November has been set aside as a time to celebrate family literacy. But with all of the challenges that 2020 has brought, it’s hard to focus on anything other than the necessities. Despite the distractions, families should prioritize literacy. Providing children with a deep love of reading is one of the skills that will ensure …
Earlier this year, as tribal communities in Arizona took measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 — in some cases through partial or full government program closures, travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders — the measures also impacted how services were provided to their youngest children and families. “In many tribal communities, there are many multigenerational …
It’s hard for some Arizonans to imagine. But there are communities all over the state where families can’t get internet, or even reliable phone service. Most of us can’t picture going through life without that, but for many, it’s a daily reality. Driving to the top of a hill to get cell service; hour-long bus …
Child care is the backbone of a healthy economy, yet, recent data shows that one-third of licensed and regulated child care providers remain closed since being forced to shutter their doors when the coronavirus pandemic hit Arizona in March. Those providers who are open are serving less than half the children they did before the …
Research shows that Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, contribute to the likelihood of substance abuse and other health concerns later in life. Unfortunately, Arizona ranks higher than the national average for children who have experienced ACEs. These can include childhood traumas such as abuse and neglect. In fact, according to the Arizona ACE Consortium, “It …
