Lois Vermilya was the director of the Family Development Program at the University of New Mexico for twenty years and is the author of many publications on equity and social justice.Stephen Preskill is a professor emeritus of education at Wagner College. He is the author of Education in Black and White: Myles Horton and the Highlander Center’s Vision for Social Justice.

“This book makes a transformative contribution to the fields of family and child studies and early childhood education. With its forward-thinking, strength-based, family-centered approach, it presents a framework for cultivating equitable partnerships among families, early educators, higher education faculty, and communities to shape the next generation of early childhood leaders.” - Cathy Huaqing Qi, professor of special education, University of New Mexico“The Family Development Program has always put listening first. True success comes through the trust and buy-in of those most affected. This book teaches us all a process for how to harness the power of families and communities by centering them at the heart of change-work.” - Jeffrey Capizzano, president of the Policy Equity Group“New Mexico is now seen as outstanding because of its commitment to young children, but that didn’t just happen. If you care about children, their families, and the professionals who serve them, Putting Our Youngest Children First is a must-read.” - Ellen Galinsky, president of the Families and Work Institute and author of Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs“This book tells a powerful story of early childhood advocacy. I salute the Family Development Program for its four decades of trailblazing hard work—we can learn from their story!” - Matthew Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE