Resources for Families and Students

The Phoenix Great Start Program gives Phoenix children in Title I schools free admission to several educational and cultural centers before they begin kindergarten. Children who have opportunities to learn and interact with language from a young age will help them develop into strong, fluent readers. Parental involvement in the program is a critical element because parents begin supporting early literacy development with their children from infancy.  Strong family engagement activities prepare children to enter kindergarten ready and later reading at grade level by third grade. 

Participating cultural and education organizations that provide free admission to families include the Arizona Science Center, Children's Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Gardens, Musical Instrument Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, and numerous other attractions. 

For information on participating organizations and opportunities for you and your family to visit various cultural venues, please contact the Youth and Education Office at mailbox.youth@phoenix.gov.

City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five Program provides comprehensive early childhood development and family support services to income-eligible families with children ages 0-5 and at-risk pregnant women. The program has an emphasis on school readiness through early learning opportunities that promote strong child outcomes in the areas of social and emotional development, language, cognitive, early reading, science, math, and physical development.

The City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five Program is currently accepting applications for all options. For more information please contact 602-262-4040 or Reserve your spot today online. 

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation ​Department's Phoenix Afterschool Center (PAC) is a fun, supportive, and educational place for youth ages 6 to 13 to spend critical afterschool hours.

PAC is offered at school sites citywide. 

Experienced recreation staff lead structured activities and supervised free-play.​

To learn more about the PAC program, contact the PACT team at 602-262-7370 or pac@phoenix.gov.