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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More

Latest News

News and happenings about First Things First

FTF CEO honored as woman of achievement

October 28, 2026

In Business Magazine celebrates women leaders, honoring them for their achievements in leadership, business, community, and philanthropy. Read More

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.

woman holding newborn baby

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.

Dr. Christian Osmena

FTF Board welcomes newest member

12/13/2021
board

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

« Previous 1 … 14 15 16 17 18 … 44 Next »

Stay Up To Date.

Join our email list to keep up with the latest news and information from FTF