Supporting Families

Families raise children.  First Things First, along with its partners, support families. 

Parents and families are central and critical to a young child’s development. Children’s health, development, and overall well-being depend upon the care, nurturing and education provided by their families. Research has confirmed that early relationships are the primary influence on brain growth and neurophysiologic development. 

Societal and cultural changes have profoundly impacted familial structures and patterns in this country over the past fifty years. Children are spending longer hours in out-of-home care as more parents, especially mothers, are in the workforce. Additionally, parents often do not have close relationships with or supports from extended family, and community interdependence has disintegrated with increased mobility rates due to employment and economic conditions. Single parents, foster families, and grandparents who are raising young children are examples of familial structures that offer unique opportunities and challenges.

Many young children and families in Arizona are experiencing these dynamics. Therefore, supporting the development of Arizona’s parents and families in conjunction with children’s health and development is essential. Families need supports and services which will build upon their current skills, knowledge, and strengths in order to optimize good developmental outcomes and build early literacy skills for their children. 

For First Things First's partners serving Arizona Families

(*The guide below is organized by Regional Partnership Council.  Find your Regional Council.)

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