Early Childhood Education

Midwife training options dwindle even as California searches for answers to maternity crisis

Advocates say a dearth of education programs will make it harder to get midwives into the workforce at a time they’re critically needed.

A woman with dark skin tone wears a blazer decorated with flowers. She holds a small model skull in one hand and a model pelvis in another. A woman with light skin wearing a green sweater is gently taking the skull from her.

Transitional kindergarten: What can a parent expect when it comes to schools helping their non-potty-trained kid?

As California expands transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds, children are starting public school at a younger age. But districts have varying policies on how to help kids who are not yet potty-trained.

A white wall with tacked on pieces of paper with child paintings of faces. Below there's a counter with a glass tank and a hamster inside.

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital to close maternity ward, latest in a string of shutterings

At least four maternity wards shut down last year alone, including Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood.

A maternity suite with a hospital bed and a baby warming bed.

Business owners, employees divided over how much of a struggle child care is, report finds

First 5 California surveyed more than 1,000 parents and business owners about childcare affordability.

Why many public employees aren’t eligible for paid family leave

A bill to give California teachers up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy leave failed to pass the state legislature this week.

How you can advocate for better laws to help your children

It’s a hard world out there to raise kids. Trying to get the care and support you need can feel complicated or just plain unfair. Here’s what you can do as a parent to make things better.

A brightly colored illustration of a woman on a soapbox talking into a bullhorn as people gather around her.

California is increasing paid family leave benefits starting in January. Here's what to know

Currently, workers get way less of their income when they take time off to care for a baby or a sick family member.

After an alarming spike in 2021, maternal mortality numbers the next year went back down, according to a report released Thursday. CDC Director Mandy Cohen says the rates are still too high.

What is child neglect? LA County is training educators to see beyond poverty

A law that went into effect last year is meant to bring clarity to what many say has been too broad of a definition.

A child with brown hair in a braid looks out a rainy window.

California added a new grade for 4-year-olds. Are parents enrolling their kids?

The overall number of 4-year-olds in transitional kindergarten has increased. But as the program is being phased in, the percentage of eligible children enrolling has dropped.

The hands of three children are seen connecting large puzzle pieces atop a light wood tabletop.

Where are the kids? Preschools in LA County struggle with enrollment post-pandemic

Private centers and state-funded preschools in L.A. County have reported nearly 28,000 empty slots.

A young boy with a mask on plays with colorful blocks.

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