First 5 California Summit to spotlight child care, immigrant families and AI

Nearly 700 policymakers, educators and early childhood leaders will meet in Anaheim Aug. 31-Sept. 2 for the 2026 First 5 California Summit. The event will include candidate fireside chats and panels on child care, immigrant families, federal policy, media and the impact of artificial intelligence on young children.

Why it matters: - California’s early childhood policy choices affect children from birth through age 5, along with the families and providers who support them. - The summit puts child care, family protections, health, early learning and AI-driven media trends in front of the state’s next round of political and policy leaders. - Nearly 700 policymakers, educators, physicians, researchers, advocates and early childhood leaders are expected to attend.

What happened: - First 5 California will hold its 2026 Summit, “Their Futures First,” from Monday, Aug. 31, through Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. - The event takes place at the Anaheim Marriott, 700 W. Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802. - The summit will feature fireside chats with candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and state superintendent of public instruction. - Scheduled candidate participants include Steve Hilton, Fiona Ma and Richard Barrera. - A Spanish-speaking First 5 California spokesperson will be available for on-camera interviews.

The details: - Summit panels will focus on “Achieving Universal Child Care in California,” “Protecting Immigrant Families: From Fear to Change,” “The State of Our Children: Federal Family Policy Forum” and “Creating Mindful Media for Children.” - Leading experts will address childcare availability and affordability, protections for immigrant families, federal policy changes, children’s health and development, early learning, screen exposure and the influence of artificial intelligence on young children. - 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. - Additional coverage opportunities include keynote addresses from state and national early childhood leaders and on-camera interviews with First 5 California leaders, participating experts and panelists. - The full program and session details are available here. - Media planning to attend the full three-day summit should register in advance. - Single-day coverage, credentials, interview requests and live-shot coordination go through Stacey Reardon at stacey@changecraft.com or (916) 502-3799.

Between the lines: - The lineup suggests First 5 California wants to frame early childhood policy as a campaign issue, not just a service-delivery issue. - The inclusion of immigrant-family protections, federal policy and AI reflects how broader political and technology shifts are now part of the early childhood debate. - Putting candidates on stage alongside policy experts gives attendees a direct read on how prospective leaders may approach child care funding, family supports and media exposure concerns.

What's next: - Attendees will hear candidate positions and policy proposals during the three-day summit. - Media can pursue interviews, live shots and session coverage during the event window. - The summit may help shape public and political attention on early childhood priorities heading into California’s next leadership cycle.