 Improving Outcomes for Arizona’s Youngest Children
The first five years of a child’s life have a powerful impact on their future and the future of our state. These early years offer an unmatched opportunity to build a solid foundation for Arizona’s infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Our state and local communities must do all that we can to support Arizona’s youngest children. As Arizona’s only public funding source dedicated exclusively to early childhood, First Things First (FTF) is a key partner in helping children birth to age 5 start school healthy and ready to succeed. |
About First Things First
Our Vision:
All Arizona children are ready to succeed in school and in life.
Our Mission:
First Things First is an essential leader and partner in creating a family-centered, equitable, high-quality early childhood system that supports the development, well-being, health and education of all Arizona’s children, birth to age 5.
After an extensive 18-month development process, FTF is finalizing the next statewide strategic plan. This plan will set the direction for the organization’s work starting in State Fiscal Year 2028 (SFY28, which begins July 1, 2027). FTF is deeply grateful for the time, thoughtfulness and dedication of the many Arizonans who participated in this in-depth planning process. These include those who provided insights through interviews, surveys and input sessions. In addition, thank you to regional partnership council members who offered their expertise and perspectives in multiple feedback sessions and to our Board members who served on the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee.
This is a critical time in FTF’s history, as the organization celebrates 20 years since Arizona voters created FTF. As the FTF State Board developed the next strategic direction, one important consideration is the financial forecast. FTF is funded through taxes on tobacco products. As consumers have shifted from these traditional tobacco products to new products like vapes, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, FTF annual revenues have decreased by about 47% – from $165 million in state fiscal year 2008 to only about $88 million in 2025.
While FTF is working with stakeholders to secure additional sources of sustainable funding for early childhood programs and services, the Board aims to streamline and prioritize services in this next strategic plan.
