The First Steps PTO believes every young family should have an opportunity to participate in First Steps Early Childhood programs regardless of income. That's why we raise funding for scholarships. Did you know that, while First Steps Early Childhood is part of Community Education and Ann Arbor Public Schools, they receive no funding from AAPS? In fact, Community Education pays AAPS to use their facilities. The fees for First Steps classes must cover all expenses and that means it's not easy to provide scholarships. That's where the First Steps PTO comes in. We're a group of dedicated volunteers passionate about the First Steps community.
Your year-end donation ensures more families can join a supportive weekly class filled with important developmental activities and interpersonal connection.
We have $2,000.00 in MATCHING DONATIONS! Help us TRIPLE our goal of $1,000.00 by 12/31/2024! This comes from a family who participated in First Steps classes for many years when their kids were younger. Now they want to ensure other families can affordably participate too.
Please join us!
Why should you give to our cause? Because the connection and learning that occurs through First Steps is truly important. The last few years have added to the isolation so many young parents feel in the best of times. We want to make it affordable for more families to enjoy a class or a camp and be part of the community created by First Steps. Families living in Ann Arbor can qualify for either 50% or 100% scholarship support.
Thousands of families with their children (babies, toddlers and preschoolers) have participated in First Steps since the program began in 2001. Here is what a family says about their First Steps experience:
"First Steps has provided my children with engaging, thoughtful, and FUN ways to connect with children and families in our community. There really is a great class for anything and everything my children want to learn, and every instructor has been exceptionally kind and inclusive. Learning alongside children her age, my daughter has blossomed into a confident artist, storyteller, bike rider, and dancer. My kids have enjoyed half a dozen classes since we moved to Ann Arbor in the spring and each has been a winner - Every child can find their joy in First Steps!"
Your donation allows First Steps-Ann Arbor to provide high quality programming to all families and enables us to support our community for years to come. Every little bit truly makes a difference.
Please help let others know about First Steps. Your recommendation is a powerful way of encouraging others to support us as well. Sharing this on your social media platforms and emailing it to family and friends, helps others know about the program you love.
Thank you on behalf of the First Steps-Ann Arbor PTO,
Ajae Whittaker, president
Karen Parzuhoski, treasurer
Elizabeth Perez, secretary
If you'd like more information about First Steps, please link here to the website.
