Reform: Recognizing, Prioritizing, and Protecting Women's Health
Oct. 5, 2010
1:45 - 5 p.m.

Best Start Regional Information Meeting - East and Southeast L.A.
Oct. 7, 2010
9 - 10:30 a.m.

Learn About Ages and Stages Developmental Screening
Oct. 14, 2010
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Best Start Regional Information Meeting - East and Southeast L.A.
Oct. 16, 2010
10 - 11:30 a.m.

2010 Lewis B. Smedes Conference on Foster Care & Adoption
Oct. 15, 2010
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Collective Wisdom: Community Strength
Oct. 16, 2010
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Oct. 4, 2010
News and Announcements 
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Two L.A. Nonprofits Receive Promise Neighborhoods Planning Grants
Working together with partners and the community proved successful for the Youth Policy Institute and Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission. More »
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"Waiting for 'Superman'"
Controversial documentary examines failure of public schools and successes of charter schools. More »
Policy Update
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Policy Update: Health Insurers Scrap Child-Only Coverage
In response to the Health Care Reform law, some health insurance providers say they will stop issuing new individual policies to children. More »

Staff Profile 
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Staff Profile: Senior Program Officer Jennifer Chheang
First 5 LA staffer doesn't need to go far to find inspiration. More »

Nonprofit Alert
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IRS Deadline Approaching for Nonprofits
The Oct. 15 deadline is approaching for nonprofit organizations to file Form 990-N or Form 990-EZ. After that, nonprofits that are required to file a 990 and whose filings are at least three years in arrears will automatically lose their exemptions. To regain tax-exempt status, they will have to apply to the IRS all over again, a process that can take several months and requires payment of fees. GuideStar is offering assistance. More »

Evie's Desk 
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Evie's Desk: Working Moms
No matter how successful you are inside and outside the home, most mothers would probably admit they feel guilty for pursuing careers that take them away from their families - especially when young children are involved. I know it wasn't easy to be away from my two daughters when they were young. Hopefully, some of our "mommy guilt" can be assuaged with the recent finding that babies of working mothers don't necessarily suffer any cognitive setbacks.

The Washington Post reported in July that researchers at Columbia University measured the effects of maternal employment on child development - and found the overall affect to be "neutral." While infants with mothers who had full-time jobs scored a little lower on cognitive tests than infants whose mothers did not, the study found that any negative effect was offset by some positive findings. For instance, working mothers had higher incomes, were more likely to seek better quality child care and were more responsive to their children when they were together, compared to their stay-at-home counterparts.

This new research counters an earlier report that showed mothers of infants who left the home for work impacted child development. It also brought to mind a study I read years ago that said parents who work outside the home actually spend more quality time with their children than parents who don't, since they try to make the best of their time together.

We can only do the best we can for our children and families. With the proper communication, education and outreach, every parent and caregiver can create a happy, healthy and safe upbringing for our children - no mater who watches over them during the day. For ideas on fun, healthy and safe activities to do with your children, as well as other tips, stop by the Ready. Set. Grow! website.

Evelyn V. Martinez

Chief Executive Officer
First 5 LA

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"Evie's Desk" is a regular feature of our weekly newsletter, "Monday Morning Report". Subscribe now or view past issues.


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