Lisa Leslie Makes First 5 California's Kit for New Parents Launch a Slam Dunk

SACRAMENTO, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 5, 2007 -- First 5 California has teamed up with WNBA superstar Lisa Leslie to launch the updated Kit for New Parents, a free comprehensive parenting resource that includes everything, from practical advice on prenatal care, to information on a child's first years. With a retail value of about $75, the Kit for New Parents is free to all new and expecting parents in California.

Leslie, the Los Angeles Sparks' Most Valuable Player, is expecting her first child in July. Today, the three-time Olympic gold medalist joined First 5 California Executive Director Kris Perry in handing out Kits to families at The Grove's Kid's Club in Los Angeles to help raise awareness about this invaluable parenting resource.

"It is so incredible having a baby, but I wish they were born with their own instruction manual," Leslie said. "The next best thing is First 5 California's Kit for New Parents, which has everything a new parent could want to feel prepared."

Parents can refer to the Kit for information on nutrition, safety, quality child care, health, discipline and early learning. It provides practical information in an easy-to-use manner and can help build parents' confidence as they undertake their new role. First 5 California has partnered with First 5 County Commissions, hospitals, clinics, county agencies, home visitation programs and parenting education classes to distribute the Kit to new parents across the state. Parents and caregivers can also receive a free Kit by calling (800) KIDS-025.

"We hope that new parents across the state will embrace this free resource and use it to help them make the transition to parenthood," said Perry of First 5 California.

Newly redesigned, the Kit has updated content, which includes technological upgrades, user-friendly improvements, the latest early childhood development information, and a fresh look.

The new Kit includes an educational DVD with parenting advice from prominent child development experts and celebrities, such as talk show host Cristina Saralegui, Rob Reiner, Phylicia Rashad, Gloria Estefan, Andy Garcia and Jamie Lee Curtis.

The Kit also contains the easy-to-read books "Advice for New Parents," and "What To Do When Your Child Gets Sick," as well as "Puppy and Friends," an interactive book for parents and children to enjoy together. Other resources include brochures on topics ranging from oral health to obesity prevention, a poison control magnet, information on Paid Family Leave, and more. For more information on the Kit, visit www.ccfc.ca.gov/kit.

Spanish and Asian language versions of the updated Kit will be released later this year.

First 5 California launched its groundbreaking parent education campaign in 2001 to provide important information on a child's health and development to parents and caregivers. Nearly 2.5 million Kits for New Parents have been distributed at no cost to parents and caregivers throughout California since the program's inception.

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, childcare and other programs for expectant parents and children up to age 5. For more information please visit www.ccfc.ca.gov.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Malina Brown (310) 552-4150