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First Things First update for Dec. 17 — Help families find early childhood programs in your Arizona community

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News and happenings about First Things First
December 2018

Help families find early childhood programs in your Arizona community

First Things First’s new Find Programs tool is an easy way for you to help parents, grandparents and other caregivers search for local FTF-funded programs and services. Simply enter a zip code to find early childhood programs that meet family needs and interests. All are offered at no cost. Please share this new online tool with your networks.
Learn more

2018 Impact Reports showcase early childhood work across Arizona
Want to know the impact that First Things First is having in your community? Take a look at the 2018 FTF Regional Impact Reports. This year, you’ll see how needs such as quality child care, children’s health, early literacy and strengthening families are being addressed in your area. You’ll also learn which local leaders are volunteering to make this work happen.
Find your region’s Impact Report

News Round-Up

News about early childhood around Arizona and across the U.S.
Guest Opinion: Start children early with STEM
Nogales International, Nov. 16
FTF Santa Cruz Regional Director Francisco Padilla shares with readers of Nogales International that introducing math and science to young children doesn’t have to be complicated. And parents and caregivers don’t have to wait until a child can solve written math problems or conduct complex science experiments. Activities such as finger painting, building blocks and baking are fun and interactive ways to build science and math skills in young kids.
Community leaders see what quality early learning looks like firsthand
San Tan Times, Nov. 6
The First Things First (FTF) Pinal Regional Partnership Council hosted community leaders from San Tan Valley, Florence and Apache Junction to learn how high-quality early education makes a difference in the lives of young children.
Old school toys are better for toddlers than high-tech gadgets, according to a new report
Time, Dec. 3
Skip the costly electronic games and flashy digital gizmos. Pediatricians say the best toys for tots are old-fashioned hands-on playthings that young children can enjoy with parents —like blocks, puzzles — even throwaway cardboard boxes — that spark imagination and creativity.
America’s Child Care Deserts in 2018
Center for American Progress, Dec. 6
The Center for American Progress analyzed the geographic locations of licensed child care facilities, including centers and family child care homes. This analysis assesses trends in proximity to child care as one component of a child’s ability to attend a high-quality early childhood program. In Arizona, 48 percent of people in Arizona live in a child care desert, where there is an inadequate supply of licensed child care.