Skip to content

Sign up for the newsletter »

First Things First First Things First

Region Stories from Pima South

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.

Mom and son hugging

Vail preschooler builds his problem solving skills at Quality First center

  • Pima South

At Creation School in Vail, the team of teachers work with children to develop academic and social-emotional skills needed for the rest of their lives.

Dr. Joseph Hentges

Dr. Joseph Hentges is Pima South’s 2018 Champion for Young Children

  • champion

Dr. Joseph Hentges has been selected as the 2018 Pima South First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…
smiling teacher

College scholarship a life-changer for child care provider

  • professional development

When Desiree Lohrenz decided to open a home child care center in Tucson, she wanted it to be the kind of early learning environment that would have a lasting…

Quality First preschool helps Tucson boy transition to kindergarten

  • Pima South

Anita Meek had a decision to make.Her son Levi was turning five in September, but he would miss the cut-off day for kindergarten by ten days. She weighed…

Susan Pace is Pima South’s 2017 Champion for Young Children

  • champion

Susan Pace has been selected as the 2017 Pima South First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer…
family-with-books

Tucson dad learns how to help son be ready for kindergarten

  • Pima South

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…
parents-with-girl

Dads play important role in social-emotional development of children

  • Pima South

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…

Stay Up To Date.

Join our email list to keep up with the latest news and information from FTF

Send me:

© First Things First. All Rights Reserved. • Privacy Policy • Accessibility • Website Feedback • Ombudsman-Citizens Aide