Region Stories from Pinal

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.

First Things First joins in recognizing the International Decade of Indigenous Languages

October 20, 2022
language preservation Native language Indigenous languages Native American Heritage Month

Some FTF regions support a Native Language Preservation Strategy to give families tools to promote their children’s language development. Read More

Maria Elena Ochoa is the 2022 Pinal Champion

9/27/2022
Pinal

Maria Elena Ochoa has been selected as the 2022 First Things First Pinal Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…

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.

Woman holding newborn baby, who has their eyes closed.

Advocates work together to provide support to expectant parents to reduce substance-exposed births

7/1/2022
Pinal

The SHIFT program, which stands for Safe, Healthy Infants and Families Thrive, was started through the Pinal County Courts.

woman in pink tshirt holding up a board book in front of a small child.

Pinal community members work together to support families of young children

5/11/2022
Pinal

The Pinal Early Childhood Coalition has a mission that all the county’s children are prepared for kindergarten.

Sensory and developmental screening helps identify speech delay in Queen Creek

12/2/2021
health and developmental screenings

Like many Queen Creek families last year, Tori Shank, her husband Nathan, and their infant daughter Kayleen didn’t have a lot of interactions with other…

Dani Duran is the 2021 Pinal Champion

5/26/2021
champion

Dani Duran has been selected as the 2021 First Things First Pinal Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer…

Programs aim to create stable environment for children of incarcerated parents

3/12/2021
family support

FTF supports programs for families of young children who face challenges because they have a parent in jail or prison.

Grandparents smiling on the sofa with their grandchildren

Family, Friends and Neighbor program helps Maricopa grandmother prepare granddaughter for…

12/21/2020
early learning

The FTF Pinal Regional Partnership Council funds the Family, Friends and Neighbor program, which focuses on supporting in-home child care providers.

Kelly Cota is the 2020 Pinal Region Champion

6/29/2020
champion

Kelly Cota has been selected as the 2020 First Things First Pinal Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer…

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