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QUALITY MATTERS IN CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL
Learn about Quality First
RESOURCES & INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
in English and Spanish
First Things First partners with families and communities to support the healthy development and learning of Arizona’s young children.
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.
Why Early Childhood Matters
90% of a child’s brain develops before they start kindergarten. And research shows that the quality of a child’s experiences in their first five years helps shape how their brain develops.
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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Find early childhood programs in your Arizona community
Use our new search tool to learn about and connect with early childhood programs near you.
The Parent Kit is here to help you meet the challenges of being a parent.
Quality First helps prepare kids for school success
More than 1,000 child care and preschool programs in Arizona participate in Quality First, a voluntary program to improve the quality of early learning in ways…
Track your child’s developmental milestones
From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. Track your child’s development and act early if…
Best toys and gifts for young kids
Check out our interactive guide to free or inexpensive gifts that promote learning for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. (The best gift of all is quality time…
Parenting is hard. Help is a phone call away.
The Birth to Five Helpline is a free service open to all Arizona families of young children. Experts are available to answer any parenting questions.
Tummy time tips to help your baby grow strong
Want to support your baby’s physical development? The answer is Tummy Time!
Start building a love of math and science early in life
Activities such as finger painting, building blocks and baking are fun and interactive ways to build science and math skills in young kids.
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FTF/Partner Sites
Region Stories More Stories
Quality early education provides Glendale girl a path to success
Maria Perez is a friendly and confident 7-year-old excited to start second grade at Saint Louis the King Catholic School in Glendale. She regularly…
Developmental screening program helps get Avondale preschooler ready for kindergarten
Maria Covarrubias of Avondale remembers watching her 3-year-old son Cesar, sitting by the door all day waiting for his older sister to return from…
Maricopa mom attributes kindergarten success to parenting education program
Mid-year of kindergarten at Butterfield Elementary School in Maricopa, 5-year-old Ruby Hoeh’s reading indicators were assessed. She was performing at a…