Now Accepting Applications to Make a Difference!

First Things First Seeks Applicants Ready to Impact Lives of Young Kids

Ahwatukee, Arizona (March 7, 20122)  – If you are an Ahwatukee community member interested in helping our youngest children arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed, the First Things First Central Regional Partnership Council needs you!

Research has shown a child’s early experiences lay the foundation for a lifetime of success in school and beyond. First Things First works to expand and enhance education and health services for children from birth through age five so they arrive at school prepared to succeed.

“I would recommend service on the Regional Council to meet passionate professionals with a common appreciation of the value of positive early childhood education and family experience,” said Dr. Glenn Waterkotte, a member of the Central Maricopa Regional Council. “You can help deliver the services to the children and families in your own neighborhood.  You will learn and receive more than you can imagine, and certainly more than you put in yourself. “

The Central Maricopa Regional Council has direct responsibility to: collect information on the strengths and needs of the Ahwatukee, Chandler, Guadalupe, and Tempe communities; prioritize the specific needs of children from birth through age 5; plan how to address those needs; choose who to partner and collaborate with to ensure success for the children in their area; and, make funding decisions necessary to carry out their plan.

Regional Council members also participate in community outreach to educate community leaders, public policymakers and the general public about First Things First and the importance of investing in early childhood.

Services funded by the Central Maricopa Regional Council this past year has resulted in:

• More than over 5,000 families received support in their role as their child’s first teacher  through Home Visitation, Parent Education, and Family Resource Centers in the Region
• 850 children are experiencing improvement in the quality of their care, including better equipped teachers and a more nurturing, literacy-rich learning environment; and
• More than 2,000 children received dental varnishes and dental screenings.

The Central Maricopa Regional Council is looking for candidates from various backgrounds – including parents of children 5 and younger, as well as individuals in the business, education, faith, and healthcare field – who have an interest in early childhood development and health.

The position will require a commitment of at least ten hours per month. Previous experience on local decision-making boards is a plus.

For more information and to apply, go to www.azftf.gov/apply .

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