Southeast Maricopa Region

Arizona’s early childhood agency represents a commitment Arizonans made to our youngest children – that they would have the support they need to start school healthy and ready to succeed. Many young children in Arizona face significant barriers to their success, including poverty, trauma and lack of access to needed resources.

68,482

Population of young children (under age 6)

18%

Percentage of young children living in poverty

(Click for a detailed map.)

Priorities

The Southeast Maricopa Regional Partnership Council makes strategic investments to support the healthy development and learning of the young children in the region. The regional council’s priorities include:

Scholarships for children to access high-quality early learning
Strengthening families through voluntary home visiting and family resource centers
Improving the quality of child care and preschool programs

Early Childhood Matters.

90% of a child’s brain grows before kindergarten.

Learn why

Programs Our Region Funds

First Things First supports early childhood programs in 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 Programs

State Fiscal Year 2024 Total Regional Program Expenditures

Quality and Access	$4,655,261
Family Support	$3,780,373
Health	$1,276,689
Evaluation	$313,741
Community Awareness	$124,734
Professional Development	$76,394
Total	$10,227,192