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. Effective Observations of the Preschool Child Thurs., July 26, 2012 9 a.m. - Noon Understanding the California Health Benefit Exchange Thurs., July 26, 2012 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.  Family Law for Child Care Providers Mon., July 30, 2012 6 - 7:30 p.m. Small Claims Court Basics Wed., Aug. 1, 2012 6 - 7:30 p.m. Special First 5 LA Board of Commissioners Meeting Fri., Aug. 3, 2012 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. LAUP's 2012 Dodger Day - HIT A HOMERUN FOR PRESCHOOL! Sat., Aug. 4, 2012 6:10 p.m. First 5 LA Executive Committee Meeting Mon., Aug. 9, 2012 Noon - 1:30 p.m. Bullying: Intervening and Supporting Young Children Mon., Aug. 13, 2012 9 a.m. - Noon First 5 LA Program & Planning Committee Meeting Thurs., Aug. 23, 2012 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Grant Writing 101 Fri., Aug. 24, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.	July 23, 2012 News and Announcements  First 5 LA Commissioners Approve New Funding Plan The Board of Commissioners allocated $400 million to programs to assist young children and their families in L.A. County. More » Evaluation: Family Literacy Programs A new brief explores how parents continue to support children's education after leaving family literacy programs. More » Policy Pick Farm Bill Update Children's nutrition program cut by $16.5 billion in U.S. House Committee. More » Get Out & Play Health in Mind: Improving Education Through Wellness Closing the nation's achievement gap through promoting health and wellness in school environments. More » Child Development 101 The Glass is Half Full Positive thinking is something learned in early childhood, and can be swayed by parents' optimism or pessimism. More » Other Grant Opportunities This resource is a clearinghouse of grant opportunities provided by grantmakers other than First 5 LA, and is intended to assist organizations serving young children in the Los Angeles area to diversify funding. 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