QUEEN CREEK, AZ — A new chapter in early childhood support and education began in Queen Creek on Wednesday, June 18th, as local leaders, community members, and families came together to celebrate the grand opening of the Queen Creek Family Resource Center.
Located inside Wonderwise Preschool at 21259 E Ocotillo Rd, the center is funded by First Things First, Arizona’s only public funding source dedicated exclusively to early childhood development. The center offers a welcoming, one-stop hub for parents, caregivers, and young children (birth to age five) to access free programs, education, and support.
The celebration was attended by the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Julia Wheatley, Vice Mayor Leah Martineau, Town Council Member Bryan McClure, local business leaders, representatives from First Things First, and the center’s own staff.
“This is so incredibly exciting to have in our community,” said Mayor Wheatley during the grand opening. “While this has just opened a few months ago, it’s already creating such an important space for families to gather. It gives access to parents and caregivers for resources, information, support, and a place to meet others with similarly aged children.”
The Queen Creek Family Resource Center offers a wide variety of free programming including:
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Little Chefs (hands-on learning through cooking),
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Playful Learning activities for parents and kids,
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A Parent Connection Café to foster community and discussion,
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A Kids Zone for safe play,
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Parent education workshops, resource referrals, and more.
Mayor Wheatley emphasized how deeply the town values early childhood development. “Every April, the Queen Creek Town Council recognizes the ‘Week of the Young Child’ with a proclamation that highlights the importance of early childhood education. Funding quality childcare is a smart investment that improves family well-being, strengthens communities, and grows our state’s prosperity.”
She also extended gratitude to First Things First and Wonderwise Preschool for their collaboration and support. “We are so grateful that First Things First has chosen Queen Creek as a location for one of their resource centers,” she said. “And a warm thank you to Wonderwise Preschool for supplying the space.”
Sheri Collins, Regional Director of the First Things First Southeast Maricopa Region, added:
“The Regional Partnership Council is so excited to invest in this family resource center here in Queen Creek. We strategically planned five family resource centers throughout the region, and Queen Creek was one of those centers. With efforts like this, it really helps set the stage for Queen Creek’s future and also Arizona’s future—for children to not only have a great start at kindergarten but beyond.”
First Things First was created by an Arizona voter initiative and is dedicated to funding early education and health programs that help children thrive in the critical years before kindergarten. Their mission is clear: build a strong foundation for Arizona’s youngest learners.
For more information about programs, hours, and how to get involved, visit the Queen Creek Family Resource Center website: https://www.wonderwisepreschool.com/qc-frc
