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SAN MANUEL – (September 30, 2014) First Things First (FTF) is asking for feedback from parents and caregivers of children 5 and younger on which resources are used and needed by young children and families across the Pinal region.
Feedback is requested in the areas of early learning (including child care and preschool), family support and health. This information will help the First Things First Pinal Regional Council in the development of the 2016 funding for local services.
“It is important that we identify what has been working and where there are still needs for early childhood resources,” said Kameron Bachert, vice chair of the Pinal Regional Council. “Although our monthly meetings are open to the public, this is a unique opportunity designed specifically for community input and feedback to help guide our decisions.”
Approved by Arizona voters in 2006, FTF works to expand or enhance early childhood education, family support and health services that help give children birth to 5 years old the tools they need to be successful in kindergarten and beyond. Recommendations on the programs needed by children in the Pinal region are made by the local FTF Regional Partnership Council. The Pinal region of FTF is diverse and expansive, stretching from Maricopa and Stanfield in the west to Superior, San Manuel and the Copper Corridor to the east. The region includes Apache Junction to the north, Red Rock in the south and the Ak-Chin Indian Community.
The information gathered from this Community Forum will inform the upcoming funding process for the next fiscal year.
“In this geographically vast and demographically diverse region, where so many of our families are facing difficulties at home with regards to their children’s education and health, we need to ensure we are on track to help meet their needs,” said Bachert. “These forums will allow us to assess what is working and where we can direct our efforts.”
The community forum meeting will be held:
Monday, October 6, 2014
5:00-7:00pm
First Avenue Elementary – Multi-Purpose Room
914 North First Avenue, San Manuel, Arizona 85631
For more information on the forums, please visit our website at www.azftf.gov/pinal or contact Aimee Kempton, Pinal Regional Director at 520.836.5838, akemton@azftf.gov
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