The coronavirus crisis has worsened the challenges that many young children and families in need are facing. Among the many struggles, some families have lost their jobs or have had their work hours reduced creating financial hardships, most have lost the child care services they depend upon to go to...
Mother’s Day will likely look pretty different this year. Many families will find themselves spending Mother’s Day at home instead of at their favorite brunch spot, park, concert venue or weekend destination. But with a little creativity, you can still show Mom just how much you appreciate her! Mother's Day is...
Socializing with peers is an important part of a young child’s development. In addition to the friendships they build, toddlers and young children develop communication skills, emotional self-awareness, empathy and conflict management through their interactions with others their age. The coronavirus crisis has led to many families staying home with little...
We asked for your support and you came through in a big way! Although we couldn’t hold our 12th annual Walk With Me in person, as of March 31, your support of Walk With Me Goes Virtual helped us raise $161,467 for children with disabilities. We can't thank you enough for...
Young children aren’t usually concerned about where their toys have been. Whether their teething ring is on the floor, their rattler is in the dog’s mouth or their dinosaur is in the dirt outside, babies and toddlers won’t think twice before handling or biting down on their favorite toys when...
For families throughout Arizona, the recent school and child care center closures have created an at-home learning environment where parents and caregivers are working to find ways to continue their children's development and education without a classroom. Our early childhood education experts on our Head Start and Early Head Start teams...
As the coronavirus crisis has escalated over the past months, everyday life has changed for millions of people across the country and around the world. As parents cope with reduced work hours, the loss of their job, or are asked to work from home with child care centers shut down,...
Annual advocacy day to feature first-ever Strolling Thunder™ Arizona; encourages policymakers to Think Babies™ The Arizona Early Childhood Alliance (AZECA) will host its Early Childhood Day on Wednesday, March 11, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Arizona State Capitol. The annual day of advocacy brings together families and early childhood champions to...
From Monday, March 23, through Saturday, March 28, Southwest Human Development will host its 12th annual and first virtual Walk With Me Family Fun Walk and Kids Festival to benefit the nonprofit’s Easterseals services for young children with disabilities. Walk With Me supporters can engage with others virtually by posting...
Serve and return interactions shape brain architecture. When an infant or young child babbles, gestures, or cries, and an adult responds appropriately with eye contact, words, or a hug, neural connections are built and strengthened in the child’s brain that support the development of communication and social skills. The Center...