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Region Stories

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.

Mother and father with three kids

Parenting class helps young mom and dad from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community look at…

  • family support

“After we took the class, we really started talking more, sitting with each other, reading books, trying to understand each other and communicate,” said…

family with young son

3-year-old boy gets prepared for kindergarten at family resource center in Rio Rico

  • family support

The Rio Rico Family Resource center provided the Luna’s with free classes and other activities to help their son prepare for kindergarten.

Family reading

Scottsdale Family Resource Center helps young sisters establish healthy emotional behaviors

  • family support

“These programs have made a difference for our family,” Chris Ortiz said. “I genuinely feel that I have become a more capable and confident parent.”

Quality First preschools in Globe-Miami area helping children prepare for kindergarten

  • early care and education

Brandi White, a mother of four children and a former elementary school teacher has seen a difference in her 4-year-old son, Vander, since enrolling him in…

Safford library story time helps instill love of learning in girl

  • Graham/Greenlee

When Chandler Aaron was 9 months old, her mom went back to work as a school teacher. Luckily for Chandler, her grandma Barbara Matthews became her full-time…

Mom hugging her two daughters

Quality First scholarships allow two sisters to access high-quality care

  • Gila River Indian Community

Angelina Ramirez is a single mom who is determined to provide the best for her two daughters, Ella and Jewel. However, as a working mom, affording quality…

Parents and kids in classroom

Lake Havasu City preschool helps twin sisters learn social emotional skills to be ready for…

  • Quality First

Lake Havasu mother finds Quality First preschool for her daughters to have the best opportunity to develop and gain the needed skills for kindergarten.

Mother and daughter with parent educator

Home visitation program helps Peach Springs girl reach healthy developmental milestones

  • family support

“I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask questions or ask for help,” Racine Whatoname said. “I am so much more comfortable reaching out for feedback…

Mom and daughter smiling

Cocopah Early Steps helps both mom and toddler with smooth transitions

  • Cocopah Tribe

When Olivia was 18-months-old, Stephanie enrolled in a home visitation program and began learning more about brain development and how all children develop at…

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