Tag: first things first
Aug. 17 — First Things First will present its virtual 2021 Early Childhood Summit
First Things First will present the virtual 2021 Early Childhood Summit on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
Attendees will enjoy a full-day virtual Summit featuring two exciting keynote speakers and twelve breakout sessions tailored for professionals, stakeholders and supporters of early childhood education and health.
Registration opens on June 14 at the special early rate of $35.
First Things First — We invite you to #ShareTheCareAZ
This year, more than ever before, we have seen just how important early care and education providers are to support working families in our communities. Throughout the month of May, First Things First invites Arizonans to show their gratitude to these professionals who are essential for our families and our economy. Visit the Share the Care AZ page for simple ways to show support.
First Things First — Parenting takes a community
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
We all need to lean on each other sometimes. With so many families dealing with so much stress, it’s important to think about how to help Arizona families thrive and to reach out for help when needed. Together, we can lower the risk of abuse and neglect for our young children.
Connections Spotlight — Week of the Young Child events continue through April 16
Once again, First Things First has partnered with the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC) to join the annual nationwide celebration that focuses attention on early learning and the educators who support the positive development of young children.
The Week of the Young Child® is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association, with nearly 60,000 members and a network of 52 Affiliates.
The purpose of the Week of the Young Child® is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.
First Things First — Nominations Open for Eddie Basha Award for Service and Leadership
The First Things First regional partnership councils have continued to take action to support young children and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, their work is crucial to helping ensure families have what they need to care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Do you know a regional partnership council that has done extraordinary work on behalf of young children and families over the past year? If so, I’d like to invite you to recognize them and the great work happening by nominating them for the Eddie Basha Regional Partnership Council Excellence Award.
First Things First — Sharing the importance of investing in early childhood on Arizona Gives Day. See more state education and legislative news here
First Things First is again participating in Arizona Gives Day to increase awareness of investing in early childhood.
The annual giving event, run by the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, brings together nonprofit organizations to increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving. This year the day falls on April 6.
“The event helps raise awareness about the critical role Arizona nonprofits play in our communities and inspires people to give generously, creating a stronger Arizona for all,” said Stephen Sparks, director of FTF’s Fund Development and Strategic Investments.
April 7 — Free Zoom Workshop on Navajo Cultural Perspectives on Early Child Development and Teaching — ‘Baby College 101’
The Baby College 101: Courses for Ałchíní Yázhí program from University of Arizona Cooperative Extension is offering a professional development workshop for Navajo Head Start teachers, preschool teachers, child care providers and other professionals who work with young children or their families.
Navajo Cultural Perspectives on Early Child Development and Teaching will be presented by Sandra Freeland, MA and Verdi Martinez, MA. Both have over 20 years of experience in early literacy education and Navajo culture and traditions. During the interactive three hour workshop Ms. Freeland and Ms. Martinez will identify and model culturally linguistic and responsive teaching approaches to address teacher preparation for early literacy lessons. Navajo cultural perspectives on child development and teaching will be validated as a means of positive “Beauty Way” use of the Navajo language when guiding and modeling for children. Strategies for engaging families in the literacy process will also be provided.
First Things First — Arizona programs build strong families
The need for programs that serve young children who have been impacted by parental incarceration is evident, as reports show about 9% of Arizona’s children have had a parent in jail or prison, which is higher than the U.S. average of 7%.
Several FTF-funded programs provide support to those children and to caregivers, such as single parents, grandparents and foster parents, who care for the child while their parent is incarcerated. Other programs provide parenting education directly to parents while they are incarcerated so that they are better prepared to manage everyday challenges when they are reunited with their young children.
First Things First — What makes your child unique?
Positive Parenting: Celebrate your child’s strengths
Every child is unique, and every child needs someone who loves them for who they are. Noticing and celebrating your child’s strengths is an important part of positive parenting, so we asked Arizona parents what makes their little one special.
Navajo Nation Early Childhood Speaker Series to present ‘Adverse Childhood Experiences’ virtual event on March 11
The First Things First Navajo Nation Regional Partnership Council will host a virtual forum, designed to give participants – especially parents and caregivers of young children – an opportunity to increase their awareness of relevant early childhood topics. A panel of experts will discuss parenting in the time of coronavirus and social distancing and cover the following topics:
“Adverse Childhood Experiences — Part 2,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Mountain Time).
