Professional Development

The goal of this group will be to give a voice to a diverse and inclusive cohort of First Things First College Scholars from around the state to provide feedback in the scholarship process. FTF scholars are invited to: Increase professional engagement in the early childhood field by Inspiring scholars to engage in opportunities and Motivate others while making connections throughout the state. Join us for an information session! Day and time to be determined. To learn more use this link: http://links.asu.edu/SOARR

The CDA Renewal Amnesty Program has been extended until December 31, 2020. Anyone with a CDA® credential expiration date going back as far as January 1, 2010, can still renew. For information regarding the CDA Renewal Amnesty Program, go to www.cdacouncil.org/renewal-amnesty-program. To apply or renew a CDA credential, go to yourcouncil.org and create an account.

Rebecca GonzalesPrescott Valley, AZRebecca is a teacher at Grannie's House in Prescott Valley, which is a five star home program. Rebecca is currently a First Things First College Scholar recipient and working toward her Associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Yavapai Community College. Read a message from Rebecca:When I left high school, I was lost and didn’t know what my passion was. For four years, I changed my major more times than I can count and I eventually quit.…

Morgann Bell Tucson, AZ Morgann is a lead teacher at Imagine Preschool at Innovation Academy in Tucson, AZ. As a First Things First scholar recipient and with funding from the Pima North Regional Partnership Council, Morgann graduated in May from Western New Mexico University with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Read a message from Morgann: I started my college career nearly nine years ago when I graduated from high school. College was always my expectation and goal since I…

Lily Mills Tempe, AZ Lily is a junior at McClintock High School and is currently taking dual-enrollment courses in Early Childhood Education through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Lily is able to participate as a dual-enrollment student with assistance from the First Things First College Scholarship, while gaining teaching experiencing at the McClintock High School Child Development Preschool. Read a message from Lily: I have good teachers, such as Ms. Janice Smith, who has been great in helping me. …

Irene Montes Yuma, AZ Irene is a preschool teacher at Chicanos Por La Causa Yuma Head Start Center in Yuma, AZ. She is currently a First Things First College Scholarship recipient and attending Arizona Western College (AWC) for her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Read a message from Irene: Hace un año y cuatro meses entre a trabajar a Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) como bus aide. Conforme pasaban los días disfrutaba más a los niños y sentí la necesidad…

Celena AmbroseHolbrook, AZCelena is a teacher at Nacog Head Start in Holbrook, AZ. Celena is currently a First Things First College Scholar recipient and graduated in May with her Associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Northland Pioneer College. Read a message from Celena:Within my family I was pushed to continue my education after high school. Through their words of encouragement, I was able to push through and achieve my first degree. When thinking about supports that helped me accomplish my…

Elaina Sotelo Safford, AZ Elaina is a lead teacher at Easter Seals Blake Foundation - Palomita Children's Center, a five star center located in Safford, AZ. As a First Things First College Scholar recipient, Elaina was able to attend Eastern Arizona College and pursue her degree in Early Childhood Education and graduated in May with her Associate degree. Read a message from Elaina: I would like to share my journey with you. I grew up in a small town in…