Girl in Vegetable Garden

More than a Garden: Deepening Children’s Connection to Culture and Community

A group of eager preschoolers gather around garden beds on a sunny day, their hands busy harvesting the fruits of their labor. Their class garden is bursting with color and produce, showcasing the results of their hard work. For Michael Brown and the teachers in his program, this harvest is more than just a fun

Teacher Meeting

Director’s network provides support during challenging times

Managing a center-based or home-based early childhood education program is a demanding job—and can feel isolating at times. Some of Arizona’s program directors have formed director’s networks to build support for themselves. These groups are comprised of early childhood program leaders, directors and administrators within a local geographic region. The groups provide an informal venue

Find programs

Find early childhood programs in communities across Arizona

A new online tool can connect Arizona parents and families with a variety of no-cost early childhood programs to help them nurture their child’s learning and healthy development. First Things First supports programs across Arizona through grants to community organizations that provide services for young children from birth to age 5 (before kindergarten) and their