A Message From Executive Director Jackie Thu-Huong Wong
First 5 California is proud to announce that planning for the 2026 Summit is officially underway!
I'm excited to invite our partners, colleagues, and champions for children and families to join us August 31 - September 2, 2026, in Anaheim, for First 5 California's biennial Summit-an opportunity to come together around bold ideas and tangible solutions for California's youngest children.
Taking place during a transformative year, with significant changes ahead at both the state and federal levels, the Summit will convene an energized and influential audience at a moment of real possibility. We anticipate nearly 1,000 attendees, including statewide leaders, policymakers, advocates, practitioners, and funders, coming together to align around common priorities and generate positive momentum for California families in 2027 and beyond.
This year's theme, Their Futures First, reflects a core belief that guides our work at First 5 California: affordability and equity must be central to giving every child a strong start. The Summit will serve as a forum for learning, collaboration, and inspiration across four focus areas:
- - Ending childhood trauma through prevention and trauma-informed care
- - Achieving universal child care to support families, workforce stability, and economic security
- - Protecting immigrant families and ensuring access to essential resources
- - Navigating emerging technology to promote health development and digital equity
I sincerely hope you'll join us for this important convening and take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with peers from government, nonprofit, philanthropic, and private-sector organizations who share a commitment to improving the lives of California's children and families.
- - Register for the 2026 First 5 California Summit: [https://First5CA.events.whova.com/registration]
- - Stay up to date on the Summit by visiting the event website: [https://whova.com/web/D5AbkclHNv1Fu8aXQfusX83IUGhSRis5fuk3NWuuk40%3D/]
We believe California's future starts with its children - and we can't wait to come together in Anaheim to put Their Futures First. We look forward to seeing you at the Summit in late summer 2026!