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.
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Families Can Take Action
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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.
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FTF 2025 Annual Report provides in-depth look at investments
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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
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Advocate for Early Childhood
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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.
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Business Impact of Child Care Calculator
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Latest News

News and happenings about First Things First

Little Nest takes flight as early childhood center in the Pascua Yaqui Tribe

October 29, 2025
child care Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Our Little Nest of Enlightenment Early Childhood Learning Center will be a first on Pascua Yaqui Tribe land. Read More

Welcome new regional council members

New regional council members excited to join dedicated community advocates

7/12/2024
Regional Partnership Councils

FTF is welcoming 40 new regional partnership council members who are joining the more than 250 dedicated community members across Arizona.

Infant girl sitting on fathers lap

Showing up and listening to the child care needs of northern Arizona’s communities

6/18/2024
child care

The FTF Coconino Region team works daily to create a common understanding of the challenges families face as they raise their young children.

Majority of Arizona voters believe state should invest more in child care, according to survey

6/3/2024
child care

The recently released survey showed that 77% of all voters believe Arizona should invest more in child care.

Leaders gather to discuss the child care crisis in Yuma.

Child care taskforce, led by the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, is announced at…

5/21/2024
child care

Yuma leaders discuss the economic impact of the child care crisis and create a taskforce to raise solutions.

Southern Arizona initiative strives to help families build prosperity

5/13/2024
Tohono O’odham Nation

Pima County has embarked on an ambitious generational effort to decrease poverty among its 1 million residents.

State fiscal map shows bigger picture of early childhood funding

4/24/2024
AZ communities

The map allows Arizona policymakers and stakeholders to visualize the 66 funding streams that support early childhood services.

FTF and Arizona Chamber of Commerce host Child Care Forum to talk solutions

4/19/2024
child care

In Arizona on average, businesses lose $2,020 per working parent annually through reduced revenue and in extra hiring costs.

Preschool teacher standing in front of small children in a colorful classroom with the alphabet and white board on the wall.

Growing the early childhood table in eastern Arizona

4/17/2024
systems building

FTF’s Shari Elkins works with community partners in the region to spread the same message: School readiness equals workforce readiness.

Backyard playground area with turf and playground equipment.

Safford child care center improves security and doubles outdoor space with grant

4/5/2024
Quality First

A funding opportunity was made possible by an Arizona Child Care Infrastructure Grant to support child care providers.

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