Play & Learn L.A. will establish these children & family centers in the communities where the needs are the greatest including East Los Angeles and South Los Angeles. These communities currently have the least access to the high-quality children’s museums that exist in Los Angeles County. They also lack the infrastructure in their schools and recreation centers to offer the extra educational enrichment programs necessary for success at higher levels of education.
DIMINISHING COMMUNITY RESOURCES In a recent study, 37 U.S. states and the District of Columbia identified a lack of resources or unpredictable funding levels as the most pressing school finance issue, particularly given state revenue trends (Edwards et al 2005). Cities and counties, facing record budget deficits, are choosing to cut library services to avoid reducing funds for public safety services (Adler 2000). Head Start programs continually face budget cuts. Local chambers of commerce scour to find organizations that will boost lasting economic development.
HEALTH ISSUES
The lack of safe play options in these communities contributes toward preventable health impacts on children. In South & East L.A., over 30% of youth suffer from childhood obesity [County Department of Public Health]
Submitted by: Scott McVarish
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