Visit our new website at FirstThingsFirst.org
 

Why Early Childhood Matters to ... MAYORS

 

“Early childhood development is a critical component of the long-term academic and social success of children, adolescents, and young-adults. By ensuring that quality community resources are available to children and their families, we prepare them with the tools necessary to succeed. The City of Goodyear is proud of our status as a Read On Community and values the efforts of our community’s education providers to empower and prepare the West Valley’s children in the years leading up to, and beyond, kindergarten.”

Mayor Georgia Lord
City of Goodyear

“To build strong, successful communities, we must invest in the development of our youngest residents. Early childhood education plants the seed for every future resident to reach their fullest potential, which helps keep Phoenix vibrant and prosperous. Our Read On Phoenix initiative enlists community members to directly improve the literacy of our youngest residents. Our Great Start Program provides kindergarten children and their family free access to cultural experiences. And our Experience Corps program improves reading fluency in Phoenix schools. Together we are finding innovative ways to engage the entire community to accomplish the critical goal of increasing literacy.”

Mayor Greg Stanton
City of Phoenix

“Successful, vibrant communities enhance quality of life for residents, and education is the centerpiece for quality of life. A community’s success depends on its educational system. From the day a child is born, the care, attention, love and support they experience sets the foundation for their future—because 90% of a child’s critical brain development occurs before age 5. Lifelong learning is best ensured through a positive learning environment beginning in early childhood. Education is economic development.”

Mayor Diane Joens
City of Cottonwood

“In the years before my daughters went to kindergarten, I was amazed by how quickly they learned. This is when experts say children learn to solve problems, think and communicate. There is no doubt this is the most crucial time in the development of a child’s brain.

Early childhood education is a proven and effective education strategy with positive benefits that last a lifetime. This is why Tempe invests in meaningful programs such as our KidZone preschool and our library and recreation classes for young children. It is a priority to provide our future generation with a solid foundation that helps prepare them for college, career and life.”

Mayor Mark Mitchell
City of Tempe

"As both a mayor and a father, I believe it is extremely important to ensure our youngest in the community have every opportunity to succeed in life. Actively participating in early childhood development and education from day one is key to building strong families, and strong families are a vital component to building strong communities."

Mayor Douglas Nicholls
City of Yuma

“Investment and engagement in early childhood development is critical to building a strong community. The building blocks of a healthy community start with our most precious resource – our kids. Getting children off on the right foot with health, education and support has a life-long impact on their lives. I am proud that the Town of Oro Valley continues to support children to ensure that our youngest residents are served and supported.”

Mayor Satish Hiremath
Town of Oro Valley

“As mayor for the Town of Springerville, I recognize the value of education in our area. The early education of our children is essential to the future of their education and who we are. As the economy of education changes it is imperative that we jump start the learning process of our children. We know it is of great value to the community to see our children maximizing the learning process at a younger age, in order to keep up with the world of today. Our children are the future, and any gains that we can provide in their education will show dividends as they hit the job market later in life. There is nothing elementary about building strong leaders of tomorrow!”

Mayor Mary Nedrow
Town of Springerville

"Getting children physically, mentally, socially and emotionally ready for that first day of school is terribly important. Quality child care from parents and caregivers, starting on day one, prepares children for success later on."

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild
City of Tucson

"To sustain our community’s success it is imperative that the young people of Chandler have the tools they need to succeed as they begin their education. By providing opportunities for our children to succeed from an early age, we are making a long-term investment in the overall well being of our City. That leads to a healthy, productive and well-educated workforce of the future. And that benefits us all."

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny
City of Chandler

“From birth through adolescence, the experiences of childhood matters. It is the loving, tender care and warmth of parenthood that gives the young mind a favorable impact on life. The early, formative years are critical to prepare a child for a joyful and pleasant emergence into the wholesome years of youth, ultimately bringing them into a successful, profitable and productive adulthood that hopefully will include a touch of divine service to mankind. For the sake of successful child development, I urge parents to combine a strong and positive family experience to prepare and empower the child to meet life’s challenges.”

Mayor Harvey C. Skoog
Town of Prescott Valley

“For several years I was involved with a third grade reading program. The difference in the reading ability of third graders is dramatic. You can tell which children had received early support, encouragement and exposure to reading.”

Mayor Jerry Nabours
City of Flagstaff