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Week of the Young Child Proclamations 2026

First Things First recently teamed with the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC) to celebrate the Week of the Young Child, which highlights the importance of early learning and the educators who support the… Read More

girl on playground

As Arizonans go back to work, young kids need quality child care

  • child care

Learn what is being done to improve the quality of child care and to increase access in urban, rural and tribal communities across the state.

Miss Indian Arizona recognized as Champion for Young Children

  • champion

Mariah Sharpe was recently recognized as the 2018 First Things First Colorado River Indian Tribes Champion for Young Children.

FTF Champion Volunteer

First Things First honors 2018 Champions for Young Children throughout Arizona

  • Pima South

Every year, First Things First honors early childhood champions throughout Arizona who actively volunteer to raise awareness of the importance of early…
healthy-summer-lunch

Young kids can stay healthy with Summer Lunch Buddies program

  • health & nutrition

Food security, especially access to healthy, nutritious foods, is critical for ending both child malnutrition, obesity and for helping young kids be ready for…
Children Gardening

Children try gardening in outdoor classroom

  • child development

In gardens, children can learn outside of the classroom by investigating nature while teachers introduce basic science and math concepts.

champion-susan-elsberry

FTF Graham/Greenlee Champion wants community to see how early childhood resonates into adulthood

  • champion

Susan Elsberry was recently selected as the 2018 First Things First Graham/Greenlee Champion for Young Children.
mental health

Mental health is an important part of early childhood developmental milestones

  • mental health

We celebrate Children’s Mental Health Awareness in May—a time to remember that a child’s future success depends on socio-emotional and behavioral…
kindergarten classroom

Arizona kindergarten teachers share the scoop on how to be successful in kindergarten

  • school readiness

Every year, First Things First shares a list of things families can do over the summer to prepare their child for the first day of kindergarten. The tips have…
Q&A with Dawn Wilkinson

Q&A with AZAEYC Executive Director Dawn Wilkinson

  • early learning

​Find out about NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child™, an annual celebration to raise awareness of the importance of quality early learning.​​

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