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First Things Blog

Information and inspiration for parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers and preschoolers

Don’t miss ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ February 9 on Arizona PBS

  • child development

The acclaimed documentary tells the story of the gentle force behind “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and his unwavering care and compassion for…
babies sleep more when they're more active

Physical activity helps babies get more sleep

  • sleep

New research shows that being more active in the day can help babies sleep more at night. And tummy time is a great way to boost physical activity.
boy picking up toys

Chores serve as learning moments for toddlers and preschoolers

  • social-emotional development

For parents and caregivers of toddlers and preschoolers, setting new year goals offers an opportunity to expand children’s learning through everyday chores.
baby girl playing with puzzle together with mom and sister

Pediatricians say simple toys are best

  • play

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends basic toys that encourage imagination and interaction between parent and child.
Premature child at birth and at his second birthday

Why our preemie son’s second birthday was so special

  • child development

With support, most babies born prematurely will catch up to their full-term peers by the time they turn 2.
new tool for parents to find early childhood programs in Arizona

Find early childhood programs in your Arizona community

  • AZ communities

Use our new search tool to learn about and connect with early childhood programs near you.
Baby-Child-Care

Quality First helps prepare kids for school success

  • Quality First

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…
child crawling

Track your child’s developmental milestones

  • child development

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…
young child playing with simple toys

Best toys and gifts for young kids

  • play

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…

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