SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring El Día de los Niños, “Children’s Day,” in recognition of the diversity of California’s young children – 60 percent of whom live in a home where a language other than English is spoken – and the importance of investments in early childhood education, health and family supports.
In partnership with the statewide network of First 5s, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is hosting a bilingual story time during “Dia on the Lawn” at the state capitol today and in Los Angeles, California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris will visit Locke Early Education Center for bilingual story time and a site visit. Over 100 celebrations are also occurring across the state.
The Governor’s first budget makes significant investments that address early childhood by expanding California children’s access to quality education and health care, implementing a two-generation strategy that invests in parents so they can invest in their children and easing some of the financial pressures on parents to help them achieve economic security for their children.
The text of the proclamation is below:
PROCLAMATION
Recognizing the importance of children in our communities, we stand with families in Mexico and throughout Latin America today to celebrate El Día de los Niños along with El Día de los Libros, which promotes the importance – and joy – of reading.
We recognize and celebrate the diversity of California’s children on this day. California has the largest and most diverse child population in the nation. Half of our state’s children have at least one parent who is an immigrant, and 60 percent of young children live in a home where a language other than, or in addition to, English is spoken.
Providing all of the children in California with a healthy start is one of the best investments our state can make. That is why California will continue to lead the nation in supporting and uplifting children and families in our policies. We are making historic investments in early childhood education and health care services so that all young Californians can lead healthy and productive lives.
When we focus on improving the quality of life for the whole family, it improves conditions for the whole community and for the whole state. On El Día de los Niños, we commit ourselves to uplifting children, focusing on equity and access to resources for the youngest Californians.
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 30, 2019, as “El Día de los Niños.”
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California
ATTEST:
ALEX PADILLA
Secretary of State
###