Early Care and Education

Both research and common sense tell us high quality child care makes a difference. Children in high-quality child care settings fare better in school, and develop better language and social skills.  

Quality child care settings include: safe, healthy environments; highly educated teachers; classrooms and materials that simulate children at different stages of learning; and, low staff to child ratios so that kids get the attention and support they need.

Through our signature programs, First Things First works to improve the quality of early education services in licensed child care centers and certified child care homes statewide.

First Things First Signature Programs

·         Quality First – ensuring that licensed centers and certified child care homes are safe, engaging learning environments for kids.

·         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.