New Directions Institute has formed partnerships with several Arizona school districts to deliver extensive parent training on early brain development.  NDI trains teachers to present brain development workshops in their local communities. The Yuma School District is currently conducting a three-year Parents as First Teacher program as a part of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Federal Grant. 

School board members or representatives who are interested in bringing the Parents as First Teacher program to their school district may contact info@newdirectionsinstitute.org or phone (602) 371-1366.  All sessions and materials are available in both English and Spanish.

“Now I pay more attention and read about child development.  I have more patience, (I have) more communication.  I show them my love because I learned that it helps them and motivates them.  I spend more time with them.

    - Parent and Childcare Worker

“I had not thought about early development for later school success.  Now I have a better understanding of how early experiences affect later development.”

    - Participant in Yuma PAFT program