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
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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.
- 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
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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
- Grantee Resources
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.
- Serve Your AZ Community
- Giving
- Arizona Employer Child Care Toolkit
- Advocate for Early Childhood
Business Impact of Child Care Calculator
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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

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
Pima North

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
early childhood

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
Graham/Greenlee

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.

Family resource centers provide family supports that are key to child safety and well-being

3/20/2024

Family resource centers normalize the concept that families need support and are the perfect climate to help prevent child abuse and neglect.

Headshots of two women

Celebrate the young child through efforts to advance support for early care and learning

3/18/2024
AZ communities

The week runs April 6-12 and is an annual nationwide celebration that focuses attention on early learning and its educators.

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