Latest News

News and happenings about First Things First

Letter of support asks for stabilized funding for early childhood programs

March 13, 2026
child care crisis

The letter of support included signatures from individuals, local governments, tribal nations, various elected officials and business owners. Read More

Q&A with Melinda Morrison Gulick, CEO of First Things First

3/15/2022
AZ communities

Melinda Morrison Gulick joined First Things First as Chief Executive Officer on March 7. Read her first impressions and future plans for FTF.

picture of small book with a dog illustration and Hualapai words for dog

New book of common Hualapai words helps families of babies, toddlers and preschoolers encourage…

3/3/2022
language preservation

A new book in the Hualapai language is designed to support efforts to begin teaching the language early to preserve culture and identity.

Melinda Morrison Gulick chosen to lead FTF as new CEO

2/15/2022
AZ communities

The First Things First Board recently selected Melinda Morrison Gulick as the agency’s next Chief Executive Officer.

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.

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