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Lisa Leslie Makes First 5 California's Kit for New Parents Launch a Slam Dunk
Hoops Superstar Helps Launch Free Parenting Resource Valued at $75
| Source: First 5 California
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.