District and Families & Schools present early-stage ‘learning begins at birth’ plan to reach families from birth

A cross-sector team presented an early-stage vision for helping families connect with LAUSD supports from the moment of a child’s birth.

Asus Hernandez of Families and Schools (a partner organization) told the committee the plan grew from a year-long collaboration, including funding and convenings supported by First 5 LA. The initiative aims to build trust, provide culturally responsive tools, strengthen transitions into preschool and TK, and embed family engagement as a districtwide strategy.

"What would it look like for families to experience a coordinated network of support from birth through school entry?" Hernandez asked, framing the proposal as a systems coordination effort rather than a single new program.

Renee Amosita and Mary Melvin described proposed elements: surveying families with a short questionnaire to learn needs, piloting centrally located “baby & me” learning hubs (name subject to change), aligning hybrid home-visiting programs and community partnerships, creating transition articulation tools for elementary principals, and working toward sustainable funding. The team said they will pilot one hub by the middle of the next school year after connecting local resources.

Board members and committee participants suggested improvements to the survey design and distribution: use ZIP code rather than region for location questions so non-LAUSD families can respond accurately; include questions about dual-language program interest; consider trusted local messengers (health clinics, hospitals, community-based organizations) to distribute materials and QR-linked surveys; and test parent testimonials and short videos to make daily schedules and expectations tangible for families.

Amosita said the division is creating QR-coded materials and working with medical partners (Kaiser and AltaMed were cited) to distribute information to patients and staff. Members also asked the team to prioritize culturally and linguistically responsive outreach and to factor equity—targeting high-need communities—into hub siting decisions.

The committee did not vote; members asked staff to refine the survey, plan focus groups, and return with a more detailed implementation timeline.