Frequently Asked Questions

A: Welcome, Baby! is a universal home visitation program designed to link families to resources and provide education so that families are prepared for their newborn and will help their child reach his or her developmental milestones. Before universal expansion to all expectant families in LA County, LA Best Babies Network will coordinate and implement a Welcome, Baby! pilot program.

A: The purpose of Best Start LA is to optimize the social, emotional, cognitive, language, physical and motor development of LA County's youngest children within the context of the multiple environments that affect their development:

• Pregnancy
• Nurturing Relationships
• Family
• Early Child Care and Education
• Early Intervention
• Neighborhoods and Communities

Best Start LA will have a focused impact at both the community and county level. The initial investment will support five Best Start LA demonstration communities and countywide capacity building strategies for the prenatal through three-year-old population and their families. Best Start LA is a long-term vision for the Commission. Learn more: http://www.first5la.org/programs/best-start-la

A: The staff of LA Best Babies Network serves as a strategic partner of First 5 LA. Network staff will coordinate and oversee the implementation of the pilot. The pilot will be designed to test outreach and education models. Once the models have been tested, First 5 LA expects to expand the family engagement strategy throughout LA County so that every newborn and their family will benefit.

A: Organizations may have the opportunity to inform the development of the Family Engagement Strategy by participating in focus groups for providers and health systems and new parents. If your organization is interested in participating in a focus group, please contact Josefina Jiménez-Pinzón at JJimenez-Pinzon@LABestBabies.org or 213-250-7273, ext. 131.