FIRST THINGS FIRST

Did you know that what happens in the earliest years of a child’s life shapes their ability to read by third grade—a milestone strongly linked to high school graduation and future workforce success? Early language and literacy experiences—from birth through the early elementary years—build the foundation for lifelong learning. When children enter school ready to learn, it benefits families, communities, and the economy. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gVi44E78

In rural areas of Arizona, limited access to child care is a problem for families—and the workforce. Yavapai County faces a nearly 25% gap in child care, which means families are forced to decide between leaving the workforce or piecing together care. In Prescott Valley, Heights Church heard the community's needs. They transformed a former grocery store into a preschool and multi-use facility. The impact: ☑️ More parents able to work ☑️ Stronger talent recruitment and retention ☑️ Increased local economic stability Early childhood investments are economic development strategies, not just social services. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gGFZDVuK

What happens when child care is treated like infrastructure? 👀 Pima County shows us through PEEPS—the Pima Early Education Program Scholarships. It's an investment model other communities can learn from, benefitting families, business and economic development. Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/gKREQ_ME

Community leaders volunteering their time to make a lasting impact on children and families, advocating for support and opportunities for all Arizona children to succeed. That's the magic of a First Things First regional partnership council member. This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we thank our regional council members for their insight and input to the strategies that make Arizona's early childhood programs strong. Become a regional partnership council member: https://lnkd.in/g_9pUsKb

The popularity of vaping has drastically reduced funding for the state’s early childhood programs. This impacts the ability to provide accessible quality programs for many children around the state. First Things First CEO Melinda Morrison Gulick talks with KJZZ about how we can sustain funding by closing the tax loophole. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gMxNwb6s

Back when early childhood research was first emerging, it was an immediate priority for Former Mesa Mayor John Giles—the newest member of the First Things First Board. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gCqGhyr8 Member Giles recently sat down with us to answer a few questions. Giles says, "There is no more important cause than helping children in need." Giles encourages community members to find advocacy opportunities that align with your circumstances—we can all make an impact.

Thank you to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego for highlighting how investing in child care for families with young children is a smart investment for the Phoenix workforce. Today at the mayor’s state of the city address, she gave a shout out to FIRST THINGS FIRST for our agency’s work. The city of Phoenix is currently building a child care facility to welcome 100 children whose parents work at Sky Harbor Airport. The city is also forming public-private partnerships to help relieve the high cost of quality child care for families.

Tune into what's happening in Arizona's early childhood system. Subscribe to get the latest delivered to your inbox: https://lnkd.in/dcetnFfx

Do you have working parents on your team with young children? Finding quality child care can be one of the biggest challenges families face in the early years—and it can have a real impact on employees' ability to thrive at work and remain in the workforce. Here's one helpful resource from First Things First you can share: https://lnkd.in/gKpsSSND It helps families: 💡 Search for child care programs in their area 💡 Learn what to look for in a quality program 💡 Compare options that support healthy development for babies and young children If you manage a team, work in HR or collaborate with working parents, consider sharing this with employees who might be navigating child care decisions for children under 5. Sometimes, the most helpful workplace support is simply connecting families with the right resources.

Grateful to stand alongside my colleague Pearl Vasquez Santillan and the community of Flagstaff as the Week of the Young Child proclamation was recognized by the City Council. As part of FIRST THINGS FIRST, I’m reminded again and again that early childhood isn’t optional: it’s the foundation of a strong workforce, a stable economy, and thriving communities. With nearly 4,000 young children in Flagstaff in their most critical years of development, access to affordable, quality early learning experiences matters for families, for employers, and for our shared future. And seeing one of our youngest citizens at the podium…that’s what it’s all about. 💛