Region Stories from East Maricopa

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.

Mesa Quality First center helps Gilbert girl improve communication skills

July 22, 2025
Quality First East Maricopa Southeast Maricopa Quality First Scholarships

Because of a Quality First Scholarship, Amaya is learning, while her mother is able to work for a local HVAC business. Read More

Dad with beard, mom in navy blue dress, toddler boy, son in yellow t-shirt

Nurse-Family Partnership helps first-time mom learn how to take of care of infant son in Tempe

12/7/2020
child development

The Nurse-Family Partnership program provides regular visits by trained nurses starting in early pregnancy through the child’s second year.

Sharyn Weinheimer is the 2020 East Maricopa Region Champion

6/4/2020
champion

Sharyn Weinheimer has been selected as the 2020 First Things First East Maricopa Regional Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who…

Scottsdale Family Resource Center helps young sisters establish healthy emotional behaviors

11/15/2019
family resource centers

“These programs have made a difference for our family,” Chris Ortiz said. “I genuinely feel that I have become a more capable and confident parent.”

Local governments eyeing investments in quality early learning

11/5/2019
AZ communities

A city-funded high-quality preschool program is showing other Arizona cities and towns that investing in its youngest residents pays off.

Kim Waggoner is the 2019 East Maricopa Region Champion

5/21/2019
East Maricopa

Kim Waggoner has been selected as the 2019 First Things First East Maricopa Region Champion for Young Children.

Positive experiences at Quality First preschool impact all seven Scottsdale siblings

12/5/2018
Quality First

Scottsdale siblings received early education at Quality First preschool and their positive experiences impacted the entire family.

Normalicia Blanco is East Maricopa’s 2018 Champion for Young Children

5/25/2018
champion

Normalicia Blanco has been selected as the 2018 East Maricopa First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively…

Home visitation program helps lay foundation of learning for Ahwatukee girl

1/10/2018
home visitation

Like all expecting parents, Marriott Hileman dreamed of raising a successful child. When Sofia was born, Hileman made the decision to stay home so she could…

Family resource center helps Tempe mom support daughter’s learning

8/3/2017
family support

When Maricela Romero became a mother, she wanted her daughter Emily to have a better childhood experience than the one she remembered. But it wasn’t…

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