First5LA.org To submit comments, or to suggest items for this newsletter or First5LA.org, contact Denise Nix, writer/editor, at DNix@First5LA.org or 213-482-7831. Calendar Click events below to view full listings. Cultural Challenges, Creative Solutions Wed., Jan. 11, 2012 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. First 5 LA Commission Meeting Thurs., Jan. 12, 2012 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. How Does It Feel? A First Hand Experience of a Sensory Proecessing Disorder Thurs., Jan. 19, 2012 8:30 a.m. - Noon or 1 - 4:30 p.m. Equity and the ACA: Establishing the California Health Benefit Exchange - Webinar Wed., Jan. 25, 2012 10 - 11:30 a.m. Advocating for Children with Developmental Concerns Thurs., Jan. 26, 2012 9 a.m. - Noon Working Together to Ensure Healthy Development for all Children: The New Prevention Services/Early Start in Los Angeles County Fri., Jan. 27, 2012 8:30 - 11 a.m. Strategies for Managing Challenging Behaviors in Young Children Fri., Jan. 27, 2012 8:30 - Noon or 1 - 4:30 p.m. Creating an Inclusive Program for Young Children Thurs., Feb. 9, 2012 9 a.m. - Noon   	Jan. 9, 2012 Budget Brief Governor's Budget Plan Drops Early, Proposes Deep Cuts To Kids' Programs Child care and transitional kindergarten would receive massive cuts under Gov. Jerry Brown's budget proposal. More » Policy Pick California Nabs Race To The Top Early Learning Challenge Grant Federal funds will be used to improve licensed child care programs, school districts and child care partners in the state. More » News and Announcements  A Holiday Reading for Public Housing Families Los Angeles public housing officials and First 5 LA brought the holidays and books to inner-city housing project.    More » Melissa Franklin Brings Faith-Based Foundation To First 5 LA'S Best Start Program Melissa Franklin joined First 5 LA's Best Start program in 2010 with an impressive portfolio of corporate, philanthropic and church marketing and operations experience. More » Child Development 101 A Good Cry How a baby cries can determine language development, researchers say. More » First 5 LA News and Congrats Our monthly roundup of brief news items includes a national grant for a Family Literacy program and a free diaper program that wins Social Innovation Fast Pitch. More » Links  1. Funding opportunities at First 5 LA 2. Learn more about place-based effort Best Start 3. Visit our parent website Ready. Set. Grow! 4. Employment opportunities 5. Tell us what you think - take a survey