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“Children who experience positive, nurturing environments during the early years demonstrate more positive outcomes, such as healthier social relationships, higher academic and professional achievement, and enriched psychological and physical health.”
Judge Baker Children’s Center. “Early Childhood Development: Implications for Policy, Systems and Practice” (2017). |
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“Families who struggle the most often have weaker social connections and supports. An opportunity, then, lies in strengthening the… social bonds—particularly with other families and parenting adults who share common priorities, challenges, and interests—so that families have trustworthy people they can turn to when they need more support or encouragement.”
SearchInstitute. “Don’t Forget the Families” (2015). |
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Up to $16 ROI for every $1 spent. Children are more likely to be ready for school, attend college, and have higher earning potential
Missoula Zero to Five |
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“Learning how to cope with adversity is an important part of healthy child development… When a young child’s stress response systems are activated within an environment of supportive relationships with adults, the physiological effects are buffered and brought back down to baseline.”
Harvard Center on the Developing Child. “Toxic Stress” (2017). |
EDUCATION
We focus on building knowledge and skills through the use of evidence-based practices, professional expertise, and social connections.
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CONNECTION
We center around the power of group learning and in person relationship building.
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PLAY
We believe in the importance of play as a catalyst for learning at all ages.
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PARTNERSHIP
We value community partnerships that assist families in receiving the best services from the best providers.
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Our Impact Tells Our StoryFamilies First believes with education, connection, play, and partnership families become stronger and more resilient. We are proud of the work we do with families knowing the work benefits our community.
Strengthening families since 1994. |
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MAIN OFFICE
FAMILIES FIRST LEARNING LAB 455 E Main St. Missoula, MT 59802 SERVICES IN POLSON, RONAN, & PABLO 406.721.7690 info@familiesfirstmt.org |
