Upcoming Opportunities!
Explore some of the opportunities available in your community for you and your family.
Early Head Start Services for Families with Children Ages 2–3
Los Angeles Education Partnership and Head Start are working together to offer center-based Early Head Start services at a new facility in Hawthorne for children ages 2-3 and their families. Services are FREE for qualifying families in Hawthorne (90250), Inglewood (90301, 90302, 90303, 90305), and South Los Angeles (90001).
Comprehensive services include educational activities, nutritional meals and snacks, social and health services, and family support, including support for families with special needs.
Enrollment requires proof of address, proof of income, proof of age, a current well-baby exam, up-to date immunizations, and proof of medical
insurance.
Enroll here! For more information call 213-622-5237 EXT. 223 or visit laep.org/ehs.
Free Meals and Snacks for Children Ages 0-18
The LA County Department of Parks and Recreation and LA County Library, are offering free nutritious meals and snacks to children ages 0-18 at 70+ participating parks and libraries throughout Los Angeles County. Enrollment is not required.
Who Can Participate: Children ages 0 – 18
Cost: Free
When: Monday - Friday from 2:30pm - 3:30pm through May 22, 2026
Meal Type: Nutritious lunches and snacks with fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and string cheese.
Meal Service: First come, first served. Dine-in only, served in
designated areas at participating locations.
Visit the program website for more information, menus, and to find a participating location near you. You can also download the CA Meals for Kids Mobile app to find participating program sites.
Use your CalFresh Benefits at Farmers Markets and Get Money Back!
The California Fruit & Vegetable (CF&V) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Pilot Project has returned! CalFresh households with an active EBT food balance will receive a dollar-for-dollar benefit match of up to $60 per month when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at any Mother's Nutritional Center or participating farmers' markets.
There is no application. Incentive dollars will be automatically added to your family’s EBT account at the time of purchase. Incentive dollars can then be used at any retailer that accepts CalFresh EBT cards.
To learn more and find participating locations, visit the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot Project page of the CDSS website.
Explore Sports Programming for Children and Youth
The LA City Department of Recreation and Parks’s PlayLA Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports program offers low cost sports programming for children and youth of all abilities. Explore PlayLA sports leagues, clinics, and camps for individuals ages 3-17 on the Recreation and Parks website, or go to https://www.laparks.org/ and download the LA Parks app.
Find Kids Programs In Your Area
Brought to you by the Youth Development Department, Earn Learn Play is an interactive website where users can search for activities, services, and opportunities available in the City of Los Angeles for youths, including children ages 0-5. To use the website, type in a location on the map or use the menus to filter by fields like age and cost. Many programs are free.
Visit the Earn Learn Play website to explore available programming and find frequently asked questions here.
Get Free Parenting Tips Sent to Your Phone with Stronger Starts
In partnership with First 5 California, Cell-Ed has launched a learning tool offering free parenting courses, micro-lessons, and coaching for parents and caregivers. No smartphone or internet is required for access.
Stronger Starts is available for Spanish and English speakers and English Language Learners. Topics include parenting tools, strengthening bonds with your child, keeping calm in challenging situations, and building a strong community.
To learn more and join the program, visit First 5 California or follow these instructions (also right).
Support Your Dual Language Learner through Free QSLA Resources
First 5 LA and Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA) have launched “Two Languages, Twice The Opportunities,” a campaign to increase awareness about the importance of multilingualism in children.
Helping your little one learn their home language supports greater awareness of their culture, creates more meaningful connections with friends and family, and helps them enter kindergarten ready to succeed. Being multilingual can lead to improved academic and social emotional abilities, more career opportunities, and better financial outcomes in your child’s life.
Find family resources, including an informational brochure, for your dual language learner on the QSLA website. Language-specific resources and supports are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Armenian, Khmer, and Korean.
Raise Your Voice with the Early Edge Parent Advisory Group
Early Edge CA is looking for new members for its Parent Advisory Group, where English- and Spanish-speaking parents throughout California provide their perspectives on local and state policies that affect California families. Participants will receive a $50 gift card each time they take part in the 90-minute virtual/in-person meetings.
Consider joining the Parent Advisory Group if you are:
- A California-based parent of a child or children ages birth to 5
- A Los Angeles-based parent of an infant and/or toddler
- A parent of a young child ages birth to 5 who is also a community college or university student
To submit your interest, complete this form and a staff member will contact you. For more information, see the flyer or email info@earlyedgecalifornia.org.
Get Free Virtual Behavioral Health Services Today!
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has launched the Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platform, which offers free web- and app-based behavioral health services, including care navigation, moderated peer communities, and crisis and safety resources. The platform has two web- and app-based applications: Brightlife Kids, for parents or caregivers of children ages 0-12, and Soluna, for teens and young adults ages 13-25.
Brightlife Kids offers behavioral health coaching for parents, caregivers, and kids. Learn how to build non-verbal communication skills, navigate milestones, teach toddlers how to share, manage separation anxiety, and more.
Services are cost-free and do not require insurance or referrals. To learn more and download the app, visit CalHOPE.
