Region Stories from Phoenix 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.

Community advocates to influence change

June 19, 2026
Phoenix North East Maricopa child care crisis

FTF recently collaborated separately with the cities of Phoenix and Tempe on 2 potential local investments in early childhood education. Read More

Kith and Kin program helps Phoenix mom provide structure in son’s life

12/21/2020
social-emotional development

The FTF Phoenix South Regional Council funds the Kith and Kin program to empower caregivers with tools to encourage a healthy development for children.

woman holding hands of young girl, consoling

Court Teams in Maricopa County determined to improve the lives of babies and toddlers in the child…

9/25/2020
child development

The Court Teams Strategy seeks to increase the awareness of developmental needs of young kids for those working in the child welfare system.

Dawn Berg is the 2020 First Things First Phoenix South Champion

6/11/2020
champion

Dawn Berg has been selected as the 2020 First Things First Phoenix South Regional Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who…

small girl playing with triangle musical instrument

Helping bridge the service gap for children with special needs

5/8/2020
child development

A pilot program is providing support for families who have developmental concerns about their child, but aren’t eligible for special needs services.

Family resource center helps Phoenix boy with quality early childhood experiences

11/15/2019
family resource centers

At the Family Learning Center, Marta Dardon learned how to create quality early childhood experiences for her children

Anthony and Kim Gathers are the 2019 Phoenix South Region Champions

6/12/2019
champion

Anthony and Kim Gathers have been selected as the 2019 First Things First Phoenix South Region Champions for Young Children.

Phoenix Quality First center helps children start kindergarten with skills to succeed

12/18/2018
Quality First

The Family School in Phoenix participates in Quality First, which partners with early childhood providers to help young children be ready for kindergarten.

Jessica Brown Anna Marie Smith are Phoenix South’s 2018 Champions for Young Children

5/25/2018
champion

Jessica Brown and Anna Marie Smith have been selected as the 2018 Phoenix South First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local…

Kindergarten Boot Camp encourages excitement for learning in Phoenix boy

12/19/2017
school readiness

When Erica Sarmiento learned about Kindergarten Bootcamp, a Phoenix Public Library program funded by First Things First, she put it on the top of her…

« Previous 1 2 3 Next »