A history of the accomplishments of the University of New Mexico’s Family Development Program that is sure to influence early childhood advocacy networks everywhere.
Since 1985, a grassroots initiative called the Family Development Program (FDP) at the University of New Mexico has championed early childhood education as a long-term way to address poverty, strengthen democracy, and protect the rights of young children. Putting Our Youngest Children First chronicles FDP’s accomplishments, all from the ground up, community by community. With important lessons about collaborative problem-solving and citizen leadership to effect systemic change, Vermilya and Preskill offer proven strategies for mobilizing family and community advocacy to ensure that the education of young children remains one of the nation’s top priorities.
“This book makes a transformative contribution to the fields of family and child studies and early childhood education. With its forward-thinking, strength-based, family-centered approach, it presents a framework for cultivating equitable partnerships among families, early educators, higher education faculty, and communities to shape the next generation of early childhood leaders.”
“The Family Development Program has always put listening first. True success comes through the trust and buy-in of those most affected. This book teaches us all a process for how to harness the power of families and communities by centering them at the heart of change-work.”
“New Mexico is now seen as outstanding because of its commitment to young children, but that didn’t just happen. If you care about children, their families, and the professionals who serve them, Putting Our Youngest Children First is a must-read.”
“This book tells a powerful story of early childhood advocacy. I salute the Family Development Program for its four decades of trailblazing hard work—we can learn from their story!”
