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.

Whiteriver toddler benefits from parenting tips her mother received in home visits

November 4, 2022
White Mountain Apache Tribe home visitation

The FTF White Mountain Apache Region funds the Parents as Teachers program, which provides parents with free, in-home visits from a parent educator. Read More

Tucson dad learns how to help son be ready for kindergarten

7/18/2016
home visitation

Miguel Cortez of Tucson has three sons, twins who are in sixth grade, and Christopher, who started kindergarten this fall. Although all of his children…

Dads play important role in social-emotional development of children

7/18/2016
parenting education

Samara hesitated at first, but with the encouragement of her dad, the toddler soon began clapping her hands and swaying to the music. She was among dozens of…

A safe haven for children in need

7/18/2016
Quality First

Walking into a haven like UMOM Hobbs Child Development Center immediately fills you with a sense of comfort and safety. The quiet as tiny…

Quality learning in preschool and at home boosts Grand Canyon kindergartener’s success

7/17/2016
school readiness

When her son Demitrius was 3 years old, Kate Maragos felt guilty. As a mom of three, a Sunday school teacher, a volunteer and a long-term placement foster mom,…

First-time mom gains confidence as child’s first teacher

7/11/2016
parenting education

A first-time mom from Winslow, Laura Chee has big dreams for her 1-year-old son, Noah.“I want him to grow up to be respectful and do a lot,” said…

Access to safe, quality child care gives family a boost

7/11/2016
Quality First

How does a single father raise three little girls and hold a job? For the family of Safford resident Joshua, the First United Methodist…

Center teaches mom tools to support toddler’s learning

7/8/2016
family resource centers

Even though she has a successful career in business and community development, Lisa Armijo of Phoenix was like many new moms –unsure she had the skills to…

Tempe mom credits kids’ school success to empowering parenting program

7/8/2016
school readiness

Liliana Acosta had five children’s books in her home and would read them to her children every night. But, her daughter’s preschool teachers…

Mom of two finds support at family resource center

7/8/2016
family resource centers

“Even though you think you know it, there’s different ways to parent. It’s not the way we were taught how to parent,” said Elizabeth…

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