Community Partnerships That Respect Tribal Sovereignty in Arizona
First Things First, Arizona’s early childhood agency, has worked over time with the many Native American tribes in the state to develop a tribal consultation model that works for both sides. With the shared goal of supporting healthy development for young children and their families, they’ve found ways to balance the state government’s data and policy needs with protecting the privacy and power of sovereign tribal nations. Host Karen Ponder speaks with Councilwoman Carletta Tilousi, an elected member of the Havasupai tribal council, and Liz Barker Alvarez, chief policy advisor at First Things First.
La agencia de la primera infancia de Arizona, First Things First, ha trabajado por mucho tiempo con las tribus indígenas del estado para desarrollar un modelo de consulta tribal que funcione para ambos lados. Con el objetivo compartido de apoyar el desarrollo saludable de los niños pequeños y sus familias, han encontrado formas de equilibrar las necesidades de políticas y datos del gobierno estatal con la protección de la privacidad y el poder de las naciones tribales soberanas. La anfitriona Karen Ponder habla con la concejal Carletta Tilousi, miembro electa del consejo tribal de Havasupai, y Liz Barker Alvarez, asesora principal de políticas de First Things First.
Explore More
Leading an Early Childhood Team Through the Quality Improvement Process
Article October 7, 2026
Published in Young Children, this 2024 article provides an operational guide for aligning state QIS requirements with broader national standards, quality grants, and staff incentives.
Much-Needed Changes in Child Care Quality Rating and Improvement Systems Should Promote Equity
Blog October 7, 2026
Blog authors Gina Adams and Danielle Ewen outline systemic flaws in traditional models. This 2024 blog details how traditional QRIS frameworks often inadequately support parents, underinvest in actual center improvement, and inadvertently exacerbate funding inequalities among diverse childcare providers.
Four Trends in Early Care and Education Quality Rating and Improvement Systems
Fact Sheet October 7, 2026
This 2024 brief evaluates Parent Aware (Minnesota's system) and synthesizes interviews across six states (Delaware, Louisiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington). It identifies critical, modern pathways for administrators looking to overhaul and redesign state frameworks.