Upcoming Events for the Week of April 22nd

April 22, 2024 LA Best Babies Network Los Angeles County, Upcoming Events

Here is a roundup of this week’s conferences, webinars, and trainings for home visitors and others who work with pregnant people and families with little ones. Also included: events around L.A. County that you can share with the families you serve. Want to look further into the future? See the comprehensive lists we update weekly for:

Do you have something for us to include? Email snish@labestbabies.org. And stay in touch with us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

April is:

Ongoing Opportunities

The L.A. County Arts Internship Program is back!
This year’s program will provide over 200 paid internships for college students at more than 160 arts organizations across L.A. County. Positions are a mix of full-time and part-time opportunities. Go to: lacountyarts.org/internships to apply.

Kollab Youth Spring Session
Application deadline: April 29
Youth ages 14 -19 are invited to apply for this free online workforce development program. It supports participants in career exploration, financial literacy, and more. Participants will receive mentorship from industry experts and earn resume-worthy work experience through paid apprenticeships and internships.
Presented by Kollab Youth

Request FREE COVID-19 Home Antigen Tests to Distribute in Your Community
The L.A. County Department of Public Health is providing home antigen COVID-19 test kits to agencies in high-need communities. If your agency is interested in distributing these in the community, submit a request here.

California Launches Free Digital Behavioral Health Platforms for Children and Families
The Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platform consists of two independent programs that work with two different populations: BrightLife Kids, created by Brightline, is intended for children aged 0 to 12 and their parents or caregivers. Kooth created Soluna, an app for teenagers and young adults aged 13–25 years old. Each app offers free coaching, educational content, assessment/tools, and care navigation services

Recruiting Participants to be Interviewed for a Dissertation Study
A UCLA doctorate student is looking to interview black parents/guardians of children 0-5 with a developmental delay, to participate in a dissertation study. The purpose is to get an understanding about the decision-making process of seeking formal developmental screenings and early intervention services for their child. Participants will receive $100 in compensation.

Tiny Nests; Research Participant Opportunity for Expecting Parents
A USC grad student is seeking participants to engage in a study and share their voice. Her study is looking at how expecting parents engage in nesting and place-making behaviors during pregnancy. Participants can receive up to $125 in compensation.

Housing and Utility Assistance for Ukrainians
Open Until September 30, 2024
Are you a newcomer in Los Angeles County from Ukraine under the Uniting for Ukraine Program, a Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee, or Non-Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee? Housing and Utility Assistance may be available for you. Ukrainian refugees may apply for the Refugee Employment Program (REP) by phone at (818) 956-0500 ext. 100 or (213) 318-5716.

Virtual Focus Group Opportunities (Spanish)
EurekaFacts is seeking Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latina women, preferably of Mexican or Central American heritage, who are 18 or older to join a voluntary 90-minute focus group. The groups will be discussing women’s health experiences related to health and culture. A $75 incentive will be offered to each participant in exchange for their time and work.

Parent Ambassador Leaders (PALS) Department of Public Health – School COVID-19 Prevention Program (Spanish)
Parents and Guardians of students at TK – 12 Los Angeles County Schools can apply to join the Parent Ambassador Leaders Program to learn about student health and school success.
Presented by the L.A. County Department of Public Health

Free Vaccine Clinics at Your Local Library
Stay healthy – get a flu vaccination and the updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine. Health insurance is not required but will be requested from those who are insured. See when this is offered at your local library branch.
Presented by LA County Department of Public Health and LA County Library

Help Me Grow LA Call Center Is Open: 833-903-3972
Family Partners are taking calls to assist families in L.A. County who have children with special needs or developmental concerns. Learn more about Help Me Grow LA at HelpMeGrowLA.org.

Emergency Rent Assistance Available for CalWORKs Families
CalWORKs customers, who are behind on rent, may visit their local DPSS office to request Emergency Assistance to Prevent Eviction (EAPE). Download the EAPE fact sheet to learn more. Submit an application to your CalWORKs Eligibility Worker.

Inglewood Oil Field Communities Health Impact Survey
If you live 1.5 miles of the Inglewood Oil Field, participate in a survey to understand the health impacts on residents that live near it. The survey is confidential and voluntary. For more information contact Ms. Ha Luong at (310) 957-9209 or email haluong97@g.ucla.edu
Presented by LA Public Health and UCLA

LAUSD is Offering Devices for Virtual Tutoring Services
LAUSD students receiving tutoring services through LAUSD may access learning devices, like laptops, to virtually connect with their tutor and/or complete assignments online. Request a device at LAUSD Device and Connectivity.
Presented by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

L.A. County Mortgage Relief Program for Landlords in High-Need Areas
Qualified applicants can receive up to $30,000 to eliminate outstanding mortgage or utility debt that was caused from the pandemic.

Let the City of L.A. Know About Your Child Care Needs
Take this quick survey to help the City of L.A. learn about your family’s needs and how they can better support you.
Presented by Child Care Policy Unit – Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department

Parents and Families of Children Ages 0-8 living in LA County, Make Your Voice Count! (Spanish)
Register to join Families Together for Kids in LA County to share your experiences and opinions through online surveys that can improve the future for all children in LA County. Each survey will give you the opportunity to receive a $5 gift card for your participation.
Presented by First 5 LA

Apply to Be a Bus Driver with LA Unified School District (LAUSD)
LAUSD is hiring light bus drivers. Qualified applicants must have a HS diploma / GED, 6+ months of paid experience in driving a bus/truck or completed an LAUSD bus driver course, a valid CA Driver’s license Class A or B with passenger and air brake endorsement, and a valid CA school bus driver certificate. Visit the LAUSD jobs website here for additional information.

CalFresh Benefits Market Match
Use the CalFresh Market Match program at your neighborhood farmers’ market to maximize your CalFresh rewards. When you use your EBT card at a farmers’ market to receive CalFresh benefits worth $15, you will also receive $15.

Get Help with Southern California Edison – Energy Saving Assistance Program
Southern California Edison’s Energy Savings Assistance program helps cover the cost of new energy-efficient appliances. The program is available to homeowners and renters if income qualifications are met.
Presented by Southern California Edison

Get Child Care Financial Assistance
The Child Care Resource Center helps families find and apply for child care assistance. Apply here (or here in Spanish). Learn more at CCRCCA.org or call 1-866-67-4KIDS. See CCRC’s flyer for parents in English and Spanish.

Consumer Relief for Natural Gas Bills
Various resources are available to assist income-qualified customers with high gas bills. Learn more here.
Presented by SoCalGas

CSU Dominguez Hills Study: Seeking Participants Who are Expecting Their First Child
Are you currently pregnant for the first time? You are invited to participate in a new research study at CSU Dominguez Hills focused on daily emotions and experience during pregnancy. You can earn up to $150 for participation in this study. For more information, contact perch@csudh.edu or call (323) 379-9118.
Study conducted by the CSU Dominguez Hills Department of Psychology

UCLA Breastfeeding Study: Seeking Interview Participants
Get a $75 gift card for doing a 45- to 60-minute phone/zoom interview about breastfeeding. Must be pregnant or have recently given birth and identify as Asian American, Black or African American, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Select a time to do the interview here. Contact ajscheitler@ucla.edu if you have questions.
Study conducted by UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

MotherToBaby Study: Seeking Participants
MotherToBaby is currently enrolling pregnant women in an observational study to explore how asthma and its treatment affect pregnancy. All studies are conducted through phone interviews — no changes to your normal routine or travel required.
Study conducted by MotherToBaby

CalKIDS Program Gives Money to Families to Save for College
Low-income families with public school students in grades 1-12 can now open college savings accounts, and California will contribute seed investments of up to $1,500 for each child. All California families with newborns (born on or after July 1, 2022) can also open these accounts and receive up to $100 from the state. Read more about eligibility, and see this FAQ page. To see these pages in another language click “Language” on the right side.

Golden Bear Pass
CalWORKs families can receive a complimentary Golden Bear Pass, which grants free entry at 200+ state parks and beaches. Learn more and apply here (or in Spanish here). Questions? Contact the California Dept. of Social Services at (916) 651-0515 or calworksoutreach@dss.ca.gov.

Opportunity LA Offers Free Savings Accounts for Children
The City and County of Los Angeles, along with LAUSD, are working together to provide all LAUSD first-graders with a FREE Child Saving Account (CSA) to help save for college — regardless of the student or parent’s income, background or immigration status. All eligible students will receive an initial $50 deposit. Additional deposits can be made by students and families. To learn more about the program, visit OpportunityLA.com or watch videos in English and Spanish here.
Presented by the City and County of L.A., in partnership with LAUSD and Citibank

WIC Fruits and Vegetables Benefit Increase
Through September 30, 2024
WIC families can get extra money to buy fruits and vegetables at WIC-approved stores and farmers’ markets. Use this tool to find your nearest farmers’ market that accepts WIC, and learn more about the benefit here.

Teen Parent Prosper Program
Pregnant or parenting teens living in the City of Los Angeles are eligible for this 800-hour paid internship program. The opportunity is limited to the first 40 eligible applicants. Apply here or contact Claudia Castillo at (213) 808-8652 or Claudia.Castillo@lacity.org for more information.
Presented by the City of Los Angeles’ Community Investment for Families Department and others

Registration Open for Spring Classes and Activities at LA County Parks
Whether you’re taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill or being more active, LA County Parks invites you to join a class! They are offering a variety of in-person and virtual classes to help you get active, stay healthy, and enjoy a new hobby. From yoga and sports to music and arts, there is a class for everyone! Check out their fall classes and register for an activity at reservations.lacounty.gov.
Presented by the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation

Free Snacks for Kids at L.A. County Parks
September 5 – May 24, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Children and youth ages 18 and under receive a “grab and go” nutritious snack that include vegetables, fruits, seeds and healthy dairy products like milk, string cheese and yogurt, at 47 locations. This free nutrition program will run for a total 34 weeks. Go here to see dates and locations.

Youth at Work
Are you age 14-24 and looking for a job? You can earn money while learning valuable life and work skills. This program provides access to paid work-based learning, work readiness, personal enrichment training, academic and career development, and advanced career services. Apply here.
Presented by Youth@Work

LA County Library & LA County Library Foundation Partner with Seattle Seahawks Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu
Uchenna Nwosu is partnering with the Library and LA County Library Foundation to fund a My Brother’s Keeper Peer Advocate position at Lancaster Library for the next three years. If you are interested and want to make an impact in the Lancaster community you can learn more about the MBK Peer Advocate position and complete an interest form here.

UCLA Study Focus Groups
Participate in focus groups and receive incentives by giving your feedback on the new UCLA wellness app. They are recruiting high school students and parents of high school students. To learn more about the study, contact Christine Lee at 714-822-0649 or at kungeunlee@mednet.ucla.edu.

Monday, April 22

Virtual Training: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
April 22, 10:00am – 11:30am
Presented by The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

Virtual Training: Suicide: Effective Crisis Response and Treatments
April 22 & 23, 9:00am – 12:15pm
Presented by Children’s Institute

Tuesday, April 23

Moving Beyond Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 101: Crawford Bias Reduction Theory & Training (CBRT)
April 23, May 7, & June 4 , 9:00am – 10:30am
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for Learning Center

Virtual Training: LAC MCAH Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
April 23, 10:00am – 11:00am
Presented by L.A. County Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program

Webinar: Collaborating to Close GBS Data Gaps
April 23, 5:00pm
Presented by GBS Research Connect

Wednesday, April 24

Webinar: Infant and Toddler Homelessness Across 50 States
April 24, 9:00am
Presented by National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers

Families & Communities Transformed: My Child, Media and Technology
April 24, 9:00am – 11:00am: 335 E Ave K-6 B, Lancaster, CA 93535
This workshop is for parents and caretakes of children ages 0-5.
Presented by Abriendo Puertas | Opening Doors

Monthly Pregnancy Resource Event for Expecting Moms (Spanish)
April 24, 11:00am – 12:30pm: Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center, Labor and Delivery Entrance, 1720 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Register here. For more information, contact Victoria at (323) 250-2694.
Presented by the Welcome Baby program at Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center

Webinar: Racial Justice as Prevention
April 24, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by the California Training Institute

Webinar: Grief in the Workplace
April 24, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Presented by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority

Save the Date: Birth to 12^th Grade Water Cooler Conference: Bridging Systems to Center Racial Justice for Children and Families
April 24 & 25: Sacramento, CA
Presented by Catalyst California

Thursday, April 25

Webinar: Improving Severe Hypertension Recognition & Response
April 25, 10:00am – 11:00am
Presented by Perinatal Quality Improvement

Virtual Training: Managing Expectations and Goal Setting with Clients Who Display Resistance Behaviors
April 25, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for Learning Center

Webinar: Extreme Heat & Early Childhood Development
April 25, 10:00am – 11:00pm
Presented by Center on the Developing Child

Virtual Training: Navigating Unconscious Bias
April 25, 10:00am – 11:30am
Presented by the California Training Institute

Webinar: Early Care and Education Workforce Salary Scale Playbook: Implementation Guide
April 25, 10:00am
Presented by Office of Head Start and others

Virtual Training: Disease Forecasting Basics
April 25, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Presented by The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

Village Wellness Event
April 25, 3:00pm – 7:00pm: Therapeutic Play Foundation, 236 West Mountain Street, Pasadena, CA 91103
Presented by Therapeutic Play Foundation

Friday, April 26

Save the Date: Hybrid Event: Advances in Autism: Autism Through the Lifespan
April 26, 9:00am – 5:15pm: Los Angeles, CA
Presented by UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment

Webinar: Cultivating Cultures of Collaboration
April 26, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by BreastfeedLA

Webinar: Can the Child Welfare System Be Saved?
April 26, 10:00am – 11:00am
Presented by USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism

Second Chance Community Resource Fair
April 26, 11:00am – 3:00pm: Watts Labor Community Action Committee – Phoenix Hall: 10950 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059
This event will feature health screenings, housing services, financial literacy resources, felony-friendly employment opportunities, expungement services, DMV services, mental health services, and a farmer’s market.
Presented by the L.A. County Justice Care and Opportunities Department

Saturday, April 27

Advancing Health Equity through Nature & Exercise
April 27, 9:30am – 12:30pm: Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park, 905 E. El Segundo Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90059
Presented by Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell

Job Fair – Allies for Every Child
April 27, 9:00am – 1:00pm: 12120 Wagner St., Culver City, CA 90230
$2,500 Sign-on Bonus
Presented by Allies for Every Child

Youth Mental Health Summit – West-Side/San Fernando
April 27, 9:30am – 3:00pm: El Cariso Community Regional Park, 13100 Hubbard Street, Los Angeles, CA 91342
Presented by Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention

El Nido’s Early Head Start Annual Community Fair
April 27, 10:00am – 2:00pm: El Nido’s Early Head Start, 2152 W. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90047
Presented by El Nido Family Centers

Special Needs Awareness & Resource Fair
April 27, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Apollo Park, 12544 Rives Ave., Downey, CA 90242
Presented by City of Downey Park & Recreation Department

National Prescription Take-Back-Your-Health Day
April 27, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Watts Health Center, 10300 Compton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90002
Presented by The Watts Health Center and others

YWCA Community Resource Fair
April 27, 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Empowerment Center, 2501 W. Vernon Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90008
RSVP here to be entered in a gift card raffle!
Presented by YWCA of Greater Los Angeles

Daddy Daughter Dance
April 27,1:00pm – 4:00pm: Ervin “Magic” Johnson Recreation Area Community Engagement Room, 905 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90059
Presented by County of Los Angeles Public Health and others

Spring 2024 Concert: Music of Fantasy, Friendship, Faith and Fun
April 27, 7:30pm: All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Presented by The Manfield Chamber Singers

Sunday, April 28

Special Needs Resource Fair
April 28, 11:00am – 2:00pm: The Help Group, 13164 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA
Presented by the Help Group

Spring 2024 Concert: Music of Fantasy, Friendship, Faith and Fun
April 28, 3:00pm: St. August by the Sea Episcopal Church, 1227 4^th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Presented by The Manfield Chamber Singers