First 5 California Launches New Online Resource to Help Parents With Young Kids

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - June 22, 2009) - First 5 California announced today the launch of a new online parenting site that connects California families with young children to local resources with a simple click of a mouse. The site, first5california.com/parents, provides parents and caregivers of children up to age 5 with quick access to critical information on children's health, education, services and support.

"Our research shows there is a clear need for a trusted resource that parents can turn to for answers to many of their early child-rearing questions," said Kris Perry, executive director of First 5 California. "We developed the site to help fill this need and provide families with a free place to go for everything related to children 0 to 5."

Designed in an easy-to-navigate format, the parenting site links users to a variety of statewide children's health and education programs, as well as First 5 services available in each of California's 58 counties. Other site features include useful tips and parenting information on topics ranging from car safety seats to accessing Paid Family Leave and help quitting smoking. It also highlights First 5 California's Kit for New Parents, which new and expecting California parents can order for free by calling 1-800-KIDS-025.

"The recession is hitting families with young children particularly hard," said David Kears, vice chair of the First 5 California State Commission. "By making access to free and low-cost services available in one place, First 5 California is getting parents the help they need quickly, efficiently -- and for free!"

First 5 California is spreading the message about this new parenting site with billboard, radio and online advertisements across the state. First 5 California's Family Resource Express is also touring throughout Southern California to help raise awareness about the Web resource as well as connect families to free and low-cost services for their young children.

For more information, visit first5california.com/parents.

About First 5 California

First 5 California, also known as the California Children and Families Commission, was established after voters passed Proposition 10 in November 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes to fund education, health, child care and other programs for expectant parents and children up to age 5. For more information, please visit first5california.com/parents.