Semics Looks at Three Years of CDI (September 2006) - First 5 LA

Champions For Our ChildrenCommunity-Developed InitiativesMilestonesSemics looks at three years of CDISeptember 2006

Champions For Our ChildrenCommunity-Developed InitiativesIntroductionIn the period from 2002-2003, 54 agencies were selected by First 5 LA’s Community-DevelopedInitiatives (CDI) through a competitive solicitation process, to improve the lives of children 0- 5 and their families. The initiative’s purpose was to implement various approaches to supportsystemic, long-lasting changes in the wellbeing of children and their families in Los Angeles County.Three years later, these agencies have achieved results defined as a priority in First 5 LA’s Next FiveStrategic Plan.CDI Milestones highlights these achievements beginning with the legacy that CDI grantees leavebehind in Los Angeles communities, specifically their impacts on children, families, neighborhoods,agencies and the grantees themselves. Referring to key themes of the Next Five Strategic Plan, thisdocument presents CDI results in detail focussed around three interrelated goal areas — EarlyLearning, Health, and Safe Children and Families and two programmatic strategies — CapacityBuilding and Systems Improvement. These results include numbers of children, families and childcare providers impacted by the CDI-funded projects since the beginning of CDI, numbers which wereeither provided by the grantees or cited in their progress reports. Pictures, quotes and vignettes areincluded to render a textured, panoramic view of what has been achieved. We also highlight “ahamoments” and insights demonstrating the value of these CDI-funded projects to participants andproject staff.CDI achievements are described from the perspectivesof First 5 LA, CDI Grantees, and Semics staff. Thematerial in this document is derived from varioussources including site visits, interviews, focus groups,surveys conducted by Semics from January 2004 toSeptember 2006, grantee reports to First 5 LA, sitespecificexternal evaluators’ reports, and picturestaken by Semics or given by grantees. This varieddata creates a larger portrait clearly indicating thatCDI has produced significant results for grantees asorganizations, and for the children and families theyserved.

Champions For Our ChildrenCommunity-Developed Initiatives

CDIMilestonesLegacy of CDI (continued)– Parents are building long-lasting relationships with other parents — a critical factor for familiesof children with special needs.Supporting Quotes:“Before, I rarely read to my child. Now I make it a habit to read and at night time too.” (Parent)“Home visits have been very reassuring. As a parent, it can be difficult to honestly assess your child’s development,and this assessment is definitely skewed after a traumatic event…” (Parent)“I have received skills training regarding topics such as nutrition. This has allowed me to go through a healthier pregnancy, andremove many doubts and fears, and to have better communication with my husband regarding these issues.” (Parent)Neighborhood/Community-Level• A community better informed on issues specific to children 0 - 5 as well as family issues in LosAngeles County. Tangible examples of this effect include:– A children’s book on spina bifida– Advocating for relative caregiver rights– Increasing awareness of breastfeeding, family literacy, LGBT family issues• Relationships established through CDI-funded projects have lead to establishing chapterassociations or informal networks such as:– A regional spina bifida chapter– Southeast Asian child care providers chapter– Parents mobilizing regional family events– Child care providers connecting and meeting with each other based on proximityAgency-Level Impact• Many child care providers are better equipped with improved classrooms, developmentalcurriculum, and have heightened their knowledge and understanding of how best to care forchildren 0 - 5. Examples include:– 100% of CDI grantees addressing provider capacity increased the knowledge of child careproviders (both family- and center- based providers).– Child care providers learned how to promote themselves, facilitate better parent-providerrelationships, and have improved their service delivery.– A number of family- and center-based providers either completed, or made marked progresstoward, receiving child care accreditation or licensing.

A three-year look at Community-Developed InitiativesWatersheds• More LA County-based child care and health providers are able to identify developmentaldelays or behavioral problems in children 0—5. In aAdditionally, these providers increased theirknowledge on health topics concerning children 0-5 leading to better quality of health service.• 68% of CDI grantees have permanently adopted or integrated services within their organizationor other agencies, such has hospitals.• Formal collaborations established through CDI were able to cast a wider net by providingmultiple services to children, families, and providers, and ultimately the whole community.Supporting Quotes:“Before [this program], I used to think that day care jobs were the same as baby-sitting; but I’ve grown and gained so much thatI know that this is not true. For me, it’s now about providing quality, to begin earlier to prepare children to enter schools.” (ChildCare Provider)“What we learned is [to be] more sensitive to the family needs…” (Health Care Provider)CDI-Grantee LevelThrough the implementation of CDI, the impact on grantees has been significant including:• 76% of CDI grantees “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that CDI funding has led to long-termimprovements in their agency such as increasing staff capacity, physical expansion/resources, andgaining a better understanding of participant needs. 2• At least 85% of CDI grantees have made connections other agencies in Los Angeles County andhave increased their project/organizational visibility.• 85% of grantees either “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that Learning Exchanges provided usefulstaff development opportunities for project staff. 3• Physical infrastructure for services to children 0-5 and their families has improved.• Several grantees have embraced play as a form of therapy in interventions with childrenvictimized by domestic violence or abuse.Supporting Quotes:“I believe we have gone beyond what we had dreamed and what we had expected. The program has made a positive impact inthe health and quality of life of children and their families.” (CDI Grantee)“I will miss the Learning Exchange. In my many years of service, I never experienced a gathering like Learning Exchange. This wasnot just a one-time deal; it was a process that lasted for many years…” (CDI Grantee)“I have really appreciated the support and opportunity for reflection that the Learning Exchange meetings and meetings with ourSemics rep. have given me.” (CDI Grantee)“Collaboration with other agencies was definitely something new [for us]. [We were] also able to engage in inter-granteenetworks through Semics’ and First 5 LA’s help. In the first project, we didn’t have that exposure,” (CDI Grantee)2 Based on CDI Exit Survey. Thirty-three out of 53 grantees responded to the online survey, a response rate of 62%3 Based on CDI Exit Survey.

CDIMilestonesEarly LearningIn the Next Five Strategic Plan, the purpose of this goal area is to “improve all children’s attainmentof their developmental potential.” The following are some of the results achieved by that supportthe goal of strong early learning outcomes for children 0 - 5:Increasing Family Involvement in Children’s Early EducationThis cluster focuses on parents or caregivers playing an active role in their child’s early education as well as assistingparents to fulfill that role by improving their own literacy. Through CDI, at least:76,917 families were directly involved in supportingtheir child’s early education through family literacy or relatedactivities.2,902 parents participated in ESL classes.“[My] child gained more confidence. Now [my child] knows a diversifiedvocabulary in English and Spanish.”— Parent“…reading has extended toa sort of family circle. Myhusband and I read to thekids for about 15 minutes andsometimes I try to read tothe kids in English. But if I’munable to do so, my husbandwill read to all of us…Before,my husband did all the reading,but now I do some.”— Parent“For me, this program has helped me a lot because ithelped me feel secure in my communication with myfamily, to read a lot with my children and to share moreideas with my family.”— ParentIncreasing Childcare Provider CapacityCDI grantees addressing this area are focused on increasing the quality and capacity of child care providers to delivereffective, developmentally appropriate education for young children. This includes a handful of CDI grantees thatalso work with children with special needs. Through CDI, at least:3,256 child care providers (both family- and center-based) received assistance in increasing the quality of theirprograms. Among these, at least100 providers either completed, or made marked progress toward, childcareaccreditation or licensing.191 child care providers are working with special needs children ages 0-5.

A three-year look at Community-Developed InitiativesWatershedsExpanding Accessibility of Early Education ServicesAccessibility of early education services includes not only child care programs, butearly learning activities and home visitation promoting family literacy. Through CDI,grantees provided at least:31 new early education programs.26% of the programs were established to serve children with special needs orwho were exposed to substance abuse, domestic violence or extreme poverty.84,557 children received early education services.“Vocabulary improved a lot. My 2 and 4 year old recognizesletters of names and my son easily remembers their classmates’names when pointing to a school picture.” – Parent“I’m very, very thankful, this is my dream! I can’t wait to be accredited! It’s like when you go toa restaurant and you see the big letter ‘A’ [health code rating]. Well, accreditation is like my bigletter ‘A’.”– Child Care Provider“…there is moreparent involvementusing the library…now, more parentsread to help thechildren out…”– Project Director“Just the way I see myself and otherproviders enthusiastic about doing theworkshops and fixing up our places withnew ideas – and just growing personallyand professionally, and been noticed forthat – it’s very good. … I had a childwho had a real bad case of attentiondeficit – he didn’t talk. And now, with myknowledge gained through [the program], Ihave worked with him and we have seen agreat improvement.”– Child Care ProviderSeptember 2002First 5 LA launches first CDI fundingcycleMarch 2003• CDI Cycle 2 grants begin• Toddlin’ Time expands child carefacility to serve more children• South Central LAMP beginsintegrating the Childcare Program intoits programsJune 2003Monrovia’s Bookmobile bringsliteracy activities and materials to thecommunity for the first timeAugust 2003New Horizons accepts childenrollments for its child care programSeptember 2003Semics is contracted by First 5 LA toconduct the three-year CDI EvaluationOctober 2003CDI Cycle 3 grants beginFebruary 2004Friends of the Family includes aninteractive infant and toddler programinto the B.A.B.Y. program, originallymeant for parents onlyJune 2004• Child Educational Center beganon-site consulting and training withfirst group of client centers• Connections for Children presentsfirst pilot Professional DevelopmentSeminar• Bethany Lutheran Child Care Centerenrolls 8 additional children into itsInfant-Toddler ProgramMarch 200511 child care providers receive theirlicensing under St. Mary’s Long BeachChild Care Empowerment ProjectJune 2005• Santa Monica College hosts meetingbetween all the mentors and protégésfor the first time• Center for the Pacific Asian Familybecomes a resource for other APIproviders on the effects of domesticviolence and child abuse on childrenDecember 200573% of the children in Eisner’s Parent-Child Home Program Expansionrank above the 50th percentile on theCognitive/Language ProfileAugust 2006CDI Evaluation endsSeptember 2008Last cluster of CDI grants expected toend

CDIMilestonesHealthCDI grantees have achieved results related to First 5 LA’s goal area of health by improving access toand the quality of health resources throughout Los Angeles County. CDI grantees accomplishedthe following results related to the goal of improved health:Early Intervention/Special NeedsAbout one-fourth of grantees provided services to educate parents and providers on identifyingdevelopmental and behavioral problems and assess children for these problems or delays. Through CDI,grantees were able to provide at least:12,111 parents with increased knowledge regarding child development milestones.5,705 children were screened and assessed for developmental and behavioral problems.4,700 providers were trained on how to identify developmental delays or behavioral problems as wellas developmental screening and assessment.“…not only did we get parents saying that they sawtheir infants making progress and doing better. Butwe also saw several examples of parents saying howmuch support they felt with the [CDI] program. Thattheir feelings were being validated, and that they [theparents] understood much more and felt more secureas to what they see and expect with their babies.”– External Evaluator“…at the parent group, I learned how to react to my children”;“I learned new ways to interact and better communicate with mychildren”– Parent“The lives of parents with children with special needs are noteasy. So whenever you get that type of support, understandingand nurturing, you want to keep it there. She does not massageme but having her in my home, massaging my child and herpositive energy has been especially beneficial for my family.”– Parent

A three-year look at Community-Developed InitiativesPromoting Healthy BehaviorsThis cluster of CDI grantees promotes better nutrition, increased physicalactivity among children, and health education to families. The followingresults have been achieved thus far:3,610 children are in programs that increased their physical activity.8,362 children have better nutrition through healthy snacks and, meals.14,034 families have received health education, including nutritionaleducation.1,520 health care providers have increased their knowledge on healthtopics concerning children 0-5 (e.g., immunizations, nutrition, touch therapy,etc.).“Since joining the program, my child requiresless medication for his diabetes and I lost 20pounds.”– Parent“…even if my child is notof age to be outdoors. Ithink that for children it’sbetter to be able to beoutside, because they havetoo much energy and it ishard to entertain inside abuilding...”– ParentWatershedsSeptember 2002First 5 LA launches first CDI fundingcycleMarch 2003King Drew establishes a homevisitation program for infants born at orreferred to its hospitalJune 2003Long Beach Memorial’s LactationSupport Program opens outpatientbreastfeeding clinicSeptember 2003• Semics is contracted by First 5LA to conduct the three-year CDIEvaluation• UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institutelaunches resource website forcaregivers of children with autismSeptember 2004LAC+USC opens the Community-Based Assessment and TreatmentCenter providing primary care forchildren in foster careDecember 2005• Bundle of Joy begins collaborationto set up a community garden at theCompton Trailer Park to be tended bythe participants who live in there• Pasadena Public Health’s MinorityImmunization Initiative assistsPasadena healthcare providers inreaching the Healthy People 2010immunization rate goalJanuary 2006Heart Touch’s touch therapy programis integrated into the pain managementdepartment at CHLAAugust 2006CDI Evaluation endsSeptember 2008Last cluster of CDI grants expected toend“I realize that physical activity is better than stationary video games.”– Parent

CDIMilestonesHealthHealth Insurance EnrollmentSome CDI grantees have assisted families with health insurance enrollment.Specifically, at least:5,378 children were enrolled in health insurance.5,577 families were enrolled in health insurance.“... a very good pediatricianwould call and check up on me”– Parent“Clients were grateful to the services we provided… I had a clientjust immigrated here with her husband and a 5 months old baby.They did not have insurance, and the baby’s immunizations weredue. I helped the family apply for Medi-Cal and referred the babyto CHDP for the immunizations.… Later, on she came back to meseveral times for the information on childcare, doctor’s appointment,adult school information and employment opportunities for thehusband. Many clients consider our program as a one-stop socialservice they can really rely on.” – Outreach Coordinator“The parents have so many questions about healthproblems. It’s good to know we have someone here thatwe can call to get answers.”– Child Care ProviderPediatric ServicesCDI grantees have provided various types of pediatric services to Los Angeles communities including healthscreenings, well-child exams and immunizations. Specifically, at least:16,712 children have received health screenings (e.g., dental, hearing, vision, initial health assessment).6,967 children received well-child or baby exams.16,483 children received immunizations.10

A three-year look at Community-Developed InitiativesWatershedsPrenatal and Perinatal CareCDI grantees have focused on providing prenatal and perinatal services to newmothers, including breastfeeding education and support. Under this cluster, atleast:2,204 mothers received prenatal services/perinatal services.30,831 new parents received parenting support, including newborneducation.1,059 nurses and hospital staff have increased their knowledge and supporton breastfeeding.29,111 mothers were educated on breastfeeding or received breastfeedingsupport.“With the mothers that only speak Spanish, they feel more confident and grateful for aservice that they never had before, since they wanted to breastfeed but never had the help orinformation in their language…”– Breastfeeding Peer Counselor“I was interested in the class mainly because Iwanted to know the right way to feed my baby.I wanted to learn how to not get frustrated andto learn more in general about breastfeeding.”– Expectant MotherJune 2002LA Child Clinic creates access tomental health services to children/families in 11 Head Start PreschoolsJuly 2002Lanterman implements theTouchPoints Special Needs trainingmodelMarch 2003Wilmington Community expandsbeyond medical services as CDI-fundedparenting class beginsAugust 2003Our Saviour/Cleaver Wellness Centerformalizes process with area hospitalsfor referral for delivery and high-riskpregnanciesApril 2004Asian Pacific Health Care Ventureopens pediatric facilitiesJuly 2004El Proyecto provides 36-foot-longMobile Medical Unit health services inEast Los AngelesJuly 2005Huntington Memorial Home VisitationProgram was showcased by First 5 LAOctober 2005The Help Group’s Stepping StonesProgram is the focus of a researchpaper on What Every Parent ShouldKnow About How Children Learn toRead and What to Do When There’sa Problem presented by Dr. PhilipLevine at The Help SummitApril 2006CHLA Learning & Growing Togetherto release a book on spina bifida foryoung childrenJune 2006Citrus Valley’s Healthy Babies/HappyMoms program hosts a successfulSummit on Childhood Obesity“We are seeing breastfeeding increase….the counselors are being a resource incommunication…as many counselors are bilingualin a hospital that serves a Spanish-speakingpopulation…”– Nurse Manager11

CDIMilestonesSafe Children and FamiliesThe goal in this area is to “strengthen support to families so that they can safely raise their children.”CDI grantees with outcomes in this goal area usually serve the most needy communities, such asfamilies with children with special needs, homeless families, mother and children exposed to domesticviolence or substance abuse, and children in the foster care system.Safe EnvironmentSeveral grantees have increased families’ safety by showing parents how to create a physically andemotionally safe home environment for their children and decreasing unintentional injuries of children.Specifically, at least:7,082 families have increased their knowledge about how to or have created a physically andemotionally safe environment at home.5,067 children are in programs to decrease unintentional injuries.“I would not trade my life now for the life before. Even thoughI am sad for the past, being at [this place] gives me hope andlittle by little I think less of the past. Here at [this place], the staffclearly understands [my situation].”– A Parent at a Shelter12“They (the children) needed shelter, clean clothes, a safe placewhere they could be if I were to leave to go job searching. I didn’twant them sitting in a hotel setting waiting for me. I’ve seen thatenvironment, and it is not where I want my kids – that is unsafe.I would worry because you have no idea who is around them ifyou are gone. Neither did I want my kids to end up in a fosterhome somewhere. My kids needed a loving parent to take careof them.” – A Parent at a ShelterFamily SupportComprehensive family support services provided by grantees include parenting classes, case management,and referrals to other community resources. Through CDI, at least:2,299 families received intake and/or case management services.3,073 families participated in parent support groups.9,375 families have increased knowledge of positive parenting strategies.18,015 families have been linked to social or community resources.

A three-year look at Community-Developed InitiativesWatershedsSelf-SufficiencyA handful of grantees have provided job training, employment and housingassistance to improve the economic well-being of families. Specifically, atleast:368 parents received job training.132 parents were able to find jobs or pursue their education.106 families received housing assistance.“The change is more in terms of a better lifestyle formy family brought about by the fact that I have abetter job.. . . My work with developmentally challenged childrenalso helped me understand better one of my twinswho has a learning disability.”– Parent“The baby group offered a wonderfulopportunity for families to connect with eachother, see how their children are going todevelop.” – Project Staff“I think parenting workshops are especiallyimportant because it is always good to knowabout different issues related to our kids. As asingle parent, I find I want to know more aboutparenting themes because I have a 4-year-olddaughter and a 12-year-old son.” – ParentSeptember 2002First 5 LA launches first CDI fundingcycleMarch 2003Splash-It-Up Aquatic Safety Programis implemented, bringing YMCA tofocus for the first time ever in the infantpopulationSeptember 2003Semics is contracted by First 5 LA toconduct the three-year CDI EvaluationJune 2004Union Station Family Center, a 25-bed dormitory facility, opens its doorsto homeless families. One of very fewfamily centers of its kind in Southern CAJanuary 2005LA Gay and Lesbian begins plans toexpand its Family Day in the Park eventto specific geographic regions aroundLos Angeles CountyApril 2005LACC opens the last renovatedplayground at Saybrook Park in EastLos AngelesJune 2005• Harbor Interfaith Services, Childrenand Families First host their first jobfair.• NEW partners with Arroyo VistaFamily Health Center’s mobile clinicto provide free health screenings andphysicals to its participantsNovember 2005Community Coalition’s opens TheKinship Center, which provides socialservices to children and relativecaregiversAugust 2006CDI Evaluation endsSeptember 2008Last cluster of CDI grants“I have a better sense of peace and am more proactive. I canmanage my emotions better and can discuss them with myhusband…” – Parent of a Child with Special Needs“I’ve been here now for eight months and the first thing I learnedwas to communicate. I used to holler at my kids all the time, now,I know I can sit down and reason with them.”– A Parent at a Shelter13

CDIMilestonesSystems ImprovementThrough this programmatic strategy, First 5 LA hopes to create new family-centered systems ofsupport while delivering results that increase the wellbeing of children 0-5 and their families.The following are some of the accomplishments of CDI under this strategy:• 7 collaborations were formed due to CDI funding providing comprehensive servicesto children 0-5, families and providers.• At least 6,746 agencies or providers have been touched by a CDI Grantee orinformally collaborated with a CDI grantee through F5 LA funding• At least three CDI-funded projects have been integrated into mainstream servicesin hospital settings (e.g., breastfeeding, massage therapy)• Semics hosted 8 Learning Exchanges averaging 58 attendees representing 61% ofthe CDI Grantees“The money we got from First 5 LA allowed us to start our 2 unique programs... Though unique, we have the same target forboth programs and that is to impact the lives of childeren so that by the time they reached the age of 5, we get to integratethem into society without further special needs... we returned over half our children to mainstream kindergarten programs...”– Program Director“I’ve had teachers call me – from Head Start – and normallythey would feel ‘threatened’ by something (in-home instruction)that’s considered ‘competitive’ but they think it’s great. They tellus that ‘You’re supporting what we do!’”– Project StaffWatershedsSeptember 2003CHLA Child Health Worksprovides health screenings inLAUSD Early Education Centers;the first of its kindOctober 2003The Pasadena Collaborative LiteracyProject was officially established throughCDI; agencies involved included PasadenaPublic Library, CCIS, Pacific Oaks, FrostigCenter, UCLA and CCFSSeptember 2004PHFE-WIC collaborates withthe County of Los AngelesPublic Libraries to enhanceliteracy services for familiesApril 20061736 Family CrisisCenter establishesoutdoor play therapy @ 3family crisis centers for DV14

A three-year look at Community-Developed InitiativesCapacity BuildingThrough this programmatic strategy, First 5 LA endeavors to “strengthen existing or establish newresource networks within communities.” Thus far, CDI-funded capacity building has achievedconcrete results primarily at the level of individual grantees and their programs. For example:• 87% of grantees increased staff capacity and development.• 87% built or expanded their physical infrastructure to better serve children.• 81% of grantees established relationships with other agencies in their surroundingarea increasing their visibility.• 79% of grantees adapted to the needs of their community.• 68% of grantees have integrated services within their organizations or otheragencies, particularly hospitals.• 64% of grantees enhanced their evaluationcapacity.“We also built capacity forthe coalition too. Before [CDI]funding there were only twopeople running the coalition….CDI funding allowed us to add6 staff person for a total of 8people working in the coalition.”– Project Coordinator“…we learned a lot. Notonly about childcare, butwe learned English and[how to use] computers.[CDI project staff] came toour house and told us whatwe have to clean and do tobecome providers…”– Child Care Provider“I enjoyed the training because it went to the personal level tounderstand the system. It helped me to put myself in anotherperson’s shoes.”– Project StaffWatershedsJuly 2003Capital improvement forHappy Bear preschooladds capacity for 22 newslotsMay 2005KYCC opens newCrenshaw childcarefacilityJune 2005First child care center under SCAEYC’sAccreditation Facilitation Proejct II receivesNAEYC accreditationDecember 2005California Council of Churches moved itsL.A. County Faith-Based Childcare ProvidersNetwork to USC’s Center for Religion and CivicCulture, giving it increased visibility, resourcesand heightened reputation15

CDIMilestonesAHA MomentsThis page includes insights from project staff and grantees on what they have learned or how theCDI-funded project has been beneficial.“…this program helped me a lot.At first, I was not sure of myselfbecause I didn’t understandEnglish that well. But everyone[CDI project staff] helped meout and I started to understandbetter.”- Parent“You’re in their house, they showyou an application for magnetschool and they don’t know whatto do with it. So you explain tothem that it’s a good thing. Theywould never do that if you’re notthere.”- Project Staff“Adults are asking a lot ofquestions about immunizationsfor themselves. They are moreconcerned about their health.”- Project Coordinator“I learned a lot. They’re [thechildren] sitting with their siblings,older siblings are doing theirhomework too. Siblings are gettinginvolved. Not only is the parentgetting involved, it’s the wholefamily.”- Teacher“…It makes our preschoolprogram more attractive. Mostfamilies don’t have healthinsurance. Or even those who dohave access to health servicesmight not have transportation. Thisprogram is local, it’s convenient.”- Child Care Provider“I like coming to this classbecause in addition tolearning to read, I learnedto share, to listen and tobe heard, which made mefeel whole.”- Parent16

A three-year look at Community-Developed InitiativesWatersheds“…We learned that the basic need ofthe community was families’ desire tosupport their children. This is the sameuniversal need that all parents feel butthe way you get there is different forevery community and every parent.”- Project Staff“[CDI grantee] has been inexistence for 25 years… thelasting impact... what this fundinghas done for us is, it took us frombehind the desk and into theproviders’ home.”– Provider Servicing Coordinator“As a physician and healtheducator, I have been able to seefamilies who do not have access toany health services. It has helpedme not just to become part ofthe system. When I become acertified physician here, I have thedesire to be different and give freeconsultation time to families whodo not have insurance…”- Project StaffSeptember 2002First 5 LA launches first CDIfunding cycleSeptember 2003Semics is contracted by First 5LA to conduct the three-year CDIEvaluationMarch 19, 2004First Learning Exchangeis convened with the theme of“Stone Soup”June 10, 2004Learning Exchange 2is held at Crystal Stairs. “Buildingcommon ground”October 1, 2004Learning Exchange 3is convened with the theme of“Navigating common ground”March 5, 2005Learning Exchange 4“Uncovering hidden stories”July 29, 2005Learning Exchange 5“Building the continuing story”December 2, 2005Learning Exchange 6“Connecting to a larger family”April 7, 2006Learning Exchange 7“What’s in the soup?”June 16, 2006Learning Exchange 8hosts CDI Grantee exhibits andmulti-media productions regardingproject results over three years.August 2006CDI Evaluation endsSeptember 2008Last cluster of CDI grantsexpected to end“I think the [CDI] project changed theway the clinicians look at families. Theydon’t look at them simply as familieswith children with [special needs] butmore as a social unit with needs thathave to be identified and addressed….I think that it was more of parentseducating the clinicians rather than theclinicians educating the parents…”- Parent Coordinator“When resources are pooled, such as in acollaborative structure, they become limitless,so what you can do is limitless, as well…It’sa wonderful project for families. The projectprovides services to children who would,otherwise, never get services. This is unique,unprecedented in LAUSD.”- Nurse Liaison17

CDIMilestonesSnapshots18

A three-year look at Community-Developed Initiatives19

Champions For Our ChildrenCommunity-Developed InitiativesAcknowledgementsSemics would like to thank the Semics staff and CDI Grantees for all their hard work in collectingthe quotes and pictures for the CDI Milestones. It would not have been possible without you.Written and compiled by:Rocele S. EstanislaoEdited by:Grant D. Power and Rachel RossDesign by:Jake ReyesLayout by:Jake Reyes and Matthew Johnson20