Community Leaders Advocate for Continued Funding of PEAPS Early Childhood Program

The Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 18, 2025, spotlighted the critical importance of the PEAPS program, with passionate testimonies from community members advocating for its continued funding.

Maria Molinares, a parent whose son benefited from the program, shared a heartfelt account of his transformation from a timid child to a confident kindergartner. She emphasized the program's profound impact on her son's readiness for school, contrasting his experience with that of other children who struggled on their first day. "One less child that we serve is one more child that's crying," Molinares urged, highlighting the emotional stakes involved in early childhood education.

Tiffany Bucciarelli Fay, director of early childhood for Amplify School District, echoed Molinares' sentiments, expressing gratitude for the board's support. She reported that all 252 spots in their PEAPS programs are filled, with extensive waiting lists, underscoring the community's demand for quality early education. Fay noted that children who attended PEAPS are not only ready for kindergarten but are exceeding expectations, which she attributed to the program's high-quality preschool education.

Zach Yenser, vice president of business advocacy for the Chamber of Southern Arizona, reinforced the economic implications of early childhood education. He cited a study revealing that lack of access to affordable childcare costs Arizona approximately $350 million in lost tax revenue annually. Yenser called for continued support of the PEAPS program, linking it to broader community and economic health.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to early childhood education, with community leaders urging the board to prioritize funding for programs that shape the future of children and, by extension, the community itself. As discussions continue, the future of the PEAPS program remains a pivotal issue for Pima County's families and economy.