Week of the young child
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child is April 5-11, 2025. This fun-filled week celebrates early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities. Check with your local Family Resource Center or local School District for events
Here are Five Essentials to Meaningful Play that create those rich memories we treasure:
- Children make their own decisions
- Children are intrinsically motivated
- Children become immersed in the moment
- Play is spontaneous, not scripted
- Play is enjoyable
For more info on meaningful play, check out this NAEYC article.
Parenting tips
Critical brain connections for higher-level abilities like problem-solving, empathy, and self-control are formed—or not—in the early years. Without positive interactions and stimulation, these essential connections may not develop fully, making it much harder to build them later in life.
Spotlight
Essential Therapy Solutions
Essential Therapy Solutions were exhibitors at the 48th Annual Melvin L. Cohen, MD Pediatric Update Conference held March 3-6 in Scottsdale. Amber and Sherry made connections with the pediatric community and shared information about the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Essential Therapy Solutions is a service-providing agency for the Arizona Early Intervention Program.
Resources and updates
Grant Application for Federal Funds is Open for Public Comment
DES has posted the FFY 2025 IDEA, Part C Grant Application for Federal Funds for public comment.
The public comment period is open now until April 21. You may submit a comment by emailing azeip@azdes.gov, calling 602-532-9960 (option 3), faxing to 602-200-9820, or mailing to:
Arizona Early Intervention Program, 1789 West Jefferson Street, Mail Drop 2H91 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Resources
- Department of Health Services provides FREE multivitamins to improve the health of all people who can get pregnant. DHS Power MeA2Z Folic Acid Program.
- Arizona’s Parent and Training Information Center - Raising Special Kids online webinars.
AzEIP Family Connection
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, for the first AzEIP Family Connection virtual meeting! There will be two times for the meetings. Both times will cover the same content.
- 12 - 1 pm or,
- 6-7 pm
Join the Arizona Early Intervention Program leadership team to learn what role they play in supporting Part C early intervention services in our state. This meeting is for families currently receiving early intervention services. You will have the opportunity to engage with the AzEIP leadership team, ask questions, and add comments. Your voice is important!
Or dial: (US) +1 414-909-6812 PIN: 854 081 684#
Learn, Share, or Just Listen in!
For questions about the AzEIP Family Connection, please call 602-532-9960 or email azeip@azdes.gov.
Head Start Programs
Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from at-risk families. Services are provided in a variety of settings, including centers, family childcare, and children’s own homes. Head Start programs also engage parents or other key family members in positive relationships, with a focus on family wellbeing. Parents participate in leadership roles, including having a say in program operations.
Interested in finding out about how Head Start can help your child? Read this Head Start Programs graphic, or visit Head Start online.
Important Disclaimer: The foregoing is publicly available information about upcoming events, resources, and reminders from third-party organizations. In some cases, AzEIP has included links to other websites that are not owned or controlled in any way by AzEIP, but that contain additional information about the events, resources or reminders. By clicking on any of the links above, you agree to be directed to the external website and you acknowledge and agree that AzEIP shall not be held responsible or accountable for any information contained on such site. Please note that AzEIP does not monitor any of the websites linked herein and does not endorse or approve any information posted on any such sites.
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