Arizona’s early childhood agency represents a commitment Arizonans made to our youngest children – that they would have the support they need to start school healthy and ready to succeed. Many young children in Arizona face significant barriers to their success, including poverty, trauma and lack of access to needed resources.
68,482
Population of young children (under age 6)
18%
Percentage of young children living in poverty
Priorities
The Southeast Maricopa Regional Partnership Council makes strategic investments to support the healthy development and learning of the young children in the region. The regional council’s priorities include:
- Scholarships for children to access high-quality early learning
- Strengthening families through voluntary home visiting and family resource centers
- Improving the quality of child care and preschool programs
Mental and emotional growth are key to the first five years of a child’s life. Experiences during this important time shape their future. Helping families engage in quality early learning experiences is valuable to a child’s development. I believe efforts to support young children increase their long-term success in education and life.
Bryan McClure
Senior Vice President at Primerica and Town of Queen Creek Council Member
Regional Key Impact Highlights
[State Fiscal Year 2024]
Quality Preschool and Child Care
- 576 children birth to age 5 received a Quality First scholarship to attend high-quality preschools and child care programs
- 126 child care and preschool providers were committed to continuous quality improvement of their early learning programs through Quality First
- 64 relatives and other community caregivers attended educational sessions and received support and resources to increase their understanding of children’s development and strategies to promote young children’s health and learning
Preventive Health
- 2337 children received a screening to detect tooth decay, which when left undetected and untreated could cause learning challenges later on
State Fiscal Year 2024 Total Regional Program Expenditures
| Quality and Access | $4,655,261 |
| Family Support | $3,780,373 |
| Health | $1,276,689 |
| Evaluation | $313,741 |
| Community Awareness | $124,734 |
| Professional Development | $76,394 |
| Total | $10,227,192 |
First Things First Staff
Jennifer Pike
Administrative Specialist II – East Maricopa,SE Maricopa & Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Beth Haas
Community Engagement Coordinator - SE Maricopa
Regional Office
