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NEWS RELEASE

Contacts

 

Terri Duhart, Southeast Maricopa
Regional Coordinator
 tduhart@azftf.gov
(602) 771-4985 

Mary Jo West
Communications Director 
mjwest@azftf.gov
(602) 771-5021  

 

First Things First

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First Things First Southeast Maricopa Regional Partnership Council bringing much needed early childhood services and supports to young children and their families.

Mesa,   Ariz. (December 29, 2008) How can children between birth and five be best served in the Southeast Maricopa Region which includes Mesa, Gilbert, and Queen Creek? That question was not only answered, but children will soon benefit from much needed services and supports so they are afforded opportunities to succeed in school and life.  

After conducting the first ever Needs and Assets Report, the First Things First Southeast Maricopa Regional Partnership Council identified areas to create positive change for young children and their families. The eleven volunteers who serve on the Regional Council have determined local priorities to address community needs.  The following are just some of the highlights of the funded strategies that will impact children 0-5:

  • Health Insurance Outreach and Enrollment: Increasing the number of children with health insurance by conducting outreach and enrollment assistance in public health programs.  
  •  Oral Health Care:  Expanding children’s access to preventative oral health care.   
  • Developmental Screenings: The Southeast Maricopa Regional Partnership Council recognizes the need to support and enhance programs that provide screening activities for children ages 0-5.  
  •  Family Support: The Southeast Maricopa Regional Council is looking to develop a comprehensive family support model that will serve families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5. The goal is to provide early childhood development and school achievement   learning opportunities to parents through education programs designed with families in mind. The Southeast Maricopa Regional Partnership Council recognizes that all families benefit from support.

"We know that most parents want the best possible outcomes for their children" explained Michael Cowan, Vice –Chair of the Southeast Maricopa Regional Council, "we also know that most parents can become both more competent and confident in their critical roles as parents.  For these reasons, the Southeast Maricopa Regional Partnership Council has chosen to underscore the responsibility of parents, families and communities by providing necessary resources to help parents do the best job possible."

 First Things First funds are generated by a statewide 80 cents tax on tobacco products that Arizona voters approved in November 2006 when Proposition 203 was passed.  Over $8,000,000 was allocated and to be used in the Southeast Maricopa regional area.

First Things First and the Southeast Maricopa Regional Council are in sync with the national movement emphasizing the early years as the best time for investment.  Recently the national media ran a story on the importance of investing in early childhood.  The media coverage highlighted President-elect Obama’s strategic focus on early childhood education.  In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to invest in children now since most of a child’s brain development occurs from zero to five. If they are not prepared for kindergarten, research shows us that they will falter in school and not achieve their potential, but may cost the community in the long run.  The Southeast Maricopa Regional Council is focusing on their future workforce, preparing their children to compete in a global market place.

  To learn more please visit www.azftf.gov.

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