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Region Stories from Yavapai

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.

Sherie Gifford is the 2024 Champion for the Yavapai Region

  • champion

Sherie Gifford is the program manager at Little Learners through High Country Early Intervention dba Karen A. Fay in Prescott.

Woman holding a baby with a doctor putting stethoscope to the baby's back.

Working toward a better system for families to find resources in Yavapai County

  • Yavapai

The FTF Yavapai Regional Council is committed to making sure families who need services are able to find a connection for help.

Prescott Valley child care director reimagines outdoor learning space through infrastructure grant

  • child care

Arizona child care providers received nearly $60 million to improve their facilities increasing access to early childhood learning spaces.
Conference room with people sitting around tables.

Northern Arizona community members discuss child care challenges and potential solutions

  • child care

The forum at Twin Arrows conference center outside of Flagstaff was the second quarterly gathering on Strengthening the Child Care Workforce.
Dad in blue, long sleeve shirt showing little girl in purple something outside near a tree. Making nature accessible

Working to connect babies, toddlers and preschoolers to outdoor spaces

  • outdoor

Research shows that connecting young children with nature contributes to their healthy development, including cognitively and emotionally.

First Things First Yavapai Region honored with Eddie Basha Award for Leadership and Service

  • Yavapai

The FTF Yavapai Regional Council was honored for its collective work to improve support services for families with young children.
Ellen Bashor

Ellen Bashor is the FTF Yavapai Champion

  • champion

Ellen Bashor has been selected as the 2022 First Things First Yavapai Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer…

Prescott Valley Quality First center provides stability and learning for 4-year-old boy

  • Quality First

The FTF Yavapai Region funds Quality First, which works with home-based child care providers, like Granny’s House, to improve early learning.
little girl standing with woman in glasses looking at her

Efforts expand to support the social and emotional health of young children during challenging times

  • mental health

An influx of federal money will allow more providers to access early childhood mental health consultation during a climate of uncertainty.

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