Volunteer to be a voice for young children in your Arizona community
Tag: First Things First
First Things First report details challenges facing Arizona’s youngest children
As we begin 2024, I’m looking forward to working with our state’s early childhood stakeholders – including parents and caregivers, child care and health providers, state and non-profit agencies, educators, businesses, philanthropists, faith organizations, policymakers and elected leaders – as partners in addressing children’s school readiness.
To help with those efforts, I am pleased to announce that First Things First has published the latest edition of Building Bright Futures – our biennial assessment on the status of Arizona’s youngest children. You can read more about the report on our latest blog.
The new report provides insight into the challenges facing young children in Arizona and details the need for continued work to ensure the future stability of child care in our state’s post-pandemic landscape.
First Things First — Kindergarten readiness tips and physical activity for babies
— Kindergarten readiness tips: developing independence
— Find free early childhood programs across Arizona
— Physical activity helps babies get more sleep
First Things First March Parenting Newsletter
March 2019 Children’s books open a world of words and ideas Read Across America celebrates the birthday of Dr. Seuss and encourages everyone to pick up a book and read with a child. No one knows more about children’s books…
First Things First update for Feb. 20 — Veteran FTF Board members lauded for their expertise, insight and visionary leadership
News and happenings about First Things First February 2019 Veteran FTF Board members lauded for their expertise, insight and visionary leadership This year, three long-serving FTF Board members will complete their terms of service: Ruth Solomon, Gayle Burns and Nadine Mathis…
First Things First: Call for Proposals – Early Childhood Summit 2019
First Things First is seeking proposals for breakout sessions to be presented at the 2019 Early Childhood Summit. The Summit brings together early childhood professionals, stakeholders and supporters to learn, share and grow. Summit breakout sessions present best practices, innovative and evidence-based approaches…
Guest commentary: Chores serve as learning moments for toddlers and preschoolers
FLAGSTAFF — As 2019 begins, millions of Americans set goals for themselves on things they would like to do or improve this year. For parents and caregivers of toddlers and preschoolers, this New Year’s tradition offers a wonderful opportunity to expand…
First Things First update for Jan. 8 — Can you spoil a baby?
January 2019 Can you spoil a baby? You have a lot to worry about when you have a newborn. Things like feedings and diaper changes and if you’ll ever get a good night’s sleep again. But there’s one thing you…
First Things First update for Dec. 17 — Help families find early childhood programs in your Arizona community
News and happenings about First Things First December 2018 Help families find early childhood programs in your Arizona community First Things First’s new Find Programs tool is an easy way for you to help parents, grandparents and other caregivers search…
First Things First update for Dec. 5 — NEW! Find early childhood programs near you
December 2018 NEW! Find early childhood programs near you First Things First supports programs in communities across Arizona through grants to community organizations that provide services—at no cost—for young children from birth to age 5 and their families. Search by…
First Things First update for Nov. 19 — FTF partners with Arizona tribes to meet the needs of young children
News and happenings about First Things First November 2018 FTF partners with Arizona tribes to meet the needs of young children FTF Tribal Affairs staff work with 19 federally-recognized tribes to listen and learn from tribal leaders to ensure their…
First Things First update for Nov. 5 — Quality child care: What to look for in teacher-child interactions
November 2018 Quality child care: What to look for in teacher-child interactions Quality child care helps children learn, grow and thrive. Teacher-child interactions that are stimulating and nurturing are an essential part of quality early learning programs. Check out our 1-minute…
Ease young kids into Halloween for a smooth experience
FLAGSTAFF — Halloween can be a fun time of year, but for infants, toddlers and preschoolers – who often can’t distinguish between fantasy and reality – scary experiences can ruin the holiday. Easing young children into Halloween is one of the…
First Things First update for Oct. 16 — Courting Better Outcomes
News and happenings about First Things First October 2018 Courting better outcomes for young kids in foster care As infants continue to be the largest group of children to enter foster care, it’s imperative to address the negative impact of…
First Things First update for Oct. 3 — Not just a theory: Block play helps build STEM skills
October 2018 Not just a theory: Block play helps build STEM skills Young Albert Einstein spent a lot of time playing with blocks. It sparked his imagination and helped develop his scientific mind. While there’s no guarantee your little one…
First Things First update for Sept. 17 — 2018 Annual Report
Click here for more information News and happenings about First Things First September 2018 Annual Report Details Impact of Arizona’s Early Childhood Investments The number of children with access to quality early learning has doubled. Thousands of families have…
First Things First update for Sept. 5
September 2018 Givers of a bright future Our new awareness campaign highlights that babies, toddlers and preschoolers learn and grow through their relationships with the caring adults in their lives. That’s parents, of course, and also grandparents, friends, family and child…
First Things First update for Aug. 20
News and happenings about First Things First August 2018 Family, friend and neighbor child care providers learn they are teachers, too More than one-third of Arizona’s children under age 5 are cared for in informal child care settings, better known…
First Things First: Everyone can help young kids stay safe around water this summer
FLAGSTAFF — Pool weather and summertime go hand in hand. Especially since pools are everywhere—in your backyard, apartment complexes, neighbors’ homes. As the weather gets warmer, more and more families are using their pools or attending pool parties. But along with…
First Things First update for May 21
May 2018 Arizona kindergarten teachers share the scoop on what kids need to be ready for that first day First Things First asked kindergarten teachers from across Arizona: What’s the one piece of advice you’d give parents to help prepare…
First Things First honors Coconino Champions for Young Children
FLAGSTAFF — First Things First recognizes Autumn Argent as the 2018 First Things First Coconino Champion for Young Children. The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer their time to raise public awareness of the importance of early childhood…
First Things First update for May 2
Click here for more information May 2018 Reading, Language and Early Literacy “Your job as a parent, in these early years, is to encourage a love of language and books,” says our guest, Jenny Volpe, CEO of Make Way…
Report Highlights Challenges of State’s Youngest Children
By First Things First Almost 1 in 3 young children in Arizona live in poverty, a risk factor for later difficulties, including lower academic achievement. This is just one of the challenges faced by many of Arizona’s almost 550,000 infants, toddlers…
Parent Awareness and Community Outreach Coordinator Job Opening
First Things First has recently opened up a position as Parent Awareness and Community Outreach Coordinator in the Coconino Region. Job Summary Reporting to the Director of Community Outreach and in collaboration with FTF leadership, staff and Regional Council members, the…
Volunteer seats open to those who want to be a voice for young kids
FLAGSTAFF — If you are passionate about children and want to impact the early childhood programs available to young kids in our community, First Things First (FTF) needs you! FTF seeks about 150 volunteers for the opportunity to impact the…
Guest commentary: Four tips to help prevent tooth decay in Arizona’s young kids
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month Flagstaff — Parents and caregivers are the first defense in helping prevent tooth decay in Arizona’s youngest children. February is National Children’s Dental Health month, which promotes the benefits of good oral health. Left…
First Things First: Incorporate Art into STEM education at an early age
(CCC&Y Reminder: Flagstaff Festival of Science Begins Sept. 23) By Cynthia Pardo, First Things First Photo courtesy of First Things First Toddlers and preschoolers learn naturally by exploring and experimenting. What appears to adults as play is really forming and…
Q&A with 2016 Coconino First Things First Champion for Young Children Theresa Kulpinski
By First Things First Theresa Kulpinski has been selected as the 2016 Coconino First Things First Champion for Young Children. The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer their time to raise public awareness of the importance of early…
Early literacy starts before babies can talk
By Sam Leyvas / First Things First Every year, throughout March, classrooms across the nation celebrate the birthday of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss by hosting reading events for elementary school children. Did you know that early literacy starts way…
Like all skills, gratitude is best learned young
By Cynthia Pardo • First Things First FLAGSTAFF – As we enter the Thanksgiving season, it is the perfect time to teach young children a very important life lesson: gratitude. Barbara Lewis, author of What Do You Stand For? For Kids, says children as…
Guest commentary: More and more grandparents are helping raise the next generation
By First Things First The relationship between a child and a grandparent is a special bond. As the nation celebrated Grandparents’ Day this month, let’s take a look at those grandparents who are not only showering their grandkids with love,…
Flagstaff Back to School Fair to be held at Flagstaff Family Food Center on July 11
The Flagstaff Back to School Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 11 at the Flagstaff Family Food Center — Food Bank and Kitchen, 1903 N. Second St., Flagstaff. Sponsored by the Flagstaff Family Food Center, the second annual event will feature more…
Guest commentary: First Things First’s Top 10 Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten
Summertime is a great opportunity to help kids prepare for their first day of kindergarten. Today’s schools expect 5-year-olds to arrive with basic academic and social skills so they are prepared on day one to start learning to read, write…
Guest commentary: Babies and toddlers need more reading time
A recent national study shows there’s good news and challenges when it comes to families reading daily with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The good news is parents recognize that reading with young children is important in developing language and literacy skills. The challenge…
Commentary: Educating the community
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ For as long as I can remember, I have always been involved in educational outreach efforts as I progressed through my career in journalism. As a young reporter I took part in panel presentations…
Bilingual commentary: Helping young kids beat the holiday blues
December is crowded with activity and excitement, which can all be fun for young children, but may also have some unintended consequences: behavior changes. Toddlers and preschoolers can experience a myriad of emotions, including: anticipation of special activities and events;…
Guest commentary: Babysitter or an educator?
A tour of the Kith and Kin Project in Flagstaff By Cynthia Pardo / First Things First “Hay muchas cosas que devemos a aprender, como, escuchar a nuestros hijos, involucrarlos en todo para que aprendan a desenvolverse major,” said Ms.…
Guest commentary: Like all skills, gratitude is best learned young
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is the perfect time to teach young children a very important life lesson: gratitude. Barbara Lewis, author of What Do You Stand For? For Kids, teaches us children as young as 2 are aware that other…
Guest commentary: At Halloween, protect kids’ teeth. Prevent school absences
Did you know that tooth decay is among the most common health issues affecting young children, and that dental disease is one of the leading causes of school absence? The Arizona Department of Health Services estimates that almost half of…