STATEWIDE CANDIDATES AND LEADING EXPERTS TO ADDRESS THE FUTURE OF CALIFORNIA’S YOUNGEST CHILDREN

ANAHEIM, CA, UNITED STATES, August 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Nearly 700 policymakers, educators, physicians, researchers, advocates and early childhood leaders will gather for the 2026 First 5 California Summit, “Their Futures First,” to examine the decisions shaping the lives of children from birth through age 5.

The three-day Summit will feature fireside chats with candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and state superintendent of public instruction, giving attendees an opportunity to hear how California’s next generation of leaders would support young children and families.

Leading experts will also address some of the most urgent challenges confronting families, including the availability and affordability of childcare, protections for immigrant families, the effects of federal policy changes, children’s health and development, early learning, screen exposure and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on young children.

COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES

Fireside chats:
-Steve Hilton, Candidate for California Governor
-Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer and Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
-Richard Barrera, Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Panel discussions:
-“Achieving Universal Child Care in California”
-“Protecting Immigrant Families: From Fear to Change”
-“The State of Our Children: Federal Family Policy Forum”
-“Creating Mindful Media for Children”

Additional opportunities:
-Keynote addresses from state and national early childhood leaders
-On-camera interviews with First 5 California leaders, participating experts and panelists

Featured speakers include Elizabeth Groginsky, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, and Kim Johnson, Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency

A Spanish-speaking First 5 California spokesperson will be available for on-camera interviews.

EVENT DETAILS
-Dates: Monday, Aug. 31, through Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026
-Location: Anaheim Marriott
-Address: 700 W. Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
-Attendance: Nearly 700 early childhood leaders, policymakers and advocates
-Full program and session details: https://ccfc.ca.gov/summit/index.html

MEDIA REGISTRATION
Media planning to attend the full three-day Summit should register here.
For single-day coverage, credentials, interview requests or live-shot coordination, please contact Stacey Reardon at stacey@changecraft.com or (916) 502-3799.

Stacey Reardon
Change Craft
+1 916-502-3799
stacey@changecraft.com

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