the POINT.
Pushback on the Pushout
Aug 7, 2026
Pulling Back the Pre-K Pushout For many years, the educators and staff in the early learning sector rang the alarm on the low wages of the...
Doing the Math to Succeed
Jul 31, 2026
Algebra: A Formula for Success Want to solve an equation for student success, greater economic mobility, and a stronger economy? Teach...
A Plan for Brighter Futures
Jul 24, 2026
How Do We Get to the Stars? FROM THE DESK OF MAI MIKSIC, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR We are standing at a critical moment in time for Children First....
The Devil’s in the Details
Jul 17, 2026
The Budget is Done. Our Work is Not. FROM THE DESK OF MAI MIKSIC, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR This week Pennsylvania lawmakers finally passed the...
Settling the Score in Youth Sports
Jul 10, 2026
FOUL ON THE PLAY As soccer/fútbol fans around the world cheer on their World Cup teams, young American soccer players dream of their shot at being...
In the Footsteps of the Founders
Jul 3, 2026
Education as a Revolutionary Ideal "The good Education of Youth has been esteemed by wise Men in all Ages, as the surest Foundation of the...
To Infinity and Beyond…Cellphone Bans
Jun 26, 2026
To Infinity and Beyond…Cellphone Bans In the latest Toy Story movie, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie worry about their “extinction” at the hands of Lilypad,...
When We Fight, We Win
Jun 12, 2026
One Week, Three Big Wins for PA Kids FROM THE DESK OF MAI MIKSIC, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I've been doing policy and advocacy long enough to know that...
Virtual La-La Land
Jun 5, 2026
CYBER CHARTERS: FACT vs. FICTION Cyber charter schools are playing the victim…again. Just this week, our Executive Director, Mai Miksic, took...
Opportunity, Not Optics
May 29, 2026
Giving Families What They Really Need Affordability is the hot political word of the moment and with good reason – the economy is the most...
NEWSLETTERS
ChildWatch Newsletter – Fall/Winter 2025
Nov 10, 2025
In this edition you’ll read about: Supporting Young Learners Budget Impasses Hurt All Advocacy in Action: The Fight against Lead Paint Poisoning...
ChildWatch Newsletter – Spring/Summer 2025
May 10, 2025
In this edition you’ll read about: A Decade of Stalled Progress Top Priorities for 2025 Advocacy in Action: Fix These Six Federal Child-Harming...
ChildWatch Newsletter – Fall/Winter 2024
Oct 10, 2024
In this edition you’ll learn about: Child Care Voters We're Turning 45 Advocacy in Action: A Big Win for K-12 Public Education Insure Every Child: A...
ChildWatch Newsletter – Spring/Summer 2024
Jun 21, 2024
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: Pa'Lante Report on Hispanic Children in Philadelphia New Leadership: Javier...
ChildWatch Newsletter – Fall/Winter 2023
Nov 16, 2023
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: The Next Big Thing for Kids $2 Million Investment in Removing Lead Hazards...
ChildWatch Newsletter – Spring/Summer 2023
Aug 8, 2023
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: The Kids Campaign and Priorities for the Next Mayor Eradicating Lead Exposure...
ChildWatch Newsletter – Fall/Winter 2022
Nov 29, 2022
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: The Big Thing: A Summit To Change Young Lives Our Policy Victories in the...
ChildWatch Newsletter – Spring/Summer 2022
May 30, 2022
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: Making Child Care a Priority Our 2022 Celebration The Lead Free Promise Project...
ChildWatch Newsletter – Fall/Winter 2021
Nov 23, 2021
Welcome to the first edition of our newly redesigned Childwatch Newsletter under our new name, Children First. In this edition you'll learn about:...
ChildWatch Newsletter – Spring/Summer 2021
Jun 16, 2021
Check out this FLIPPY EDITION of our newsletter! In this edition, you’ll read about: PCCY’s direct service projects like Give Kids a Smile Day, Give...
WHAT WE HAD TO SAY
Statement: The Death of Head Start by 1,000 Cuts
Aug 12, 2026
DOWNLOAD PDF The Death of Head Start by 1,000 Cuts A Statement by Executive Director Mai Miksic The Trump Administration failed in 2025 in its...
Testimony: Residential Services for Children and Youth – August 2026
Aug 10, 2026
DOWNLOAD PDF July 6, 2026 Pennsylvania Independent Regulatory Review Commission 555 Walnut Street, Suite 804 Harrisburg, PA 17101 RE: Notice for...
Testimony_Pre-K_Pushout
Aug 6, 2026
Testimony Presented to Philadelphia City Council Education Committee Inella Ray, Director of Parent Advocacy and Engagement August 6, 2026 Good...
TESTIMONY: Children First’s Statement Ride Share/School Closures
May 8, 2026
Children First’s Statement Ride Share/School Closures Presented to Philadelphia City Council, May 2026 Inella Ray, Director of Parent Advocacy &...
Testimony: Philadelphia City Council, Rideshare Fee
Apr 21, 2026
Testimony to Philadelphia City Council Presented by Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Children First Re: Resolutions 26025 and 260208 My name is...
Testimony: Universal PreK, PA House of Representatives
Mar 4, 2026
Testimony on Universal PreK Zaina Cahill, Early Childhood Education Policy Director Children First March 3, 2026 Download PDF My name is Zaina...
Testimony: School Facilities Plan 2026
Mar 2, 2026
Testimony to the School Board of Philadelphia Re: School Facilities Plan Feb. 26, 2026 DOWNLOAD PDF Good evening, board members. My name is Symbol...
Testimony: Making OYO Permanent
Feb 19, 2026
Testimony Presented to Philadelphia City Council Stefanie Arbutina, Vulnerable Youth Policy Director February 19, 2026 Good morning, Council...
TESTIMONY: GPS technology in Philadelphia’s juvenile justice system
Oct 29, 2025
Testimony Presented to Philadelphia City Council Children and Youth and Technology and Information Services Committees Stefanie Arbutina, Vulnerable...
Testimony: Lead Paint Poisoning in Yeadon Borough
Oct 7, 2025
Testimony presented to Yeadon Borough Council Rosemarie Halt, Health Policy Consultant Children First June 5, 2025 Good evening, Mayor Hepkins, and...