RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES DURING CORONAVIRUS
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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.
First Things First is committed to continuing to serve Arizona’s youngest children, their families and our community during this challenging time. In order to help ensure the health of our staff and those we serve, many of our staff members will be working from home. While our central Phoenix office remains open, some of our regional offices may be closed. In those cases, you can reach regional staff by phone or email. Please visit the Find Your Region page to find the contact information for the office near you.
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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Guiding young children through difficult times
Find resources to help you support your young children through these stressful times and age-appropriate ways to talk about tough issues like race and equity.
The Parent Kit is here to help you meet the challenges of being a parent.
‘Navigating the New Normal’: Parents and experts on helping kids through the pandemic
A new 20-minute video from Noggin features questions from parents and advice from early childhood experts to help you and your family deal with stress.
A message for moms in challenging times
Try to remember that you don’t have to be perfect and that you need to take care of yourself in order to take care of your children.
Doctors urge parents to keep up with checkups and immunizations during COVID-19
Doctors say don’t skip regularly scheduled immunizations. They’re very important for preventing other serious diseases that are more dangerous for…
Benefits of a good snuggle
Many studies show that your loving touch is essential for your baby’s developing brain. And cuddling also reduces their anxiety, creating calmer kids.
At-home activities: Another day, another way to play
As the days at home start to pile up, here are some ideas for fun at-home activities that highlight how young children learn and grow through play.
Parenting in the time of coronavirus and social distancing
Get some expert advice and encouragement to help you do your best during this period of stress, uncertainty and staying home.
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3-year-old boy gets prepared for kindergarten at family resource center in Rio Rico
The Rio Rico Family Resource center provided the Luna’s with free classes and other activities to help their son prepare for kindergarten.
Nurse-Family Partnership program helps pregnant Tucson mother ensure her baby is healthy, safe and ready to learn
“It is so helpful to have someone who is an expert share ideas and resources with me,” said Rosalinda Vergara
Parenting class helps young mom and dad from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community look at discipline differently
“After we took the class, we really started talking more, sitting with each other, reading books, trying to understand each other and communicate,” said…