JOIN US AT THE EARLY CHILDHOOD SUMMIT
August 26-27 in Phoenix
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RESOURCES & INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
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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.
First Things More First Things
Top 5 tips for reading with your toddler
VIDEO: This episode of Parents Playbook features tips for sharing books with your toddler, which helps them develop the language skills and vocabulary they’ll need to be a good reader later on.
The Parent Kit is here to help you meet the challenges of being a parent.
Active, outdoor play boosts learning
Play in an outdoor, natural environment helps engage a young child’s senses and allows toddlers and preschoolers to exercise their bodies and minds.
Preventing toddler drownings in the home
The biggest drowning threat to toddler safety is unexpected, unsupervised access to water, which includes toilets, bathtubs and buckets of water.
Fatherhood is its own reward
In a recent national survey of dads, 90 percent said that being a parent is their greatest joy.
Kindergarten readiness tips: Developing independence
Arizona kindergarten teachers share tips for how to nurture independence and self-confidence in your young child and help them be prepared for success in…
Podcast: We’re Here for You
Learn about parenting and early childhood programs available in Arizona, at no cost to you, to help you do your best for your baby, toddler or preschooler.
Surviving child care separation anxiety
Leaving your child in someone else’s care may cause separation anxiety, but you and your little one will be okay.
Latest News More Latest News
FTF/Partner Sites
Region Stories More Stories
Quality First scholarship helps Coolidge boy become more independent
Quality First scholarships help eligible families afford to send their child to quality child care centers and preschools.
Quality First center in Peach Springs preserving native language for next generation
The Hualapai Day Care center teachers in Peach Springs focus on preserving the region’s native language by teaching it to the next generation of young…
Positive experiences at Quality First preschool impact all seven Scottsdale siblings
Scottsdale siblings received early education at Quality First preschool and their positive experiences impacted the entire family.