Region Stories from Southeast Maricopa

These stories illustrate how early childhood programs and services funded by First Things First make a difference for young children and families in communities across Arizona.

Mesa child care centers benefit from Quality First program through professional development for all staff

March 17, 2025
Quality First Southeast Maricopa Quality First Scholarships

Child care provider Toshina Thames, like Quality First, is committed to the healthy development and learning of Arizona’s youngest children. Read More

Quality First preschool allows Queen Creek girl to thrive

1/27/2024
Quality First

The First Things First Southeast Maricopa Regional Council funds Quality First scholarships to help eligible families afford quality early care and education…

Federal pandemic era assistance to Arizona’s child care industry is ending. What does that mean…

10/11/2023
child care

Federal child care assistance is ending as advocates warn of a child care cliff that jeopardizes working families, employers and Arizona’s economy.

family resource centers, southeast Maricopa 2022 Impact Report story, mom sitting on floor playing with kids

Mesa resource center helps family create quality early learning experiences for sisters

12/16/2022
Southeast Maricopa

The FTF Southeast Maricopa Regional Partnership Council funds family resource centers to provide a community hub of services, programs, guidance and support…

2022 Champions for Young Children Award, early childhood champions

2022 FTF Champions helping their community better understand the importance of the early years

8/3/2022
Champions

FTF is honoring early childhood champions throughout Arizona who actively volunteer to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood.

New regional council members share expertise and passion

7/8/2022
AZ communities

There are 36 new regional partnership council members joining the more than 250 dedicated community members across Arizona.

Kathy Alsop is the Southeast Maricopa Region Champion

6/13/2022
Southeast Maricopa

Kathy Alsop has been selected as the 2022 First Things First Southeast Maricopa Region Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who…

Gilbert Quality First center creates consistent classroom routine for boy with special needs

12/2/2021
child care

The FTF Southeast Maricopa Region funds Quality First so families can send their children to quality child care programs.

Mary Ann Sawyer is the 2021 Southeast Maricopa Champion for Young Children

6/3/2021
champion

Mary Ann Sawyer has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Southeast Maricopa Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who…

Mom smiling and holding her young son who is wearing a striped shirt

Family resource center helps Gilbert boy build self-esteem and self-discipline skills

12/21/2020
Southeast Maricopa

At AZCEND family resource center, Kat Somers had access to resources, referrals to support services and access to educational programs.

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