Latest News

News and happenings about First Things First

First Things First statement on proposed Head Start changes

October 1, 2026
AZ communities child care crisis

The proposed changes to Head Start would fundamentally lower the program’s quality and erode the high-quality experiences children receive. Read More

Woman wearing a red tshirt is in a classroom working with small chlidren gathered around a table with shapes. Child care shortages in Arizona.

Child care shortages cost Arizona $4.7 billion every year

12/9/2023
AZ communities

A newly released report says Arizona loses $4.7 billion each year because of the lack of availability of child care for children under age 5.

Arizona survey shows child care challenges impacting working families and their jobs

11/9/2023
child care

A recent survey of Arizona’s working parents shows that 35% said they have left a job in the past year due to child care issues.

More than 400 Arizona child care programs benefited from emergency investment in quality child…

11/3/2023
Quality First

Over the past 3 years, using federal funds, 413 child care providers were able to join the Quality First program.

Native American woman breastfeeding a baby girl.

Supporting young Navajo families through traditional practices during and after pregnancy

10/20/2023
Navajo Nation

As part of FTF’s celebration of Native American Heritage month, we will host free panel sessions in November to learn about Arizona’s tribes.

Woman holding extra large check for $1,000

First scholar completes Child Development Associate credential through FTF support

10/12/2023
professional development

Karen Preston recently became the first scholar in Arizona to complete her CDA through online courses sponsored by First Things First.

Federal pandemic era assistance to Arizona’s child care industry is ending. What does that mean…

10/11/2023
child care crisis

Federal child care assistance is ending as advocates warn of a child care cliff that jeopardizes working families, employers and Arizona’s economy.

First Things First 2023 Annual Report highlights outcomes of work and collaboration in Arizona

9/15/2023
early childhood

Today’s babies, toddlers and preschoolers are our state’s generation next—the generation that in just a couple of decades will be entering the workforce…

Three new Board members bring diverse expertise to First Things First

9/15/2023
board

The First Things First Board recently welcomed three new members. Dr. Darlene Melk, Francisco Muñoz and Steve Peru.

Longtime FTF regional council members honored with Eddie Basha Excellence Award

9/5/2023
Regional Partnership Councils

FTF regional partnership council members who achieved 15 years of volunteering with FTF received the Eddie Basha Award.

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