Arizona Division for Early Childhood

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

Today, we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country and acknowledge the families who carry that sacrifice every day.
It’s a day to pause, reflect, and hold gratitude for the freedoms we have because of those who never made it home.

We remember them today, and always.

05/26/2026

Early child development support services like Early Intervention have been a lifeline for millions of babies, toddlers, and families over the years. According to the latest available data in 2024, approximately 458,920 infants and toddlers received early intervention services. However, after decades of changing so many lives for the better, this program is now at risk due to President Trump's FY27 budget.

Early Intervention is a federal grant program implemented by individual states under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that serves children ages 0-3. It connects infants, toddlers, and their families with appropriate developmental supports before school entry, creating a strong foundation for their future in educational environments and beyond. Early Intervention services can improve children's outcomes in areas including cognitive development, language/communication skills, behavior, and motor skills.

Trump's plans would effectively eliminate dedicated funding for personnel training and development of the therapists and staff who deliver these critical services as well as result in less funding available to infants and toddlers overall as part of the IDEA program. This would dismantle public education and disability services for babies, toddlers, and children throughout the country!

Tell Congress NO to funneling critical funds that children and toddlers with disabilities rely on to a wasteful ballroom and further tax cuts for billionaires! https://www.momsrising.org/blog/early-intervention-needs-to-be-fully-funded-and-protected/?source=fb.mr

05/23/2026

61 years of Head Start.
61 years of children seen, families supported, and communities made stronger. 💛

The National Head Start Association has spent six decades proving what we know to be true: when children feel safe, connected, and loved, they thrive.

Conscious Discipline is honored to walk alongside Head Start programs across the country, helping educators build the emotionally healthy classrooms every child deserves.

Here's to 61 more years. Happy Birthday, Head Start! 🎉

05/23/2026

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 We're on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our team as Family Support Specialists at Child & Family Resources! If you're eager to make a lasting difference in the lives of families across Arizona and you love relationship-based work, this opportunity is calling your name. Apply now through the link provided below or send your resume to the email provided. Let's make an impact together! 💪✨

https://childfamilyresources.betterteam.com/

05/13/2026

AAP’s revised policy statement, “The Crucial Role of Recess in School”, explains why children’s recess is a necessary part of how students learn, grow, and stay healthy at every age. It is also directly related to academic success.

The AAP recommends that recess should be protected as personal time, never withheld for academic or punitive reasons. Recess includes a wide range of activities and settings, from physical play to social interaction, indoors or outdoors, and across varying time lengths.

Read more about the importance of recess: https://bit.ly/4u4ugLU

05/13/2026

The way we think, feel, and respond internally shapes every interaction around us.

When we become more aware of our own state we gain the ability to respond with greater calm, intention, and connection. 💜

05/13/2026

05/13/2026

Infant mental health isn’t just about feelings; it’s about building the foundation for a lifetime of learning and connection.

Here’s why it matters:
1️⃣ Babies learn through relationships.
Secure, loving interactions help your baby feel safe, and safety fuels healthy brain development.
2️⃣ Early experiences shape future skills.
From problem-solving to managing emotions, the groundwork starts long before preschool. 🌱
3️⃣ Strong bonds build confident kids.
Responsive care teaches babies they’re heard, valued, and supported, setting the stage for lifelong wellbeing.

Supporting your baby’s emotional world today helps them thrive tomorrow. 💙