Karen Woodhouse, CPO

Karen Woodhouse is the Chief Program Officer at  First Things First. First Things First is an initiative to build a statewide early childhood system and provide funding for quality early childhood development and health programs for young children and their families at both the state and local community level.

Throughout her career, she has worked with other state and national organizations to promote quality in early care and education programs. Recent collaborative initiatives include School Readiness Indicators, Arizona Early Learning Standards, Early Childhood Teacher Certification and initial development of the Arizona Quality Improvement Rating System for early childhood settings. Karen frequently delivers presentations for national and local organizations, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Education Commission of the States.

Ms. Woodhouse has over 20 years experience working with young children, families, teachers and caregivers. Prior to joining First Things First, she worked with the Arizona Department of Education, as Deputy Associate Superintendent for Early Childhood, and administered statewide programs for preschool through grade 3, full‐day kindergarten, and family literacy. She began her career at the Department of Education working in child nutrition programs. She has a master’s degree from the University of Arizona and completed post‐graduate coursework at Arizona State University.

Karen and her husband are the proud parents of two young adults, and enjoy walking, hiking and biking in the Valley of the Sun.