Mission
Coalition for Quality Children's Media - KIDS FIRST!
EIN # 85-0398632
A Collaboration of More than 10 Million Concerned Adults
Goals: A. Empower children to become discerning and analytical media consumers. B. Educate adults on the importance of cultivating children's critical viewing skills. C. Facilitate children's access to high-quality, enriching media programming. D. Develop programs for children with unique needs, including those from low-income backgrounds, hospitalized children, at-risk youth, and children facing challenging circumstances. Letter of Support, New Mexico Film Office IRS Non Profit Letter of Determination CQCM W-9 jpg format W-9 pdf format (higher resolution)
The Coalition for Quality Children's Media is a tax-exempt, 501(c) (3) organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
|
Since 1991, the Coalition for Quality Children's Media (KIDS FIRST!) has been dedicated to cultivating critical viewers through education, awareness, and immersion. We empower youth by expanding their access to enriching, age-appropriate content that reflects diverse voices and supports emotional resilience.
In today’s digital landscape, our mission is more critical than ever. We provide young people with the essential tools to recognize misinformation, navigate cybersecurity risks, and practice digital safety. By exposing youth to global cultures and perspectives, we harness media’s potential to drive meaningful social change.
Through youth-centered practices we are cultivating an environment where every child has access to high-quality transformative media that inspires, educates, and empowers them to become informed global citizens.
Our Three Key Initiatives:
KIDS FIRST! Media Reviews: We provide authoritative ratings for films, television, and digital media, uniquely informed by diverse adult and youth juries. Our evaluations are distributed globally via our website, social media, and an extensive network of strategic partners.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critics: Our team of 65 reporters (ages 9–23) offers a fresh perspective on the latest film and TV releases. Through professional training, these talented tweens and teens conduct high-level interviews with industry leaders and provide exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage.
Global Film Festivals: We curate and co-host immersive cinematic events in partnership with leading film festivals, children’s museums, and community venues, bringing high-quality independent media to young audiences and their families.
3. KIDS FIRST! Film Festivals: We curate and co-host film festivals and standalone screenings with leading film festivals, children's museums, and diverse venues to provide unique cinematic experiences for young audiences and their families.
A National Ecosystem of Support: KIDS FIRST! thrives on a diverse ecosystem of collaborators, from policymakers and lobbyists to parents and teachers. We are proud to partner with leading advocacy groups and major publishers, including News-o-matic, Kidsville News, Grand Magazinem, SoCalCityKids and Upscale Magazine. By integrating our mission with these key media outlets, we deliver high-quality media literacy resources and reviews to an audience of more than 5 million readers.
Programs
KIDS FIRST! Endorsements
Adult-Approved and Kid-Recommended
KIDS FIRST! offers a trusted evaluation and endorsement program for children's media. Our community-based juries, composed of child development professionals, educators, parents, and children from diverse backgrounds, utilize rigorous criteria to identify quality content.
A KIDS FIRST! endorsement signifies age-appropriateness, positive content, and entertainment value, providing parents and educators with a reliable seal of approval.
Our reviews reach 3 to 5 million people monthly across our website, newsletter, social media, and partner platforms. We also provide valuable resources, including:
- A searchable database of KIDS FIRST!-endorsed media
- Guidance on selecting age-appropriate content
- Educational guides on critical media consumption
We are dedicated to empowering informed media choices for children. To submit a title for endorsement, please go here.
Check out our podcast on IHeartMedia:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
KIDS FIRST! Film Critics
Smart Kids Make Smart Consumers 
KIDS FIRST! Film Critics empowers a diverse young voices (ages 9-23) from across the US as well as other countries to shape the media landscape. They review the latest films, TV shows, and digital content (rated PG-13 or younger), attend industry events, interview talent, and create compelling reviews in written and video format. Their work reaches over 5 million viewers per release across our website, e-zine, YouTube channel, radio show, social media, and partner publications.
Our critics provide a unique kid-friendly perspective, helping families make informed viewing choices and fostering critical media literacy among young audiences.
What Makes KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Stand Out:
- Passionate young media enthusiasts.
- Diverse representation from across the globe.
- Professional training in clear, concise, and informative reviews.
- Dedicated to providing a kid-friendly viewpoint.
Join Our Team! Are you a young film lover with a passion for interviewing celebrities and creating videos? Apply to join KIDS FIRST! Film Critics today! We hold quarterly auditions for new members. click here
Stay Updated: Subscribe to our weekly e-zine, KIDS FIRST! News, to receive the latest reviews. Go here.
KIDS FIRST ! Film Critics Boot Camp
Launch Your Film Critic Career with the KIDS FIRST! Boot Camp
All KIDS FIRST! Film Critics begin their journey with our comprehensive six-session boot camp. This intensive training equips you with the essential skills to excel as a film critic, including:
- Critical film analysis techniques.
- Clear and concise review writing.
- Professional talent interview skills (red carpet and junkets).
- On-camera performance and green screen proficiency.
- Confidence and self-esteem building.
The KIDS FIRST! Boot Camp offers a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the film industry, hone your critical thinking, and build lasting confidence.
Benefits of Becoming a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic:
- Master professional film analysis.
- Enhance your writing skills.
- Network with industry professionals.
- Develop on-camera expertise.
- Boost your confidence and self-esteem.
- Connect with fellow film enthusiasts.
For more information and to register for the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Boot Camp, please visit here. Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival
The World's Largest Children's Film Festival 
The KIDS FIRST! Film Festival celebrates independent and student filmmakers from around the globe, presenting compelling films in English or with English subtitles. We're dedicated to bringing children uplifting, inspiring, and age-appropriate cinematic experiences.
To ensure quality and positive impact, all festival selections must adhere to the KIDS FIRST! criteria:
- No gratuitous violence.
- No racial or cultural bias.
- No inappropriate sexual behavior.
- No replicable unsafe behavior.
- No condescension towards children.
Furthermore, films must convey an uplifting message and foster a sense of hope.
The KIDS FIRST! Film Festival collaborates with over 40 venues worldwide, reaching over 70,000 viewers annually.
Explore the Festival; Submit Your Film; Host a Screening.
More about the Festival;
Submit a Title;
Host a Festival.
KIDS FIRST! Travel
Support KIDS FIRST! By Booking Your Travel with Us
KIDS FIRST! Travel provides expert travel planning for groups and individuals, with proceeds benefiting KIDS FIRST! We understand the intricacies of group and student travel, and offer a seamless booking experience for all your needs. Our experienced team finds optimal solutions for flights, accommodations, and complete travel packages. Discover how we can assist you: go here.
Disclosure Policy
Privacy Policy
Mailing Address: KIDS FIRST! /
Coalition for Quality Children's Media
112 W. San Francisco St., Suite 305A
Santa Fe, NM 87501
google.com, pub-9175596370925430, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
