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Region Stories from Coconino

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.

Autumn Argent

Autumn Argent is Coconino’s 2018 Champion for Young Children

  • champion

Autumn Argent has been selected as the 2018 Coconino First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…
family photo

Parent education program helps Fredonia girl become a problem solver

  • Coconino

Danielle Smith and her husband wanted to ensure they had the parenting skills needed to form positive relationships with their two daughters and get them ready…
Rene Hobbs

Rene Hobbs-RedDay is Coconino’s 2017 Champion for Young Children

  • champion

Rene Hobbs-RedDay has been selected as the 2017 Coconino Region First Things First Champion for Young Children. ​The award is given to local champions who…
hopi-girl-smiling

Hopi girl’s self-esteem blossoms with help from her mom

  • Coconino

When Tia was 4 years old, her mother Tracy Billy worried about her self-esteem. Billy was working full time during the day at the hospital, taking evening…

Supporting grandparents in their role as second-time-around caregivers

  • family friend and neighbor care

​​​​​​​ “Nana, Nana!” Kate and Alexa run in to Cindy’s Fredonia home every morning excited to have breakfast and play with their grandma.…

Growing up great in Page

  • Coconino

​​​​​​​Foster mother Sandra Guzman* is rediscovering what it is like to raise an infant, now that her family is fostering baby Isaac*.With a 14-…

Getting ready for kindergarten

  • Coconino

In a classroom at Fredonia Elementary School, young children sitting at a computer playing a phonics game; some are shaping objects out of play dough; at…

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

  • 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

  • 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…

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