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.
- Find Programs
Find free early childhood programs across Arizona
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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.
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Latest FTF Annual Report highlights FTF’s work on behalf of Arizona’s generation next
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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
- Potential Applicants
- Strategy Toolkit
- Grantee Resources
Building strong families one visit at a time
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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
Business Impact of Child Care Calculator
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Parenting Blog

Information and inspiration for parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Parents can make a difference in Arizona’s early childhood system

investments parent education/awareness

As parents and caregivers, we make sacrifices and decisions to ensure the strongest start for our children. Many families in Arizona rely on child care to be able to work or attain higher education—whether through a licensed facility, an… Read More

Mothering help son count using their fingers

A parent’s guide to getting ready for the first day of kindergarten

kindergarten readiness

Learn how to encourage kindergarten readiness long before the first day of school through routines, practicing skills and more.

girl and boy holding hands

Four things to consider when setting up a playdate

play

Play dates are great for young children’s development because they help them explore, learn and develop social skills through play.

Baby reading a book

First steps in reading: Tips for reading with baby

language & literacy

Reading with your baby is a great way to help them build language skills and form a close bond with you.

Father sitting in park and playing with toddler boy

Outdoor play is important and boosts learning

play

Play in an outdoor, natural environment helps engage a young child’s senses and allows toddlers and preschoolers to exercise their bodies and minds.

Mother feeding daughter and son at table

9 tips for healthy toddler eating habits

health & nutrition

Parents know that developing healthy childhood eating habits is important, but it’s not easy. Here’s some advice.

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