When Arizona voters passed Proposition 203 in November 2006, First Things First received a mandate to ensure that all young children arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.  This immense and vital task means more than simply funding programs. It requires partners, from every part of the state, to establish a common vision for young children in Arizona and make a commitment to see that vision realized.  In January 2010, 36 members were appointed to the Arizona Early Childhood Taskforce.  Their charge was to establish that vision, and identify priorities for FTF to address in the next three to five years.

From February to August 2010, the Task Force held open meetings and gathered input from regional forums, consultations with tribal government leaders and on-line surveys. They identified 20 key roles that First Things First can play in local communities, and eight priorities to serve statewide.

The First Things First Board Policy and Program Committee has now convened Policy Advisory Committees in: 

·         Health

·         Early Learning, and

·         Family Support and Literacy

These committees will recommend indicators and measureable benchmarks in each of these areas, and these will be incorporated into the First Things First strategic plan.

Past Arizona Early Childhood Task Force Meeting Dates, Times and Materials:

February 9, 2010 9:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. MEETING MATERIALS

March 9, 2010 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MEETING MATERIALS

April 19, 2010 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MEETING MATERIALS

May 11, 2010 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MEETING MATERIALS

June 3, 2010 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MEETING MATERIALS

August 11, 2010 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. MEETING MATERIALS