Kids services get $2 million
June 23, 2010 3:52 PM
Young Yuma County residents will have $2 million in resources, thanks to two local organizations.
First Things First is a statewide organization created in 2006 by Arizona voters through Proposition 203, a ballot initiative that sets aside 80 cents from each pack of cigarettes sold in order to fund the expansion of education and health programs for children from birth through age 5.
Madeline Coil, Yuma Regional Council chairwoman for First Things First, said when Yuma children are provided with quality early childhood education and health programs, they are more likely to succeed in school and life.
“By providing quality early learning experiences, a foundation is created for lifelong learning,” she said. “These services build on best practices and meet the unique needs of the Yuma communities.”
The funding will support community-based strategies, such as the Western Arizona Council of Governments Head Start, and help enhance the professional skills of more than 250 teachers who work with the children.
Child and Family Resources received two grants to help parents support their child's learning and development and to fund the Choices for Teens program geared toward parenting, life skills and self-sufficiency.
The Yuma County Department of Public Health Services District was also awarded two grants. Those funds will help parents support their child's development and learning as well as a grant providing funding for early parental access.
The specific contracts approved for the Cocopah region include an agreement with the Cocopah Indian Tribe for Early Steps, a comprehensive program that increase the opportunities for children to have a solid start in life.
“Cocopah families are confident that the First Things First home visitation program is helping its young children get the best possible opportunities early in life to prepare for school,” said Paul Soto, council member for the Cocopah Indian Tribe.
A ballot measure this November could eliminate First Things First and sweep all the funds set aside for early childhood education and health. The state Legislature would then decide how the funds would be spent.
“The voters of Arizona approved First Things First so that funding could be dedicated to programs in early childhood education and health so that all children would be able to enter kindergarten with the tools needed to be successful in school and life,” Soto said. “Now the Legislature is questioning Arizona's commitment to children and these services are in jeopardy.
“The tribe encourages voters to support, sustain and maintain the First Things First initiatives this November. The series really do get children on the right path to success.”
Earlier this month, the Yuma Regional Council for First Things First adopted a resolution to oppose the ballot measure and urge citizens to preserve the funding.
“We should continue dedicating these resources to the education and development of our youngest children,” Coil said. “Voters should vote no on the ballot measure.”
The money has been recommended by the First Things First Yuma and the Cocopah Tribe Regional Councils. The contracts were approved by the statewide First Things First Board on June 15 and are effective July 1.
Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.
First Things First is a statewide organization created in 2006 by Arizona voters through Proposition 203, a ballot initiative that sets aside 80 cents from each pack of cigarettes sold in order to fund the expansion of education and health programs for children from birth through age 5.
Madeline Coil, Yuma Regional Council chairwoman for First Things First, said when Yuma children are provided with quality early childhood education and health programs, they are more likely to succeed in school and life.
“By providing quality early learning experiences, a foundation is created for lifelong learning,” she said. “These services build on best practices and meet the unique needs of the Yuma communities.”
The funding will support community-based strategies, such as the Western Arizona Council of Governments Head Start, and help enhance the professional skills of more than 250 teachers who work with the children.
Child and Family Resources received two grants to help parents support their child's learning and development and to fund the Choices for Teens program geared toward parenting, life skills and self-sufficiency.
The Yuma County Department of Public Health Services District was also awarded two grants. Those funds will help parents support their child's development and learning as well as a grant providing funding for early parental access.
The specific contracts approved for the Cocopah region include an agreement with the Cocopah Indian Tribe for Early Steps, a comprehensive program that increase the opportunities for children to have a solid start in life.
“Cocopah families are confident that the First Things First home visitation program is helping its young children get the best possible opportunities early in life to prepare for school,” said Paul Soto, council member for the Cocopah Indian Tribe.
A ballot measure this November could eliminate First Things First and sweep all the funds set aside for early childhood education and health. The state Legislature would then decide how the funds would be spent.
“The voters of Arizona approved First Things First so that funding could be dedicated to programs in early childhood education and health so that all children would be able to enter kindergarten with the tools needed to be successful in school and life,” Soto said. “Now the Legislature is questioning Arizona's commitment to children and these services are in jeopardy.
“The tribe encourages voters to support, sustain and maintain the First Things First initiatives this November. The series really do get children on the right path to success.”
Earlier this month, the Yuma Regional Council for First Things First adopted a resolution to oppose the ballot measure and urge citizens to preserve the funding.
“We should continue dedicating these resources to the education and development of our youngest children,” Coil said. “Voters should vote no on the ballot measure.”
The money has been recommended by the First Things First Yuma and the Cocopah Tribe Regional Councils. The contracts were approved by the statewide First Things First Board on June 15 and are effective July 1.
Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.
