THE CHILD CARE CLIFF
IN ARIZONA

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SERVE ON AN FTF REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL

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FIND QUALITY CHILD CARE NEAR YOU

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TAKE ACTION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

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First Things First is Arizona’s early childhood agency, committed to the healthy development and learning of young children from birth to age 5.

FIND FTF PROGRAMS

First Things First supports programs across Arizona through grants to community organizations that provide services—at no cost—for young children from birth to age 5 (before kindergarten) and their families.

FIND QUALITY CHILD CARE

Funded by First Things First, the Quality First program helps improve the quality of child care and preschool for children and families in Arizona. More than 1,300 programs participate in Quality First.

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Latest News What's happening around Arizona More Latest News

FTF CEO Melinda Morrison Gulick stands at a podium speaking at the United Way breakfast event.

Tucson business and education community show up in a big way for early childhood at awards breakfast

early childhood

The breakfast, Early Education is Everyone’s Business, brought together more than 600 business leaders and educators to champion the cause.

Prescott Valley child care director reimagines outdoor learning space through infrastructure grant

child care

Arizona child care providers received nearly $60 million to improve their facilities increasing access to early childhood learning spaces.

Steve Lynn, Awarded the 2024 Business Champion for Early Education Award at the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Women United Business Breakfast in Tucson

FTF State Board Vice Chair honored as business champion for early education

board

The award recognizes someone who has significantly contributed to the quality and access of early education in Tucson and southern Arizona.

Success Stories Our impact on local communities More Stories

Quality First program helps Many Farms preschooler improve her speech

Quality First

The FTF Navajo Nation Regional Partnership Council funds Quality First so families can send their children to quality child care programs.

Camp Verde 3-year-old benefits from Little Learners program

special needs

The FTF Yavapai Regional Council funds the Little Learners program to support families that have children with special needs.

Phoenix family resource center helps shy brothers with social-emotional skills

Phoenix North

The Phoenix North Regional Council funds the family resource center in the Creighton Elementary School District to provide a community hub of services and…

Why Early Childhood Matters

Kids with positive, stable relationships with parents and caregivers, as well as quality child care and preschool experiences, go on to do better in school and in life. They’re more likely to read at grade level and graduate from high school. They are more prepared for college and career. They also tend to be healthier and demand less from the public welfare system. These are better outcomes for kids that also save taxpayers money.

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