A history of the accomplishments of the University of New Mexico’s Family Development Program that is sure to influence early childhood advocacy networks everywhere.

Since 1985, a grassroots initiative called the Family Development Program (FDP) at the University of New Mexico has championed early childhood education as a long-term way to address poverty, strengthen democracy, and protect the rights of young children. Putting Our Youngest Children First chronicles FDP’s accomplishments, all from the ground up, community by community. With important lessons about collaborative problem-solving and citizen leadership to effect systemic change, Vermilya and Preskill offer proven strategies for mobilizing family and community advocacy to ensure that the education of young children remains one of the nation’s top priorities.