NEWSLETTERS
December 5, 2024
Education | News Items
Your Contributions in Action – Nov 29, 2024
READ WHAT YOUR SUPPORT MADE POSSIBLE THIS YEAR All of us at Children First hope you enjoyed a happy...
December 2, 2024
News Items
Childwatch Newsletter – Fall/Winter 2024
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: Child Care Voters Activity in 2024 Election A Big Win...
September 25, 2024
News Items
Why is no one talking about kids issues in the election? – Sep 20, 2024
A Telling Presidential Debate Children First is a non-partisan organization focused on improving the lives of children. Every national election...
June 21, 2024
Children First | News Items
Hot Off the Presses – Jun 21, 2024
READ ALL ABOUT IT! Hot off the presses, Childwatch – the Children First newsletter – brings you up to...
June 21, 2024
News Items
Childwatch Newsletter – Spring 2024
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: Pa’Lante Report on Hispanic Children in Philadelphia New Leadership: Javier...
November 16, 2023
News Items
Childwatch Newsletter – Fall 2023
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: The Next Big Thing for Kids $2 Million Investment in...
August 8, 2023
News Items
Childwatch Newsletter – Spring 2023
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: The Kids Campaign and Priorities for the Next Mayor Eradicating...
November 29, 2022
News Items
Childwatch Newsletter – Fall 2022
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: The Big Thing: A Summit To Change Young Lives Our...
May 30, 2022
News Items
Childwatch Newsletter – Spring 2022
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: Making Child Care a Priority Our 2022 Celebration The Lead...
November 23, 2021
News Items | Unspecified
Childwatch Newsletter – Fall 2021
Welcome to the first edition of our newly redesigned Childwatch Newsletter under our new name, Children First. In this edition...
June 18, 2021
Early Learning | News Items
Major Returns on 1% Investment – June 18, 2021
An early learner shows her appreciation of Councilmember Cindy Bass for supporting Philly Pre-K. Four-year-olds Aiden and Brooke stole...
June 16, 2021
News Items
PCCY Childwatch Newsletter: Spring-Summer 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...
August 12, 2020
Education | News Items
PCCY Childwatch Newsletter: Spring-Summer 2020
Check out this FLIPPY EDITION of our newsletter! In this edition, you’ll read about: PCCY’s Teen Town Halls where we...
May 22, 2020
Early Learning | News Items | Vulnerable Youth
1,700 children are trapped in facilities as COVID rages–May 22, 2020
Monday, Mourning Monday is Memorial Day. On that solemn day, we remember the countless men and...
April 3, 2020
Early Learning | Education | News Items | Vulnerable Youth
Helping our neighbors is a universal language–April 3, 2020
Helping our neighbors is a universal language Rosa, a Delaware County mom of four children, called us last week....
February 14, 2020
Early Learning | Education | News Items | Vulnerable Youth
PA legislators trumped on child care–February 14, 2020
PA legislators trumped on child care [NOTE: Not knowing how to feel after the first two...
January 10, 2020
News Items | Picasso Project
How a rare Pablo Picasso find is inspiring Philly students–January 10, 2020
Picasso supports Picasso! Steve and Barbara Gold, Center City residents, activists and PCCY donors, like to...
November 30, 2018
Early Learning | Education | News Items | Picasso Project | Vulnerable Youth
Hot takes on top issues affecting kids–November 30, 2018
A great way to keep up and share key PCCY news Hot off the presses, there’s a new way...
May 1, 2018
News Items
Childwatch Newsletter – May 2018
Have you received our latest edition of Childwatch in the mail? Download the electronic version of PCCY’s semi-annual newsletter or...
April 21, 2017
News Items
Here’s a great reason to smile…–April 21, 2017
Here’s a great reason to smile… We want to take a moment to let you know about a great kid...
April 7, 2017
News Items
We Must Have Missed the Memo–April 7, 2017
We Must Have Missed the Memo Some state representatives, siding with the research and the will of the people...
August 5, 2016
News Items
Are you connected?–August 5, 2016
Are you connected? Have you received the Spring/Summer 2016 edition of Childwatch, PCCY’s semi-annual newsletter? Childwatch chronicles the progress of...
August 5, 2016
Early Learning | Education | News Items | Unspecified | Vulnerable Youth
Childwatch Newsletter–July 2016
Have you received our latest edition of Childwatch? Download the electronic version of PCCY’s semi-annual newsletter or subscribe now to...
July 8, 2016
News Items
A Bill You Can’t Afford – Jul 8, 2016
A bill you can’t afford Supporters of charters heard some bad news last week. So, too, did supporters of district-run...
July 1, 2016
News Items
Shock, and Awww…–July 1, 2016
Shock, then Awww…. Forgive most Pennsylvanians for their wait-and-see attitude regarding the State Budget developments—given our history, it’s hard to...
November 27, 2015
News Items
These Turkeys are Stuffed! – November 27, 2015
These Turkeys are Stuffed! This Thanksgiving we are grateful that Capitol media are reporting the budget turkey is cooked—unfortunately for...
July 13, 2015
News Items
Childwatch Newsletter – July 2015
The latest edition of Childwatch focuses on PCCY’s recent report showing the barriers thousands of Pennsylvania children face to healthcare...
June 21, 2015
News Items
New Funding Formula Poses Two Big Questions for Legislature – June 20, 2015
Proposed School Funding Formula Poses Two Big Questions The Basic Education Funding Commission released a proposed school funding formula that...
January 30, 2015
News Items
Political Blackmail Only Hurts Children and How to Move the Needle Forward on Pre-K – January 30, 2015
Children Held Hostage in Political Blackmail What does the failed sale of the Philadelphia Gas Works have to do with...
PRESS
May 16, 2025
Education | News Items
Storm Clouds Over Education – May 16, 2025
THIS IS WHAT COMMITMENT LOOKS LIKE Penn-Delco student Cameryn Knight-Branch didn’t mince words, standing in the rain as she...
April 18, 2025
Early Learning | News Items
Don’t Stop Head Start – Apr 18, 2025
THROWING BABY OUT WITH THE BATH WATER Of all of the cost-cutting measures floated or implemented by the new...
April 11, 2025
All Issues | News Items
Your Taxes Should Pay Off for Kids – Apr 11, 2025
EVERY CHILD LEFT BEHIND Did you file your tax return yet for 2024? Eight out of ten of us...
April 8, 2025
Education | News Items
Stop the devastation of special education – Apr 4, 2025
LOCAL TEACHER’S POWERFUL PLEA TO SAVE THE DEPT OF ED Dismantling the Department of Education has real consequences for...
March 28, 2025
News Items | Paid Family Leave
Giving baby monitors a new meaning – Mar 28, 2025
A LITTLE RED LIGHT Nora Bongiovanni was born nine weeks early and spent the first 14 weeks of her...
March 21, 2025
News Items | Vulnerable Youth
Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right – Mar 21, 2025
BUILDING SAFER COMMUNITIES & BRIGHTER FUTURES Do children as young as ten years old end up shackled and in...
March 14, 2025
News Items | Vulnerable Youth
Can private equity turn a profit on kids? – Mar 14, 2025
A Half-Billion Dollar Swindle in Delco Harms Children After the private equity owners of the Crozer Medical system in...
March 5, 2025
Children First | News Items
More than a Tune Up – Feb 28, 2025
STALLED PROGRESS FOR KIDS IN SOUTHEASTERN PA When your car stalls over and over again, you take it to...
February 21, 2025
News Items | Racial Equity
Build on Black History Month – Feb 21, 2025
EDUCATION IS THE FOUNDATION OF EQUITY It’s hard to ignore the contrast: while communities are celebrating Black History Month,...
February 14, 2025
All Issues | News Items
Kids, We All Love ‘Em – Feb 14, 2025
SHOW THAT YOU LOVE CHILDREN Today’s the day when children share handmade Valentine’s Day cards and treats with the...
February 7, 2025
News Items | State Budget
Fly, children, fly – Feb 7, 2025
MOVING THE BALL FOR CHILDREN & TEENS Pennsylvania is energized for the Eagles to win on Sunday and bring...
February 5, 2025
News Items
Children First PA Budget Analysis 2025-2026: What’s it Means for Children?
Governor Shapiro FY 2026 State Budget Proposal What’s it Means for Children February 5, 2025 Governor Shapiro delivered his third...
January 24, 2025
Early Learning | News Items
More than a Spoonful of Sugar – Jan 24, 2025
IF IT’S NOT BROKEN, DON’T FIX IT After a rocky start this year, it’s baffling that Philadelphia City Council...
January 17, 2025
News Items | Vulnerable Youth
A Step Forward, but Still Falling Back – Jan 17, 2025
PHILLY COURTS DOUBLES DOWN ON LOCKING KIDS UP Just when we thought it was safe(r) to be a kid...
January 10, 2025
Education | News Items
What Education Can We All Agree On? – Jan 9, 2025
CTE: A SLAM-DUNK FOR PA STUDENTS AND LAWMAKERS Not every student wants to go to college, but they want...
January 3, 2025
News Items | Vulnerable Youth
It is a happy new year – Jan 3, 2025
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE There is good news already this year for Philadelphia children and teens – fewer of...
December 30, 2024
Children First | News Items
What we wish for kids in 2025 – Dec 27, 2024
OUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Each new year brings new possibilities and many of us use this time to commit...
December 13, 2024
News Items | Vulnerable Youth
We’ve Got You Covered – Dec 13, 2024
CARING FOR CHILDREN AS AN EXPRESSION OF FAITH We are hoping that the spirit of generosity that blossoms in...
December 6, 2024
Education | News Items
Lotsa Love this Giving Tuesday! – Dec 6, 2024
WE APPRECIATE YOU! Thank you to those who gave on Giving Tuesday. We are grateful for your generosity that...
December 5, 2024
Education | News Items
Your Contributions in Action – Nov 29, 2024
READ WHAT YOUR SUPPORT MADE POSSIBLE THIS YEAR All of us at Children First hope you enjoyed a happy...
December 2, 2024
News Items
Childwatch Newsletter – Fall/Winter 2024
In this edition of the Childwatch Newsletter, you’ll learn about: Child Care Voters Activity in 2024 Election A Big Win...
November 8, 2024
News Items | Unspecified
Sheltering Kids from Political Fallout – Nov 8, 2024
CHILDREN MUST NOT BE ELECTION CASUALTIES The newly elected 47th president laid his cards on the table this campaign...
November 1, 2024
Education | News Items
Your Vote Decides – Nov 1, 2024
ELECTIONS MATTER Only four more days until the frenzy of the campaign season comes to an end, especially in...
October 31, 2024
News Items | Paid Family Leave | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Paid Family Leave
Testimony to the House Democratic Policy Committee Presented by Dan O’Brien, Policy Manager, Education and Family Stability, Children First October...
October 31, 2024
News Items | Vulnerable Youth
A Move to Make Things Right – Oct 25, 2024
THERE OUGHT TO BE A LAW, RIGHT? For too long, the “lock ’em up” mentality ruled, and children who...
October 11, 2024
News Items | Vulnerable Youth
No More Waiting for Mental Healthcare – Oct 11, 2024
ADDRESS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH BEFORE CRISIS ERUPTS We couldn’t say it better than State Rep. and emergency physician, Arvind Venkat, who...
September 25, 2024
News Items
Why is no one talking about kids issues in the election? – Sep 20, 2024
A Telling Presidential Debate Children First is a non-partisan organization focused on improving the lives of children. Every national election...
September 19, 2024
Early Learning | News Items
Our Take on President Trump’s Child Care Proposal – Sept 13, 2024
TARIFFS 1; CHILDREN’S ISSUES 0 Children First is reviewing the statements of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on important...
August 30, 2024
News Items | Paid Family Leave
Listen to the Doctor – Aug 30, 2024
A Labor Day Remedy for Working Families As we celebrate the American worker this weekend, here’s an excerpt of...
August 23, 2024
News Items
Not Your Average Poltical Campaign – Aug 23, 2024
ARE YOU CHOOSING CHILD CARE THIS ELECTION? The dramatic speeches, celebrity cameos, and flashy lights of the Democratic and...
WHAT WE HAD TO SAY
May 2, 2025
Education | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Increasing Millage Rate, Inella Ray – April 30, 2025
Testimony to the Philadelphia City Council on Increasing Millage Rate Presented by Inella Ray, Director of Parent Advocacy and Engagement,...
April 30, 2025
Education | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Increasing Millage Rate – April 30, 2025
Testimony to the Philadelphia City Council on Increasing Millage Rate Presented by Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Children First April 30,...
April 4, 2025
News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Keeping Students Joy, Priyanka Reyes-Kaura 4-4-2025
Testimony Presented to Philadelphia City Council By Priyanka Reyes-Kaura Children First K-12 Education Policy Director April 4, 2025 Children First...
April 4, 2025
Education | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Keeping Students Joy, Donna Cooper 4-4-2025
Testimony Presented to Philadelphia City Council By Donna Cooper Children First Executive Director April 4, 2025 Thank you for the...
March 6, 2025
News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit Bill – Feb 26 2025
Testimony for House Finance Information Session In support of the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit bill Priyanka Reyes-Kaura, K-12 Education Policy...
October 31, 2024
News Items | Paid Family Leave | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Paid Family Leave
Testimony to the House Democratic Policy Committee Presented by Dan O’Brien, Policy Manager, Education and Family Stability, Children First October...
October 2, 2024
News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: “Soda Tax” – Philadelphia City Council
Testimony to the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission, Subcommittee on “Other Taxes” Presented by Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Children First September...
September 9, 2024
Education | News Items | Testimony
Testimony: School District of Philadelphia – CTE in Philly Schools
A rigorous study of Philadelphia CTE high school students, 70% of whom are economically disadvantaged and 85% BIPOC, found that...
August 22, 2024
Education | News Items | Testimony
Testimony: Philadelphia School Board on School Funding
Philadelphia School Board Testimony Priyanka Reyes-Kaura, K12 Policy Director, Children First August 22, 2024 My name is Priyanka Reyes-Kaura and...
April 26, 2024
News Items | Testimony
Testimony to Philadelphia City Council: School Board Confirmations
Testimony Presented to the Philadelphia City Council School Board Confirmations By Symbol Lai, Philadelphia Mobilization and Policy Director, Children First...
April 3, 2024
News Items | Testimony
Testimony to Philadelphia City Council: FY2025 Budget Bills
Testimony Presented to the Philadelphia City Council Fiscal Year 2025 Tax Bills By Symbol Lai, Philadelphia Mobilization and Policy Director,...
March 29, 2024
Education | News Items | Testimony
Testimony to Philadelphia Board of Education on Charter School Funding
Testimony Presented to the Philadelphia Board of Education By Priyanka Reyes-Kaura, K-12 Education Policy Director, Children First March 28, 2024...
March 5, 2024
Education | News Items | Testimony
Testimony: House Policy Committee: Basic Ed Funding Comms.
Children First Testimony Presented By Donna Cooper, Executive Director To the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee March 5, 2024 Regarding...
January 29, 2024
Education | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Philadelphia BOE – Camp Akili
Testimony Presented to the Philadelphia Board of Education By Inella Ray, Director of Parent Advocacy & Engagement, Children First January...
October 24, 2023
News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Child Literacy – PA House of Representatives
Testimony Presented by Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Children First PA to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Joint Hearing Education and...
October 17, 2023
Education | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Philadelphia City Council Early Intervention Services
On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, Philadelphia City Councilperson Kenyatta Johnson held a hearing on Early Intervention Services for children in...
September 28, 2023
Education | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Basic Education Funding Commission
Testimony Presented to the Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding Commission By Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Children First September 14, 2023 The...
August 17, 2023
News Items | Testimony
Testimony: Revoking the Charter of Franklin Towne Charter High School, August 2023
Testimony on Revoking the Charter of Franklin Towne Charter High School School District of Philadelphia Board of Education Meeting August...
June 27, 2023
News Items | Testimony | Vulnerable Youth
TESTIMONY: Opioid Settlement Money in Delaware County, June 2023
Children First Statement on Opioid Settlement Money June 15, 2023 Delaware County is set to receive $63 million in opioid...
June 6, 2023
News Items | Paid Family Leave | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Child Care Tax Credit
Testimony on House Bill 1259 House Finance Committee June 5, 2023 Dan O’Brien, Policy Manager, Education and Family Stability Children...
May 5, 2023
Early Learning | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: PHLPreK – May 2023
Children First invited three parents to submit testimony to Philadelphia City Council on expansion of available slots for PHLpreK. Read...
March 30, 2023
News Items | Testimony | Unspecified
TESTIMONY: Ending Hunger in Pennsylvania’s Schools
Statement of Jonathan Stein for Children First PA before the PA House Children & Youth and Education Committees March 30,...
January 30, 2023
Education | News Items | Testimony
Testimony to the School Board of Philadelphia
Testimony to the School Board of Philadelphia January 27, 2023 Kate Fox, Behavioral Health Policy Director, Children First Hello, my...
November 17, 2022
Education | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Read To Succeed – Nov 17, 2022
Children First Testimony Before the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Hearing Read to Succeed: Early Childhood and Its Effects on Childhood...
November 16, 2022
Charter Performance Center | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: ChallengeU Cyber Charter School Application – Nov 16, 2022
COMMENTS OPPOSING THE CHALLENGEU CYBER CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION Pennsylvania Department of Education November 16, 2022 ML Wernecke, Director, PA Charter...
November 15, 2022
Charter Performance Center | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Pennwood Cyber Charter School Application – Nov 10, 2022
COMMENTS OPPOSING THE PENNWOOD CYBER CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION Pennsylvania Department of Education November 10, 2022 ML Wernecke, Director, PA Charter...
September 22, 2022
GPEC | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: GPEC Testimony to Philadelphia Board of Education – Sep 22, 2022
The Greater Philadelphia Extracurricular Collaborative (GPEC) is a coalition of out-of-school time (OST) providers and interested funders in Philadelphia and...
May 6, 2022
Education | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Philadelphia City Council: School District Budget – May 4, 2022
School District of Philadelphia Budget Hearing at City Council Children First Testimony May 4, 2022 Good afternoon. My name is...
May 4, 2022
Education | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Elimination of the Bureau of School Audits – May 4, 2022
Children First Testimony May 4, 2022 Presented to the PA House Democratic Policy Committee Regarding Attorney General DeFoor’s Elimination of...
May 4, 2022
Education | News Items | Testimony
TESTIMONY: Philadelphia School Board on the budget – Apr 21, 2022
School District of Philadelphia Budget Hearing Children First Testimony April 21, 2022 Good afternoon. My name is Tomea Sippio-Smith....