QUALITY FIRST IS ENROLLING NEW PROVIDERS
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First Things First is Arizona’s early childhood agency, committed to the healthy development and learning of young children from birth to age 5.
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.
FIND QUALITY CHILD CARE
Funded by First Things First, the Quality First program helps improve the quality of child care and preschool for children and families in Arizona. More than 1,300 programs participate in Quality First.
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Why Early Childhood Matters
90% of a child’s brain growth happens 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.
