Upcoming Events for the Week of December 2nd

December 2, 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!

December is:

Ongoing Opportunities

Opportunity for Families to Serve on California’s NICU Family Advisory Council
Application deadline extended to January 31
Have you had a baby in the NICU? Are you passionate about making the NICU journey better for others? Requires a 2-year commitment, with $2,000 compensation to family members who participate by responding to emails and attending meetings.
Coordinated by California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC)

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
November 6 – January 8, Wednesdays, 5:45 pm – 7:00pm: location provided after registration
Participants can openly discuss experiences of loss with others who are navigating similar challenges.
For more information, please contact Fallynne Usher FUsher@ph.lacounty.gov.
Presented by the Care First Community Investment (CFCI) and the African American Infant & Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative (AAIMM)

Pregnancy Research Project
The PRO-Health research team at California State University, Long Beach, is studying the experiences of parents and their babies during pregnancy and after birth. They are recruiting participants who are pregnant and at least 18 years old. Gift cards provided. See their flyer (English/Spanish) here. To sign up or learn more contact 562-285-7074 or prohealth@csulb.edu or visit bit.ly/Interest-RFBH.

The L.A. County Arts Internship Program is Still Available!
Over 200 paid internships for college students available at more than 160 arts organizations across L.A. County. Both full-time and part-time opportunities. Learn more and apply at www.LACountyArts.org/internships.

Recruiting Participants to Be Interviewed for a Dissertation Study
A UCLA doctoral 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 learn about the decision-making process of seeking formal developmental screenings and early intervention services for their child. Participants will receive $100 in compensation.

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.

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

Apply to Be a Bus Driver With LA Unified School District (LAUSD)
Applicants must have a HS diploma/GED, 6+ months of paid experience 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. Visit LAUSDJobs.org for additional information.

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.

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

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

Decolonized Nonviolent Parenting: A Practice for Raising Empathetic, Grounded, & Socially Conscious Kids (6-Week Course)
Receive support in developing a parenting style that acknowledges your children’s journey and develops them to be empathic, grounded, and socially conscious via the lenses of familial decolonization, nonviolence, reparenting, and conscious child development.
Presented by Latinx Parenting

Participate in Research Study on Breast Milk
The Lundquist Institute is conducting a breast milk research study. Participants (who are currently breastfeeding) will conduct a 4-hour study visit and will receive a $100 gift card. Learn more here or contact MacKenzie Cervantes at breastmilk@lundquist.org or 310-974-9538.

The California Abundant Birth Project
This guaranteed income program will provide monthly cash assistance for people who are 8-27 weeks pregnant and at a higher risk of preterm birth.

Learn STOP THE BLEED®: Save a Life
2^nd Friday of every month, 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center, 1401 S. Grand Ave., Leavey Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90015
To register, email Jessica.Brase@commonspirit.org
Presented by Dignity Health — California Hospital Medical Center

Just Drive: Take Action Against Distraction
2^nd Friday of every month, 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center, 1401 S. Grand Ave. Leavey Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90015
To register, email Jessica.Brase@commonspirit.org
Presented by Dignity Health — California Hospital Medical Center

Stress and Wellness Survey for Teens
California teens between the ages of 12- to 17-years old are invited to take the Youth Mindful Awareness Program’s survey about their health and well-being. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Participants are eligible for a $10 gift card. Complete the survey here.

Clothing Assistance Program
The National Council of Jewish Women LA’s Clothing Assistance Program supports individuals and families living under or near the poverty line by providing gift cards that can be redeemed for clothing, shoes, and accessories. Gift cards can be used at any of their seven Council Shops.

Free Supper and Snack Program
October 1 – June 5 (Monday – Friday), Supper distribution from 2:30pm – 3:30pm and snack distribution from 4:30pm – 5:00pm: Select locations in Inglewood
FREE supper & snacks will be offered at Darby Park (3400 W Arbor Vitae St., Inglewood, CA 90305) and Rogers Park (400 W Beach Ave., Inglewood, CA 90302) and the Crenshaw Library (11141 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90303). For more information, call (310) 412-5125.
Presented by the City of Inglewood’s Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department

Pregnant people are invited to participate in the HOPE THRIVE study!
To qualify for the study, participants must be pregnant, reside in California, and have Medi-Cal health insurance. Additional requirements include being comfortable reading and writing in English. For full eligibility requirements, click here. Participants will receive $250 for their time. Additional compensation will be available for those who also participate in focus groups.
Presented by Health Outcomes of Pregnancy for Everyone and the University of California, San Francisco

Seeking Participants for a Caregiver Study
Researchers at Endicott College are studying ways caregiver’s (i.e., parents, grandparents, etc.) interactions impact their baby’s language development. Participants will receive a $70 gift card. Interested in participating? Email Eilis O’Connell-Sussman at EOConnel@endicott.edu for more details.

Seeking Black/African American or Latina/Latinx Birthing People with Physical Disabilities to Participant in a Study
Black people and Latinxs/Latinas with physical disabilities have unique experiences during pregnancy. To learn about these unique experiences, Brandeis University is conducting a study to better understand how race and disability can affect pregnancy. If you are Black/African American and/or Latinx/Latina or Hispanic, have a physical disability, and have given birth in the last ten years, they’d like to interview you. Participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
To participate, email Janelle Mills at pregnancystudy@brandeis.edu or call 781-736-3928.

Los Angeles Rental Housing Habitability Program
In November, Los Angeles County will start a new proactive rental housing inspection program called the Rental Housing Habitability Program (RHHP) in the unincorporated areas of the County. The goal of RHHP is to ensure that rental housing properties and units maintain the minimum habitability standards required by law. Check out these English and Spanish flyers and these FAQs for more information.

Fall Classes for All Ages
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting classes for children and adults during the fall, including basketball, softball, tennis, dance, swimming, arts, and more.

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s Winter Shelter Program
The program is held annually to protect people experiencing homelessness during the colder months. Meals, showers, and case management services will be provided. Shelters are located across LA County, and will operate 24/7 until March 31, 2025.

Join the LA County Youth Commission
The Youth Commission was established to assist the Board of Supervisors in leading transformative change in LA County’s youth facing departments, programs, and policies. They are seeking applicants who are at least 18 years old and have lived experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, probation, kinship care, and adoption.

Youth @ Work Program
The program is for ages 14 – 24 and will provide access to paid work-based learning, work readiness, personal enrichment training, academic and career development, and advanced career services.

Webinar: Asylee & Refugee Resources
1^st Thursday of the month, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Learn about important resources, rights, and responsibilities to maintain statuses in good standing (available in Spanish)
Presented by The Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA)

Parent and Family Cafés
Parents and caregivers raising children with developmental delays and special health needs can share experiences and receive emotional support. Call for more information: 1-888-903-3972.
Presented by Help Me Grow LA

This Week’s Events

Monday, December 2

Webinar: Somos Latine Families
December 2, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center and The Children’s Partnership

Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 2, 6:00pm – 8:30pm: Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey, CA 90241
Presented by the City of Downey

Tuesday, December 3

Webinar: Leading Through Change
December 3, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by California Training Institute

Virtual Training: The How of Child and Family Engagement
December 3 – 12, 9:00am – 1:00pm
Presented by Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Webinar: Mastering the CDA Competency Standards: Elevating Early Educators’ Proficiency and Impact
December 3, 10:00am – 11:30am
Discover the significance of the CDA® Competency Standards, the cornerstone of the CDA® Credentialing System.
Presented by Council for Professional Recognition

Webinar: Navigating the Doula’s Role in Maternal Vaccinations
December 3, 4:00pm
An overview of the recommended vaccines for pregnant people and their benefits and discussions on how doulas can incorporate vaccine education in their prenatal care.
Presented by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Doula Friendly Initiative and DONA International

Wednesday, December 4

Webinar: Mental Health for Moms: Increasing Scalability of Evidence-Based Treatment Using a Coaching Model
December 4, 9:00am – 10:00am
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center

Webinar: Future of Health Care: Improving Postpartum Care
December 4, 9:30am – 10:15pm
Presented by Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

Webinar: Normalize Brown Breasts: A Primer for Breast Assessment in Non-White Skin Tones
December 4, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Presented by Breastfeed LA

Webinar: Skill-Builder Workshop: Checking Accessibility in Microsoft PowerPoint
December 4, 10:00am – 10:30am
Presented by Literacy Works

Webinar: The Power of Trauma-Informed Care In Preschool Classrooms
December 4, 11:00am – 12:00am
Discover practical skills to recognize signs of trauma in young children; create safe and supportive learning environments; and build strong, responsive relationships with children.
Presented by Education Development Center

Virtual Training: Self and Community Care Open Session 17
December 4, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Part of the Self and Community Care Open Sessions Series
Presented by DMH + UCLA Wellbeing for Learning Center

Webinar: Teaching Critical Thinking about TV, Videos, Online Games, and Apps in Early Childhood
December 4, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Presented by Early Childhood Investigations

Thursday, December 5

Webinar: Summer EBT: Looking Back and Looking Ahead
December 5, 12:00pm
The deadline for opting to participate in Summer EBT 2025 is quickly approaching. This webinar will highlight best practices that emerged from the first year of implementation, strategies for advocacy and ensuring robust participation, and states’ plans for next summer.
Presented by Food Research & Action Center

Webinar: Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Screening for Perinatal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Roundtable
December 5, 12:00pm
Presented by Maternal and Child Health Bureau Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders program

Webinar: MyPeers Orientation
December 5, 1:00pm – 1:45pm
MyPeers is a social network and community of practice forum for Early Childhood programs, staff and partners who are affiliated with Head Start.
Presented MyPeers

Webinar: Asylee & Refugee Resources
December 5, 1^st Thursday of the month, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Learn about important resources, rights, and responsibilities to maintain your status in good standing (available in Spanish)
Presented by The Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA)

Friday, December 6

We don’t know of any events happening on this day.

Saturday, December 7

Parent Informational Workshop Series: Supporting Healthy Speech Development
December 7, 11:00am – 12:00pm: Bay Shore Neighborhood Library, 195 Bay Shore Ave., Long Beach, CA 90803
Presented by Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Help Me Grow, and the Long Beach Public Library

Sunday, December 8

Outdoor Festival For Bike Riders & Pedestrians: CicLAvia – The Valley
December 8, 9:00am – 3:00pm: Sherman Way, between Shoup Ave. and Lindley Ave.
Streets are closed to car traffic during this time to open them for people to walk, skate, bike, play, and explore parts of Los Angeles County.
Presented by CicLAvia