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Region Stories

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.

mother-and-daughter

Maricopa mom attributes kindergarten success to parenting education program

  • school readiness

Mid-year of kindergarten at Butterfield Elementary School in Maricopa, 5-year-old Ruby Hoeh’s reading indicators were assessed. She was performing at a…
smiling teacher

College scholarship a life-changer for child care provider

  • Quality First

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…
Mom with son and daughter

Quality First preschool helps siblings be confident in academics and social skills

  • Quality First

Stephanie Carl faced hard times in 2013 when she found herself raising her preschool-aged children on her own.“I had been a stay-at-home mom, taking care…
Mom and daughter with daughter

Quality First preschool helps Chinle preschooler gain important literacy skills

  • Quality First

Lola Wood was trying her best to get her young son Takoda interested in learning while they were together at home, but felt like he needed more motivation and…
parents-reading-to-kids

Former preemies get strong start at Quality First center in Kingman

  • Quality First

Avery and Ariya Espinosa were born 10 weeks premature, each weighing less than four pounds. They spent their first six weeks in the neonatal intensive care…

Reading bonds siblings in Graham County

  • strong families

Trever Sanchez’s favorite pastime has always been reading.His grandmother, Cindy Stratton, remembers first being introduced to the Dolly Parton…
Mom with son

Sacaton teen finds support and compassion at Baby Smarts

  • family support

When high school teen Amy Rhodes found out she was pregnant, she worried about her baby’s future.She soon connected to Baby Smarts, a program funded by…

Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services support family as their son’s first and best teacher

  • family support

Lydia Aguilar-Ott and her husband started taking parenting classes before their son was born.They had heard over and over that even when parents aren’t…
mom-reads-to-girl

Home visitation program helps lay foundation of learning for Ahwatukee girl

  • family support

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…

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