Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives

ABOUT US

The Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives Program (ECSI) oversees the success of the Early Childhood Education Strategic Plan, to ensure that the children and families of Long Beach have the resources and support needed to have a strong start in life.  We partner, collaborate and engage with children and family serving organizations and agencies to increase access to holistic supportive services. Our mission is to help all young children in Long Beach reach their full potential and live in healthy and safe homes and communities.

PROGRAMS 
Early Childhood Mental Health Program

The Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) Program connects early childhood education providers and families with access to mental health resources, guidance, and connections to supportive services to promote the social-emotional well-being of young children in Long Beach. Through this program, the city partners with community-based organizations to strengthen the network of care for providers. The ECMH Program offers three key areas of support: professional development trainings and consultation for early childhood professionals, referrals to additional resources, and caregiver engagement strategies. The program emphasizes early identification of mental health needs, promotes social-emotional development, and ensures families have the tools and supports necessary for their children to thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing environments.  

Learn more about the ECMH Program reach us at ECMHProgram@longbeach.gov or submit a referral application by clicking on the button below.

Submit a referral application for the ECMH Consultation Services

Community Events & Workshops

• Early Childhood Provider Workshop

  
  

  Workshop	Date, Time & Location	Registration Link
  Kind and Consistent: Learn how to provide kind, consistent, and age-appropriate discipline to your child. Educator: Maria Perez, MA, AMFT	Friday, May 22, 2026 @10:30AM Dana Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.)	No Registration Required
  Understanding the Regional Center: Learn the assessment process and comprehensive services available to support your child. Free developmental screenings will be available on site. Educator: Harbor Regional Center	Saturday, June 27, 2026 @11:00AM Ruth Bach Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.)	No Registration Required

• Celebration of the Young Child

  The Celebration of the Young Child is back for it seventh year! This free event will feature hands-on activities and community vendors that provide services and resources for children up to age 8 and their families. 
  
  The event will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) and Lincoln Park, adjacent to the library. 
  
  This year’s programming consists of a variety of performances, including:
  
  • Brillantina’s Storytelling, a bilingual storyteller who uses fingerplays, action songs and props throughout her narrations.
  • Josue Cuentacuentos, a Latino musical storyteller who shares family stories, legends and cultural traditions. 
  • Mera Dance Troupe will also present three traditional Cambodian dances that celebrate cultural heritage and empower the next generation through education.  

  Early intervention resources and screenings will also be provided free of charge to families with children who may benefit from them. Services include: 

  • 10- to 20-minute walk-in developmental screenings using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), provided by For the Child. This tool helps parents identify areas where their child may need additional support and includes results and connections to on-site resources. 
  • 10- to 20-minute walk-in speech and language screenings using the Preschool Language Scale (PLS-5), provided by Cal State Long Beach’s Speech and Language Clinic, including results and connections to on-site resources. 
  • Pediatric eye health screenings provided by the University of California, Los Angeles Mobile Eye Clinic to identify vision concerns and prevent future impairments. Screenings include vision education, resources and reading glasses if needed. Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. 
  • Vaccination clinics offering routine childhood immunizations. 
  • Oral health assessments provided by the Children’s Dental Health Clinic, including screening results, oral health education, dental resources, oral health kits and fluoride varnish applications.
  Press Release: City of Long Beach to Host Seventh Annual Celebration of the Young Child 

Resources

• Long Beach Health and Human Services Department

  Long Beach Resource Line

• Community Partners

  Long Beach Early Childhood Committee (LBECE)
  Mayor’s Fund for Long Beach 
  PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)  
  The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach (Youth & Family Services) 
  Rainbow Families  

• Learning and Development

  Black Infant Health
  Children’s Home Society
  Early Learning Hub
  Healthy Active Long Beach Program
  Help Me Grow Los Angeles
  LBUSD Early Learning Programs
  Long Beach Public Library 
  Parks, Recreation and Marine 

• Physical and Mental Health

  Brightlife Kids
  Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
  Health Access Program (Medical Services) 
  Mental Health Resource Guide 
  Oral Health Program 
  Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 

Help Me Grow - Parent Workshops

The Help Me Grow Initiative aims to strengthen and expand referral pathways to better connect families with services and supports to address children’s developmental concerns. This initiative encourages a cross-sector, coordinated, and effective early childhood system model and focuses on improving the delivery of direct services for early development. Through the commitment and participation of our collaborative partners, we are ensuring developmental awareness, early detection, referral, and linkage to services for young children in Long Beach.

Milestones Matter Flyer - English | Spanish | Khmer | Tagalog 
Milestones Tracker - English  | Spanish  | Khmer | Tagalog

STRATEGIC PLAN

The City of Long Beach Early Childhood Strategic Plan is a collaborative and comprehensive framework developed in partnership with diverse stakeholders across the community. This Plan aims to ensure that all young children and their families in the City have equitable access to the programs and supports they need. The document serves as a roadmap for advancing the City’s early childhood system, promoting access to high-quality services, and guiding future investments and advocacy efforts. Additionally, it identifies collaborative opportunities to enhance the City's offerings for young children and their families.

City of Long Beach 2024 - 2029 Early Childhood Education Strategic Plan 

MEET THE TEAM

Alejandra S. Albarran Moses, Ph.D, Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives Program Manager  Alejandra.AlbarranMoses@longbeach.gov

Gaby Acosta, M.A., Early Childhood Program Specialist  Gaby.Acosta@longbeach.gov

Joanna Campos, M.A., Help Me Grow Coordinator Joanna.Campos@longbeach.gov

Nirali Brahmbhatt, LCSW, Early Childhood Mental Health Program Manager and Clinical Supervisor Nirali.Brahmbhatt@longbeach.gov 

Program Gallery

   

  

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