Who We Are

To increase the quality of, and access to, the early childhood development and health system that ensures a child entering school comes healthy and ready to succeed.

All Arizona children birth through age five are afforded opportunities to achieve their maximum potential to succeed in school and life.

The First Things First Mission and Vision will be attained through a comprehensive early childhood system that values children as our greatest asset, and recognizes families and communities at the center of decision making.

Decisions are Made

• By involving public and private partners and communities
• By focusing on desired outcomes for all children
• By emphasizing local planning and implementation
• By utilizing ongoing and rigorous analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, proven best practices, and system and program outcomes

Programs, Services and Supports are Offered

• Through an integrated, seamless and accessible system based on high quality standards and proven best practices
• By focusing on the strengths of the whole child

Funding Decisions Are Made

• By careful planning and long range forecasting to ensure the level and quality of services are sustained over time
• To leverage public and private resources that will enhance the ability to deliver high quality services and supports for children
• By utilizing local decision making for resource allocation

Accountability is Achieved

• By establishing and tracking key measures of early childhood development and health system improvements
• By ensuring a rigorous, independent evaluation of the service delivery system and its outcomes