FIRST THINGS FIRST CONTINUES AZ’S COMMITMENT TO YOUNGEST KIDS
More than $100 million approved for education and health services for kids 0-5
PHOENIX – Young children across Arizona will continue to get the tools they need to have a fair start in life thanks to more than $100 million in contracts approved today by First Things First for fiscal year 2011.
“First Things First continues to do its part to fulfill Arizona’s commitment to our youngest kids,” said Rhian Evans Allvin, Executive Director of First Things First. “We know that if young children have strong connections with adults, rich literacy experiences and preventative health care, the chances of their success in school and life increase immeasurably.”
“For families and communities devastated by the loss of many programs and services for children as a result of the recent state budget cuts, the funding from First Things First lets them know that Arizona still cares about its youngest kids.”
The funding will support both statewide initiatives and community-based strategies in five major areas: improving the quality of early education services (including early literacy efforts), helping the teachers of young children enhance their professional skills, expanding health services (including oral health and developmental screenings), supporting parents with home- and community-based services, and building public awareness of the importance of early childhood.
The approved contracts are with organizations ranging from state agencies working with young kids to nonprofit groups and city or tribal governments.
After the statewide Board meeting, Chair Steve Lynn reminded Arizonans that protecting these services is up to voters.
“Historically, there hasn’t been a lot of support for early childhood in Arizona, but voters changed that in 2006 when they approved the tobacco tax to fund education and health for all kids five and younger,” Lynn said. “Now, some state lawmakers want voters to forget about that commitment and balance the state’s budget on the backs of our youngest kids.”
Lynn was referring to a November ballot measure approved by state lawmakers earlier this year. If approved by voters, the measure would eliminate First Things First, sweep all the funds set aside for early childhood education and health, and let the Legislature decide what to do with that money. Lynn said he doesn’t think that will happen.
“As we have demonstrated again today, First Things First has a strong track record of empowering communities to make decisions on behalf of their youngest kids and then funding strategies that reflect those priorities,” Lynn said. “Arizonans can be assured that we are getting the job done, and I think they will want to keep their commitment to what works for their kids.”
-30-
First Things First (FTF), approved by Arizona voters, works to ensure that our youngest children have access to quality early childhood experiences so they will start school healthy and ready to succeed. Across the state, FTF regional partnership councils – in collaboration with local leaders – identify the educational and health needs of children from birth through age 5 in their communities and fund strategies to address those needs.
A complete list of contract renewals approved today by the First Things First Board is available at:
http://www.azftf.gov/WhoWeAre/Documents/Renewals_and_New_Awards.pdf