For Parents
For Parents. To help you do the best you can, here’s some information, tools and resources for supporting your child’s healthy development and learning.
- Free Programs and Services
- Quality Child Care and Preschool
Families Can Take Action
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About FTF
About FTF. Created by Arizona voters, First Things First partners with families and communities to help our state’s young children be ready for success in kindergarten and beyond.
- What We Do
  
  Our Mission
  
  How We Work
  
  Investments
  
  Publications
- Governance
  
  Board
  
  Regions
  
  Tribal Relations
FTF 2026 Annual Report takes a look at FTF at 20 years
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Grants
Grants. First Things First invests in strategies and programs that support the development, health and learning of children from birth to age 5 (before kindergarten).
- Grant Opportunities
- Potential Applicants
- Strategy Toolkit
- Grantee Resources
Advocate for Early Childhood
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Get Involved
Get Involved. First Things First partners with families and communities to give all Arizona children the opportunity to arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.
- Serve Your AZ Community
- Giving
- Arizona Employer Child Care Toolkit
- Advocate for Early Childhood
Business Impact of Child Care Calculator
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Parenting Blog

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

Baby Proof: What research says about language learning in young children

October 29, 2026
language & literacy baby proof data & research language preservation

New research shows mixing languages with your young children doesn’t hurt vocabulary growth, it can actually help it. Read More

dads and young children

Dear Dads: You’re doing fine

5/17/2023
fatherhood

Now’s a good time to think about the important role you play in your child’s life and have a game plan for dealing with stress and uncertainty.

Dad with baby daughter, social connections

Combating new parent loneliness with social connections

1/25/2023
parenting

Many new parents experience loneliness, and if you are feeling that, you’re not alone. Social connections can help.

Imagination Library program available in more Arizona communities

12/6/2022
language & literacy

Families with young children in many Arizona communities can now register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

FTF Gift Guide: The best toys and gifts for young children

11/23/2022
play

Our interactive guide offers low-cost options by age and stage of development. Many are free, like the best gift you can give: quality time with you.

First Things First guide for new parents in Arizona

Ready to be a parent? The AZ New Parent Guide can help.

10/4/2022
infants

The AZ New Parent Guide from First Things First has information and resources to help do your best in caring for your new baby.

Mom and dad on the floor with baby daughter, 10 minutes with your child

10 things to do with 10 minutes with your child

9/21/2022
positive parenting

You can find moments throughout the day to connect with your little one in ways that give them the love, care and attention they need.

Grandparents of young children

5 things grandparents do for young children

8/31/2022
grandparents

Grandparents can play many important roles in the healthy development of their grandchildren.

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