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READ OUR 2018
QUALITY MATTERS IN
CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL
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90% OF A CHILD'S BRAIN
DEVELOPS BY AGE 5
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First Things First partners with families and communities to support the healthy development and learning of Arizona’s young children.
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
Doctors say baby walkers are not safe, don’t help development
Baby walkers are advertised as fun for young children, but pediatricians say they’re dangerous and should not be used or sold.
The Parent Kit is here to help you meet the challenges of being a parent.
Podcast: Eyes on Learning
Healthy vision is important for a child’s development and learning. But children don’t know what they can’t see.
Not just a theory: Block play builds STEM skills in early childhood
Did you know that young Albert Einstein spent a lot of time playing with blocks?
High-quality early childhood programs provide long-lasting benefits for kids
A recent study shows that quality child care and preschool programs boost kids’ social-emotional skills and academic achievement.
September is Literacy Month, but it’s always time to read and talk with your child
Reading together and having back-and-forth conversations help young kids develop the skills they’ll need to become good readers.
Grandparents Day offers opportunity to recognize those grandparents raising grandchildren
The relationship between a child and a grandparent is a special bond, a relationship that is celebrated nationally on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This…
New from AAP: ‘Children should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible’
The American Academy of Pediatrics now advises that young kids should ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible. This will include almost all children…
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Family 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…