Great Start Program

The Phoenix Great Start Program gives Phoenix children in Title I schools free admission to several educational and cultural centers before they begin kindergarten. Children who have opportunities to learn and interact with language from a young age will help them develop into strong, fluent readers. Parental involvement in the program is a critical element because parents begin supporting early literacy development with their children from infancy. Strong family engagement activities prepare children to enter kindergarten ready and later reading at grade level by third grade.

Participating cultural and education organizations that provide free admission to families include the Arizona Science Center, Children's Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Gardens, Musical Instrument Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, and numerous other attractions.

MORE WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD BE READY FOR SCHOOL.

You are your child’s first teacher. But you don’t need flashcards or worksheets. Just do your best to be a loving, responsive caregiver. Play with them. Read to them. Talk with them. Give them as many positive, stimulating experiences as you can. All of these everyday moments add up to what your child needs to be ready for school. Learn more at firstthingsfirst.org/kindergarten-readiness.

1. Talk with your child. Having short, back-and-forth conversations with your child helps them develop vocabulary, language, and social-emotional skills. Talk about what you’re doing, where you are, and what you see. Listen to what your child says and then respond to keep the conversation going. Learn more at readonarizona.org/smart-talk.

2. Read together every day. Sharing books introduces your child to new and unusual words that you might not use in everyday conversation. That’s important because vocabulary is a big part of school success. Find books that your child is interested in, and ask them open-ended questions while you read together, like “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why did that happen?” Find free books and activities at makewayforbooksapp.org.

3. Encourage learning at home. Young children learn through play, so join in the fun and let them use their imagination. You can also encourage learning at home through play and art activities. Writing begins with scribbling, so give your toddler safe writing tools, like crayons, chalk, or markers. Have them scribble and draw, and ask them questions about their drawings.

4. Help your child be more independent. The months leading up to the first day of school are the ideal time to help your little one develop the independence and self-confidence they’ll need to be ready for the transition to kindergarten. But it’s never too early to start.

5. Check in on your child’s development. While all children develop differently, it helps to know if your child is meeting typical milestones and how you can support their healthy development. How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves offers important clues. Talk with your child’s doctor about their development and if you have any concerns.Learn more at firstthingsfirst.org/resources/ages-and-stages/.

6. Keep your child healthy and smiling. Just like they need regular check-ups with their doctor, your child needs regular dental visits to prevent tooth decay, which is a leading cause of school absences. Dental visits are covered by insurance if your child is on AHCCCS or KidsCare. Learn more at firsthingsfirst.org/healthy-teeth.

YOUTH & EDUCATION OFFICE | MAILBOX.YOUTH@PHOENIX.GOV | 602-256-4388