Skip to content

Sign up for the newsletter »

First Things First First Things First

Latest News

News and happenings about First Things First

FTF CEO Melinda Morrison Gulick stands at a podium speaking at the United Way breakfast event.

Tucson business and education community show up in a big way for early childhood at awards breakfast

  • Pima North

The breakfast, Early Education is Everyone’s Business, brought together more than 600 business leaders and educators to champion the cause.

Prescott Valley child care director reimagines outdoor learning space through infrastructure grant

  • Yavapai

Arizona child care providers received nearly $60 million to improve their facilities increasing access to early childhood learning spaces.
Steve Lynn, Awarded the 2024 Business Champion for Early Education Award at the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Women United Business Breakfast in Tucson

FTF State Board Vice Chair honored as business champion for early education

  • Pima North

The award recognizes someone who has significantly contributed to the quality and access of early education in Tucson and southern Arizona. 
Globe/Payson Community Forums

Community forums explore child care solutions for Gila County

  • Gila

The FTF Gila Region and partnered with local chambers of commerce in Globe-Miami and Payson to talk about the child care crisis.
Group of people gathered at Early Childhood Day.

Early childhood supporters show up in force at the Arizona Capitol

Early Childhood Day gathered supporters to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood education with state lawmakers. 
young children smiling, volunteer in your community

Volunteer to be a voice for young children in your Arizona community

  • AZ communities

FTF is looking for volunteers who will collaborate with other dedicated community members in local communities across the state.

Quality First provider says loss of the program will be a detriment to families with young children

  • Phoenix North

Little Giants is one of about 400 child care providers scheduled to lose access to Quality First professional development and other benefits.

FTF report details challenges facing Arizona’s youngest children

  • early childhood

Building Bright Futures, 2023 Statewide Needs and Assets Annual Report is FTF’s biennial assessment of the status of young children.
Woman wearing a red tshirt is in a classroom working with small chlidren gathered around a table with shapes. Child care shortages in Arizona.

Child care shortages cost Arizona $4.7 billion every year

  • AZ communities

A newly released report says Arizona loses $4.7 billion each year because of the lack of availability of child care for children under age 5.

Stay Up To Date.

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

Send me:

© First Things First. All Rights Reserved. • Privacy Policy • Accessibility • Website Feedback • Ombudsman-Citizens Aide