Business Details
Trusted Early Childhood Education in Phoenix
Established over 55 years ago, our organization has served as Arizona's longest-running early childhood education institution. We are committed to empowering children aged 3-5 and their families through comprehensive educational programs and community partnerships. Our five-star rated Head Start and Preschool programs provide structured learning environments complemented by nutritional services and family engagement initiatives. Through strategic collaborations like M.A.N.C.A.V.E., we extend our impact to support parental development and economic mobility while maintaining our core mission of educational excellence. Services
Head Start Program
Tuition Preschool
Child Nutrition Services
Parent Partnerships
M.A.N.C.A.V.E. Program
Highlights and features
- Arizona's longest-running early childhood education institution since 1970
- Five-star rated programs by First Things First
- Offers both free Head Start and scholarship-based Preschool options
- Operates 14 service sites across Phoenix communities
- Maintains 34 classrooms serving over 400 children annually
Services
Head Start Program
Head Start provides free early childhood education for children aged 3-5, including those with disabilities. The program requires income eligibility and geographic residency within designated service areas. Comprehensive support includes health, social, and nutritional services to address preschoolers' developmental needs.
Tuition Preschool
Full-day tuition-based preschool serves children aged 3-5 at the main campus. Requires prior toilet training and offers limited First Things First scholarships. Weekly tuition of $150 includes all meals and follows state educational standards for early childhood development.
Child Nutrition Services
Federally funded CACFP provides reimbursed nutritious meals and snacks to enrolled children. Includes dietary training, record keeping support, and compliance monitoring to ensure balanced nutrition across all educational programs.
Parent Partnerships
Parent involvement programs include collaborative planning, classroom participation, and educational workshops. Offers home visits, parent-teacher conferences, and curriculum development opportunities to support children's educational journey beyond classroom hours.
M.A.N.C.A.V.E. Program
Community partnership program promoting responsible fatherhood and family stability. Provides virtual and in-person services covering marriage education, parenting skills, and economic mobility resources for enrolled families.
People
Jevin D. Hodge
President
Presides over Arizona's longest-running early childhood education institution with deep community roots. Committed to expanding educational access through strategic development and community partnerships.
Josie Ayon
Executive Director
Manages day-to-day operations of the organization's educational programs. Oversees implementation of curriculum standards across multiple service locations.
Cecelia Ochoa
Assistant Director
Supports administrative functions and program coordination across the organization's 14 service sites. Focuses on maintaining educational quality and operational efficiency.
Lauren Paiva
Education Director
Leads educational initiatives and teacher training programs. Responsible for developing curriculum standards across 34 classrooms serving over 400 children.
Berdetta Hodge
Vice President/Secretary
Manages organizational governance and administrative operations. Works closely with the board of directors to maintain institutional standards and community partnerships.
Questions
What is your Head Start program eligibility criteria?
Head Start requires income eligibility and residency within designated geographic areas. Families must meet federal income guidelines and live in service areas like Eastlake and Garfield.
Do you offer financial assistance for preschool tuition?
Yes, we provide limited First Things First scholarships for tuition-based preschool. Families not qualifying for scholarships pay $150 weekly tuition.
What additional services do you provide beyond education?
We offer family development programs including nutritional support through CACFP, parent engagement initiatives, and the M.A.N.C.A.V.E. program promoting family stability.
How can parents get involved in programs?
Parents participate through classroom meetings, policy committees, home visits, and educational workshops focused on child development and family enrichment.
What locations serve your programs?
We operate 14 sites across Phoenix including Eastlake, Garfield, and our main campus at 1519 E. Adams Street with multiple satellite locations.
How long have you been serving the community?
As Arizona's longest-running early childhood education institution, we've served Phoenix communities for over 55 years with continuous program improvements.
