RESOLUTION NO. _______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ANAHEIM DECLARING ANAHEIM AN EARLY CHILDHOOD
FRIENDLY CITY AND SUPPORTING TO FOSTER AN
ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERY CHILD CAN THRIVE AND
REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
WHEREAS, early childhood development is critical to the well-being and future success of children and the community; and
WHEREAS, early childhood development has become a national priority, shown by initiatives such as the National League of Cities’ Early Learning Nation Initiative and prioritization of early learning across the country; and WHEREAS, the California Surgeon General has prioritized addressing the effects of toxic stress, particularly in the context of parenting, recognizing its profound impact on the health and development of children; and
WHEREAS, all Orange County school districts, in partnership with First 5 Orange County, administer the UCLA developed Early Development Instrument (EDI), to provide population-level insights into school readiness. Orange County was the first in the nation with full EDI implementation providing population data into young children’s social, emotional, and physical development to guide planning and support; and WHEREAS, the Annual Report on the Conditions of Children Report in Orange County, now in its 30th year, provides an annual assessment of the well-being of children in the region.
This report, spearheaded by the OC Social Services Agency, in partnership with OC Health Care Agency and First 5 Orange County, highlights the progress made in areas such as health coverage and educational achievement, while also recognizing the opportunities for continued growth and support for children and families in the region; and WHEREAS, research consistently shows that positive parenting and caregiving relationships during early childhood, starting from the prenatal period, are key contributors to creating a community where children can thrive physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually; and
WHEREAS, ensuring children receive well-child visits, developmental screenings, immunizations, screenings for lead and other environmental risk factors, following evidence- based guidelines promotes lifelong health; and
WHEREAS, access and connectivity to a coordinated system of resources and interventions, as early as possible, supports equitable outcomes in early childhood development.
Providing families with accurate, curated resources that connect them with essential services, such as early learning programs, clinical care, and nutritional support, ensures that families are directed and linked to the right services at the right time; and WHEREAS, supporting young children’s growth and family economic stability through a multigenerational approach—including resources that improve parents' access to higher education and job training opportunities—strengthens the community’s well-being; and WHEREAS, workforce development in the early childhood sector, including supporting training for early childhood educators, child care, home visiting, and healthcare providers, is essential to sustaining a city committed to young children’s development and well-being; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, as follows:
1. The City of Anaheim hereby commits to being an Early Childhood Friendly City by continuing to offer programs and supporting practices that are inclusive and equitable to support healthy development and well-being reaching children and families.
2. The City of Anaheim will continue to promote the health and well-being of young children by supporting initiatives that provide comprehensive health services, nutrition, and safe environments.
3. The City of Anaheim supports designating the decade of 2025-2035 as an era of community focus in building an Early Childhood Friendly City so, in turn, the children of Generation Beta emerge equipped and prepared to resolve issues, assume leadership positions, while generating innovative and long-term solutions for previously intractable and seemingly unsolvable challenges.
4. The City of Anaheim will continue to foster partnerships with families, local educational and workforce institutions, businesses, health care providers, economic development organizations, non-profits, and community groups to coordinate efforts and leverage resources to support early childhood development.
THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION is approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Anaheim this ____ day of ______________, 2025 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
CITY OF ANAHEIM
By: _________________________________
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM