azftf.govHome - First Things First

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. Skip to content STAY UP TO DATE. Join our email list » Find Your Region Extranet Search Site 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. Parent Resources Parent Kit Guía para Padres Birth to Five Helpline Ages & Stages Find Programs First Things Blog Quality First Parentz Pod Find early childhood programs in your Arizona community Read More 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 Affairs Why Early Childhood Matters Latest News Region Stories Careers & Staff Media Contact Us FTF’s 2019 Annual Report details how young lives are impacted throughout Arizona Read More Grants Grants . First Things First invests in strategies and programs that support the development, health and learning of children birth to age 5 (before kindergarten). Grant Opportunities Application Process Strategy Toolkit Grantee Resources Building strong families one visit at a time Read More 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 Take Action Early Childhood Summit 2019 Regional Champions for Young Children honored Read More Menu For Parents Parent Resources Parent Kit Guía para Padres Find Programs First Things Ages & Stages Birth to Five Helpline Quality First About FTF Why Early Childhood Matters Brain Development Investing in Early Childhood Early Literacy Data Tools Research Latest News What We Do Our Mission How We Work Investments Publications Careers & Staff Contact Us Media Governance Board Regions Tribal Affairs Region Stories Grants Grant Opportunities Application Process Strategy Toolkit Grantee Resources Get Involved Serve Your AZ Community Take Action Early Childhood Summit Giving Find Your Region Extranet Search Site RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES DURING CORONAVIRUS Learn More THANK YOU, CHILD CARE PROVIDERS! #ShareTheCareAZ MORE PARENTING INFO & RESOURCES in English and Spanish First Things First is Arizona’s early childhood agency, committed to the healthy development and learning of young children from birth to age 5. First Things First is committed to continuing to serve Arizona’s youngest children, their families and our community during this challenging time. In order to help ensure the health of our staff and those we serve, many of our staff members will be working from home. While our central Phoenix office remains open, some of our regional offices may be closed. In those cases, you can reach regional staff by phone or email. Please visit the Find Your Region page to find the contact information for the office near you. FIND FTF PROGRAMS First Things First supports programs across Arizona through grants to community organizations that provide services—at no cost—for young children from birth to age 5 (before kindergarten) and their families. START YOUR SEARCH » -- Why Early Childhood Matters 90% of a child’s brain develops before they start kindergarten. And research shows that the quality of a child’s experiences in their first five years helps shape how their brain develops. Kids with positive, stable relationships with parents and caregivers, as well as quality child care and preschool experiences, go on to do better in school and in life. They’re more likely to read at grade level and graduate from high school. They are more prepared for college and career. They also tend to be healthier and demand less from the public welfare system. These are better outcomes for kids that also save taxpayers money. Brain Development Investing in Early Childhood Early Literacy Research Data Tools First Things More First Things Doctors urge parents to keep up with checkups and immunizations during COVID-19 health Doctors say don’t skip regularly scheduled immunizations. They’re very important for preventing other serious diseases that are more dangerous for children. The Parent Kit is here to help you meet the challenges of being a parent. Benefits of a good snuggle social-emotional development Many studies show that your loving touch is essential for your baby’s developing brain. And cuddling also reduces their anxiety, creating calmer kids. At-home activities: Another day, another way to play play As the days at home start to pile up, here are some ideas for fun at-home activities that highlight how young children learn and grow through play. Parenting in the time of coronavirus and social distancing parenting Get some expert advice and encouragement to help you do your best during this period of stress, uncertainty and staying home. Tips for talking with young children about coronavirus health Find information and resources to help support young children emotionally with concerns about COVID-19. Critical thinking skills start in the morning parenting Setting a morning routine not only helps you get out the door on busy mornings, but it also helps your child develop their critical thinking skills. Parents Playbook: Everyday Play play Young children learn through their everyday experiences. Playing with simple household objects gives your little one the opportunity to use their senses,… Latest News More Latest News 4/27/2020 early learning Say thank you to Arizona’s child care providers 4/22/2020 family support Helping home visitors serve substance-exposed newborns and their… 4/14/2020 champion Teen advocates for Arizona’s youngest children 4/13/2020 AZ communities A community-wide thank you to our child care community 4/10/2020 early childhood Q&A with AzAEYC President-Elect Mona Qafisheh FTF/Partner Sites Region Stories More Stories 3-year-old boy gets prepared for kindergarten at family resource center in Rio Rico Santa Cruz The Rio Rico Family Resource center provided the Luna’s with free classes and other activities to help their son prepare for kindergarten. Nurse-Family Partnership program helps pregnant Tucson mother ensure her baby is healthy, safe and ready to learn Pima North “It is so helpful to have someone who is an expert share ideas and resources with me,” said Rosalinda Vergara Parenting class helps young mom and dad from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community look at discipline differently Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community “After we took the class, we really started talking more, sitting with each other, reading books, trying to understand each other and communicate,” said… Stay Up To Date. Join our email list to keep up with the latest news and information from FTF Send me: News about First Things First Parenting tips and resources Notifications of requests for grant applications (RFGAs) Information about early childhood public policy Leave this field empty if you're human: For Parents Parent Resources Parent Kit Guía para Padres Find Programs First Things Ages & Stages Birth to Five Helpline Quality First About FTF Why Early Childhood Matters Brain Development Investing in Early Childhood Early Literacy Data Tools Research Latest News What We Do Our Mission How We Work Investments Publications Careers & Staff Contact Us Media Governance Board Regions Tribal Affairs Region Stories Grants Grant Opportunities Application Process Strategy Toolkit Grantee Resources Get Involved Serve Your AZ Community Take Action Early Childhood Summit Giving Global Find Your Region Extranet Search Site Social FTFArizona @AZFTF @azfirstthingsfirst first-things-first AZFirstThingsFirst © First Things First . All Rights Reserved. • Privacy Policy • Accessibility • Website Feedback • Ombudsman-Citizens Aide...