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News and happenings about First Things First

Heights Church and Upside Preschool: Investing in Child Care

February 4, 2026
AZ communities child care crisis case study

For rural areas like Yavapai County, leaders at Heights Church in Prescott Valley prioritized addressing the overwhelming need for child care. Read More

mom reading a book with young boy and girl

Early childhood supporters encouraged to remind families about expanded Child Tax Credit

2/11/2022
AZ communities

The federal American Rescue Act recently expanded the Child Tax Credit that parents can receive per child.

kindergarten teacher sitting at a table with students.

Statewide assessment will be useful for those who teach children before they reach kindergarten

1/25/2022
AZ communities

Earlier this year, a statewide Kindergarten Entry Assessment was funded as part of Arizona’s early literacy initiatives.

Keeping expectant mothers healthy before and after they give birth

1/24/2022
health & nutrition

The US is the only developed country in the world with a rising maternal mortality rate. And about 60% of maternal deaths are preventable.

children sitting on floor raising both hands

Phoenix child care center changes trajectory from crisis to success with Quality First supports

1/12/2022
Phoenix South

Participating in Quality First contributed to the center’s growth. Quality First coaches helped the staff change the way they cared for kids.

Report: Don’t forget young kids in COVID-19 recovery

1/4/2022
data & research

A new FTF report highlights the challenges Arizona’s young children faced before the pandemic, and how some of those barriers have worsened.

child care teacher holding little boy with a toy piece of cake.

Child care providers across Arizona struggle to fill open positions

12/17/2021
child care

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated an already challenging hiring process and is reflected across the United States.

FTF Board welcomes newest member

12/13/2021
board

The First Things First state Board recently welcomed its newest member, Dr. Christian Osmeña.

little girl standing with woman in glasses looking at her

Efforts expand to support the social and emotional health of young children during challenging times

11/17/2021
Yavapai

An influx of federal money will allow more providers to access early childhood mental health consultation during a climate of uncertainty.

A woman in black t-shirt is handing a bag of produce to another woman.

Pilot program successfully helps young children living in food deserts access more fresh, locally…

11/10/2021
Phoenix South

The farm-to-family model works to distribute locally grown produce to families of young children through FTF’s early childhood partners.

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