Parenting with Extra Challenges
Learn about resources for single, teen or disabled parents, and grandparents.
Early Childhood Research
The Building Blocks of Lifelong Success Decades of research prove that children with access to high-quality early childhood programs are better prepared for kindergarten, perform well in school and are more likely to pursue higher education. These children also grow into healthier, more productive members of society. The benefits of early childhood experiences include: Higher … Read More
How We Work
First Things First works at the state and local levels to give Arizona children the opportunity to arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. We invest in proven programs and innovative strategies through grants to community organizations that provide services to children and families. We provide professional expertise and oversight to support local programs … Read More
Early literacy experiences lead to reading success for San Carlos Apache fourth-grader
When Marlencia Benally enrolled her 1-year-old son in a program to receive children’s books every month in the mail, she had no idea that she would be opening up much more than storybook worlds to him with reading. Eight years later, she was the one to receive the happy surprise when she opened the mailbox: … Read More
First Things First Named Among Top 25 Innovations in Government by Harvard University
PHOENIX – May 2, 2017 – Today, First Things First was announced as a Top 25 program in this year’s Innovations in American Government Awards competition by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. As a Top 25 program, First Things First is representing the top … Read More
The most important skills kids need to succeed in life
American adults think language and literacy skills are needed to do well in life. Early childhood is the best time to help kids develop them.
Parents as Teachers helps Gilbert couple teach fragile son
For Scott and Pat Hall of Gilbert, their adopted son Ethan was a miracle. Born seven weeks early and weighing only 4 pounds, the medical crises with the baby never seemed to stop. Around four weeks old, Ethan was rushed to the hospital because he stopped breathing. Later, doctors found blood spots on his brain … Read More