Earlier this month, First Things First teamed with the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC) to celebrate the Week of the Young Child, which highlights the importance of early learning and the educators who support the positive development of young children.
The national week, which fell on April 2-10, provided FTF’s Community Outreach team opportunities to work with early childhood supporters, local organizations and businesses to rally around the importance of early childhood and Arizona’s babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Statewide Proclamation
📜 A big THANK YOU to Gov. @DougDucey for proclaiming April 2-8 as #woyc22 across the Grand Canyon State. «Public policies supporting #earlylearning for all young children are crucial to helping AZ families, communities & economy THRIVE.» @AZFTF @sazaeyc @NAEYC @SupportEarlyEd pic.twitter.com/GUEvLK5QT1
— Arizona AEYC (@AzAEYC) March 29, 2022
“Across the state’s communities, our community outreach coordinators worked in various ways with local organizations to celebrate our youngest learners,” said FTF’s Senior Director for Community Outreach Cynthia Pardo. “Activities ranged from helping to organize and host events for families that matched the themes of the week to sharing ways to engage on social media on how the community can support young children and their learning. Our team works diligently to engage the community and offer ways to elevate these more powerful voices who can create a ripple effect within their community.”
FTF Navajo Nation Region
Thank you Navajo Nation Office of President & Vice President for proclaiming April 2-8 the Week of the Young Child #WOYC22! @NNPrezNez & First Lady Nez signed the proclamation at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock AZ. (#FTFNavajoNation Region) @AzAEYC https://t.co/28iPa3sYpt pic.twitter.com/iDYj3pypDH
— First Things First (@AZFTF) April 8, 2022
One of the biggest efforts that the outreach team coordinates for the week is working with their FTF regional council and local city and town councils to invite those leaders to issue proclamations in support of Week of the Young Child and the importance of early childhood. This year, several city councils, tribal governments, a county board of supervisors and a local chamber of commerce publicly presented proclamations in support of young children. AzAEYC also worked to secure proclamations and FTF’s Public Affairs secured a proclamation from Gov. Doug Ducey’s office. The combined efforts typically result in Arizona being the national leader in proclamations in support of the week.
FTF Pima South Region
Thank you Mayor Tom Murphy from @Sahuarita_Az, for proclaiming April 2-8 as Week of the Young Child #WOYC22. @SAZAEYC Board Treasurer Silvia Salcido and #FTFPimaSouth Community Outreach Coordinator Chinna Garza accepted the proclamation at a town council meeting. @AzAEYC pic.twitter.com/h5LEPE4x9d
— First Things First (@AZFTF) April 1, 2022
Week of the Young Child is hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The celebration is designed 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.
FTF Southeast Maricopa Region
Thank you to @CITYOFMESA and @MayorGiles for proclaiming April 2-8 as Week of the Young Child #WOYC22! #FTFSoutheastMaricopa Regional Council Member Dr. Annapurna Ganesh accepted the proclamation virtually. @AzAEYC https://t.co/xM5sq8QDla (2:40) pic.twitter.com/T7ygYZO5MF
— First Things First (@AZFTF) April 5, 2022
