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.

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

Mark Becker is Yuma’s 2018 Champion for Young Children

1/19/2017
champion

Mark Becker has been selected as the 2018 Yuma First Things First Champion for Young Children.The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer…

Hopi girl’s self-esteem blossoms with help from her mom

1/11/2017
parenting education

When Tia was 4 years old, her mother Tracy Billy worried about her self-esteem. Billy was working full time during the day at the hospital, taking evening…

Veteran home-based early care provider finds support and encouragement to overcome child’s…

8/17/2016
language literacy and culture

After 26 years nurturing and educating young children, veteran teacher Becky Tellez never expect to face a teaching challenge she couldn’t overcome. But,…

Library literacy stations help parents see themselves as a child’s first teacher

8/9/2016
parenting education

“TWO! That’s my number, that’s how old I am,” said 2 year old Joaquin, as his eyes lit up when he saw the number two flash across the screen…

Readiness Basket program helps families gather to learn

8/9/2016
school readiness

At the tender age of nine months, Luis moved in with his grandmother Maria Altamirano and her husband Miguel.Right away, Altamirano could see that Luis had…

Scholarship program keep kids learning, parents working

7/18/2016
Quality First

As a single mom of three boys, Angie struggled to afford child care while still keeping food on the table. She has let the lights go out…

Future looks and sounds brighter for preschool twins

7/18/2016
developmental screenings

Hearing, vision and developmental challenges in young children can lead to learning problems later on. If detected early, however, many issues can be corrected…

Finding hope, making progress: How Angelo overcame Dysphagia

7/18/2016
Northwest Maricopa

Three-year-old Angelo can count to twenty as he washes his hands. He loves to read books and has a lot of fun playing with his friends at school. But things…

Scholarships help young kids access early education

7/18/2016
Quality First

Balancing parenthood with higher education can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if young parents are far from home. Jessica moved to Tempe from…

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