Earlier this month, we gathered to honor the extraordinary legacy of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. Nearly three decades ago, the Reiners spearheaded Proposition 10, creating First 5 California and forever changing how our state invests in its youngest kids. It was just one chapter in a lifetime of impact. Friends and family joined us to share heartfelt reflections on their lives, their leadership, and the legacy they leave behind — including Michele's sister, Martine Singer, President and CEO of Children's Institute, whose beautiful and brave words moved the room, and actor Cary Elwes, a close friend and collaborator of Rob's, who shared his own touching tribute. Marc Summers hosted the celebration with warmth throughout the evening, and renowned artist David Garibaldi brought the room to its feet with a live painting of his "Their Futures First" themed art piece. During the celebration, First 5 California presented the Reiner Legacy Award to Governor Gavin Newsom, honoring his continued commitment to California's children and families. We also recognized Assemblymember Mia Bonta and California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson with the Champions for Children Award, celebrating their leadership in supporting young children and families across our state. Thank you to everyone who came together to celebrate their legacy, the people working every day to carry it forward, putting California's children and families first.

On day 3 of the 2026 First 5 California Summit, we had the privilege of closing out an incredibly successful gathering of early childhood educators, leaders, advocates, and caretakers. We wrapped up our Summit experience feeling inspired and connected. Once again, we thank the hundreds of people who attended for making this occasion possible. We look forward to taking the next steps towards tangible change in California for children and families.

Day 2 of the 2026 First 5 California Summit was overwhelmingly successful, with many important conversations over the course of the day, including panel discussions featuring high-impact early childhood leaders. From conversations about achieving universal childcare to how we can navigate HR1 in a way that is helpful to California families, we ensured our attendees learned about the most pressing issues families face today. Day 2 also included the Reiner Legacy Celebration. We thank everyone who came to honor the lasting impact left behind by Rob and Michele Singer Reiner – including their friends who were able to join us.

We thank you for an unforgettable kick-off to the 2026 First 5 California Summit: “Their Futures First!” This high-impact day was filled to the brim with important learning and long lasting connections being made. The first day of the Summit was an opportunity to hear from important figures, such as California’s First Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, and renowned early childhood researcher and pediatrician, Dr. Dana Suskind. Attendees also had the chance to join in on fireside chats with candidates from some of California’s most important elections, including Lieutenant Governor Candidate, Fiona Ma, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidate, Richard Barrera. We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of attendees, speakers, exhibitors, presenters, and staff members who made this day possible. The key to creating an equitable, affordable California for children and families is collective actions and organized efforts towards tangible change. “Their Futures First” was another step towards achieving our goal of giving every child the resources necessary to have the strongest start possible.

The 2026 First 5 California Summit, “Their Futures First,” is made stronger by the organizations that share our commitment to California’s young children and families. We’re grateful to our Champion and Partner Sponsors for investing in this year’s Summit and helping bring together leaders from across the state to connect, exchange ideas, and inspire action toward a brighter future for every child. Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this experience possible. Be part of the conversation in Anaheim. Register today: first5ca.events.whova.com/re…

Today we're holding a little extra gratitude for Dolly Parton, a woman who believed every child deserves a book of their own. Through her Imagination Library, Dolly put hundreds of millions of books into the hands of young children, regardless of their family's income, and helped make early literacy a cause the whole world could rally around. Her generosity reached so much further, too, into health, education, disaster relief, dignity for people from every walk of life. Her belief in what children can become when given the chance to learn and dream will keep inspiring this work for a long time. Thank you, Dolly. We'll always love you. 🩷 Read our full statement here: ccfc.ca.gov/pdf/about/news_e…

First 5 California thanks Rescue | The Behavior Change Agency for its generous support of the 2026 Summit, Their Futures First. With 25 years focused exclusively on health behavior change, Rescue Agency helps government agencies, nonprofits, and foundations drive real action on the health issues that matter most. Their work makes healthy behaviors easier and more appealing for the families and communities they serve. Join us in Anaheim for California's premier early childhood summit. Register today: first5ca.events.whova.com/re…

First 5 California thanks the Heising-Simons Foundation for their generous support of the 2026 Summit, “Their Futures First.” Their contribution has made this important gathering of early childhood leaders possible. Through their support, the Heising-Simons Foundation joins First 5 California in advancing a shared vision: a stronger California for children and families, driven by collective action and meaningful, measurable change. Join us in Anaheim at the Summit by registering now: first5ca.events.whova.com/re…

Jamie Lee Curtis, Billy Crystal, and Cary Elwes knew Rob and Michele Reiner as a force for good. From passing the proposition that launched First 5 California to supporting marriage equality, the Reiners have forever changed California. Join us to celebrate their life and legacy at the First 5 CA Summit and Reiner Legacy Celebration in Anaheim, CA on Sept 1 ccfc.ca.gov/summit

Change begins the moment we come together. Kick off your 2026 First 5 California Summit experience the right way by joining us at our Welcome Reception on August 30th at 6pm in Anaheim. All registered attendees of the Summit are invited to attend at no extra charge. Don’t miss this opportunity to check-in early, and connect with fellow early childhood leaders. Register for the premier early childhood summit now: first5ca.events.whova.com/re…

Building a future where every family has access to affordable, high-quality childcare will require bold leadership and meaningful collaboration. Join Katie Albright, Lupita Alcalá, Kim Johnson, and Kristin Spanos at the 2026 First 5 California Summit: Their Futures First for an engaging discussion on the policies, partnerships, and innovative strategies driving progress toward a more equitable early childhood system. Connect with policymakers, educators, advocates, providers, and early childhood leaders from across California as they explore solutions that strengthen families and expand access to the care and support every child deserves. Register today to secure your spot: first5ca.events.whova.com/re…

California's next Superintendent of Public Instruction will help shape the future of education for millions of students—including our youngest learners. Join Superintendent of Public Instruction candidates Sonja Shaw and Richard Barrera for candid conversations at the 2026 First 5 California Summit: Their Futures First, moderated by Marshall Tuck, MBA. Hear how each candidate envisions strengthening California's education system, supporting early learning, and creating better outcomes for children and families. Alongside policymakers, educators, advocates, providers, and early childhood leaders from across the state, you'll be part of the conversations shaping California's future. Register today to secure your spot: first5ca.events.whova.com/re…

We're excited to hear from California Lieutenant Governor candidates Fiona Ma and Gloria Romero at the 2026 First 5 California Summit: Their Futures First. As California prepares to elect its next Lieutenant Governor, take advantage of a unique opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their vision for advancing policies that support children, families, and communities across the state. Join policymakers, educators, advocates, providers, and early childhood leaders from across California for this important conversation and many more that will help shape the future of early childhood. Register today to secure your spot: first5ca.events.whova.com/re…

We're excited to welcome Elizabeth Groginsky as a featured speaker at the 2026 First 5 California Summit: Their Futures First. A renowned leader in early childhood policy, Groginsky serves as Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, where she has led groundbreaking efforts to expand access to affordable, high-quality child care and strengthen early learning systems for children and families. Join policymakers, educators, advocates, providers, and early childhood leaders from across California to hear Elizabeth Groginsky and other inspiring speakers share insights, strategies, and solutions that put children and families first. Register today to secure your spot: first5ca.events.whova.com/re…

In 1998, Californians passed Prop 10, creating First 5 California through an effort championed by Rob Reiner. Join us at our 2026 Summit as we celebrate Rob and Michelle Reiner's impact at the Reiner Legacy Celebration on Sept. 1. Register: first5ca.events.whova.com/re…

California builds infrastructure for the long term. Roads. Ports. Power grids. How about the early childhood systems that shape every child's brain before age 5? First 5 California's new Politico feature makes the case on why Childcare IS infrastructure. Read the full feature and Executive Q & A with Deputy Director of External and Governmental Affairs Jorge de la Cruz ➡️ politi.co/4aZ8VvS

This year's Summit will center four urgent focus areas shaping California's future: ‣Ending Childhood Trauma ‣Achieving Universal Childcare ‣Protecting Immigrant Families ‣Navigating Emerging Technology Join leaders and change makers as we explore solutions that help children and families thrive. Register Now. bit.ly/44D1NBI

We've been traveling across California bringing families together through community events filled with sensory play, hands-on activities, local resources, and meaningful opportunities to connect. The Stronger Starts Roadshow has been making its way to cultural festivals, community celebrations and family-friendly events, offering something fun for children and valuable for parents and caregivers. 👉 Missed us at a previous stop? No worries! Check out the full Roadshow schedule and find a stop near you (new dates added regularly): tinyurl.com/h7fpat35

First 5 California has named Chief Counsel Anthony Pane as Acting Executive Director. Mr. Pane has been leading day-to-day operations since April and brings steady, mission-driven leadership to the role. We're proud to support the work ahead on behalf of California's youngest children and families. Read the full press release here: bit.ly/4eKMfAL

First 5 California is honored to have Dr. Nadine Burke Harris join us as a Keynote Speaker at the 2026 First 5 California Summit! Don’t miss this opportunity to see the former California Surgeon General and leader in research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and childhood toxic stress deliver an inspiring keynote presentation. Be part of the conversations shaping the future of early childhood and join us in putting Their Futures First in Anaheim, California from August 31st to September 2nd. Register today to secure your spot: bit.ly/4ayBGQd