Quality First for Arizona’s Children & Families

Information you need to find a quality early education program for your infant, toddler or preschooler!

Why Early Education Matters to Your Child

• 90% of your child’s brain develops by the time they are five.
• Children in quality early learning programs do better in school, have better relationships with classmates and are more likely to graduate.
• Children need an early learning program that is safe, and gives them the tools to succeed in school.

What Quality Looks Like

• Starts with basic health and safety;
• Teachers who know how to work with young kids;
• Small class sizes;
• Books, toys and learning materials for different ages;
• Encourages parent involvement; and,
• Prepares kids for school.

How Quality First Helps Families

Quality First partners with child care providers to improve the quality of their educational programs for kids birth to 5. Currently, almost 800 child care centers and homes (about one-quarter of Arizona’s licensed or certified providers) participate in Quality First.

Quality First helps child care providers identify what needs to be improved, and then supports providers in making those changes happen  – whether it’s scholarships to help child care workers become more skilled at working with young kids; more books and better learning materials; or, mentors in areas like health and children with special needs.

In the future, First Things First will rate providers on a 5-star scale and post those ratings on this website, so that families can use that information when making decisions about their child’s care.

Tools for Families Looking for Quality Early Learning Programs

Checking Out Quality: A Family’s Checklist  – gives families a check list of what to look for when considering the quality of an early care and education provider.  

Additional Resources for Parents

Birth to Five Helpline  - a toll-free statewide hotline that both parents and early care providers can call with their questions about caring for young kids, including health issues such as basic hygiene, immunizations, challenging behaviors, nutrition, and physical activity.                          

Challenging Behaviors - Zero to Three

More Family Resources