Getting children ready for school means more than packing their lunches, filling their backpacks, and getting them to the bus on time. In fact, the job of helping children succeed in school starts the day they’re born.
Parents are a child’s first teachers, but all Arizonans share in the responsibility of ensuring that kids get a fair, smart start in life. A child who receives early childhood education and healthcare services before age five is more likely to succeed in grade school, high school and beyond.
That means early education, literacy and getting young children prepared for school. It means making sure children have access to adequate health and nutrition, mental health and language skills. It’s for ALL parents and ALL of their young children.
Ensuring that all kids have the quality early experiences that give them a solid foundation for learning includes:
· Supporting kids and families
· Health
· Early care and education
First Things First partners with parents and families, early education and health providers, local communities and state policy makers to ensure that Arizona’s kids have the tools they need to start kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.
First Things First Signature Programs
· Arizona Parent Kit – given to the parents of every newborn as they leave the hospital, these kits contain information and resources to help new parents support their child’s learning.
· Quality First – ensuring that licensed centers and certified child care homes are safe, engaging learning environments for kids. Quality First also includes information for parents so that they can choose quality care for their child.
· T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Arizona – tuition assistance so that those working with the youngest kids can enhance or expand their skills.
· Professional REWARD$ - incentives to keep the best teachers working with our youngest kids.
