In the digital age, children’s books for early readers can seem like an archaic, ineffective tool when compared to tablets with flashy buttons, interactivity and animations to promote literacy. At Southwest Human Development, we know that books are not only a traditional way to get children introduced to reading and...
Strolling Thunder is a baby advocacy campaign that aims to raise awareness and promote policies supporting young children's healthy development. This national campaign is spearheaded by Zero to Three, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all infants and toddlers have a strong start in life. Strolling Thunder has gained momentum...
Festival of Tales is back with different ways to join the fun this year! Southwest Human Development is proud to partner with Paradise Valley Community College to host Festival of Tales, a fun-filled event promoting reading and literacy. Sponsored by Fiesta Bowl Charities, the free, family-fun event will include reading, literacy...
By Margret Aldrich The Read in Color diverse-books initiative has arrived in Phoenix! In collaboration with Valley Leadership’s Impact Maker Education Team, Southwest Human Development and Phoenix Rotary 100, 10 new Little Free Library book-sharing boxes will be established in high-impact areas and more than 2,000 diverse books will be distributed...
When children practice being thankful at a young age, habits are formed that can structure a greater chance of happiness throughout life. Individuals who are thankful, regardless of personal circumstance, often live happier and healthier lives. Studies show that increased gratitude can result in positive self-esteem, healthier relationships, psychological health,...
During this profound moment when we are seeing widespread community activism and support to protect and defend diversity, equity and inclusion, we acknowledge the injustices that have been experienced by so many in our country for far too long. Today, June 19, marks Juneteenth in observance of the 1865 emancipation of...
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik6lRRoIl6Y&t=6s[/embed] November is National Adoption Month, an important reminder of the need for forever families and a joyful celebration of happily-ever-after for the children who have found a permanent place to call home. More than 400,000 children in the United States are awaiting the opportunity for their own permanent family or home....
[embed]https://youtu.be/yR-YT2Jam20[/embed] October has arrived and the ghouls and goblins will soon be here to play! It’s easy for adults to get swept up in traditional festivities and overlook some of the challenges that Halloween activities can pose for children, especially for those ages birth to 5. “Young children have an emerging capacity...
Creating a safe sleep environment is an important step to keeping your baby safe. Safe sleeping techniques may seem like common knowledge to a seasoned parent, but the skills to properly put a baby to sleep can elude first-time parents who haven’t had the opportunity to be educated on safe...
Southwest Human Development’s annual MAKERS of Change Assistive Technology Challenge presented by Nextiva Cares brings together Valley high school science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), coding and robotics teams to troubleshoot and create “real world” solutions using Internet of Things (IoT) technology that helps improve the lives of young children...