First Things First

08/28/2026

Arizona philanthropist Ira A. Fulton leaves a lasting legacy of generosity, leadership and commitment to Arizona’s future.

Nearly 20 years ago, Fulton joined Eddie Basha and other leaders from across Arizona to champion Proposition 203, the voter-approved initiative that created First Things First.

Their work is a reminder that helping young children thrive has always taken all of us—families, communities, businesses, civic leaders and partners working together.

Read more about Ira Fulton’s role in helping shape Arizona’s early childhood system and the legacy that continues today. https://www.FirstThingsFirst.org/2026/08/remembering-early-childhood-champion-ira-a-fulton/

08/27/2026

When we heard of Dolly's passing this week, it hit different.

Dolly Parton transformed millions of children's lives through her Imagination Library, empowering families with accessibility and joy through early literacy. She turned an unfortunate circumstance—her father never had the opportunity to learn to read—into a philanthropic legacy, from Tennessee to the world.

“For many years, First Things First funded the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Gila County, fostering early literacy skills for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, and contributing to families’ at-home libraries, where young children gained a love of books and families and caregivers could read those books to their children,” said Melinda Morrison Gulick, First Things First CEO.

Dolly was surely revered for her music and entertainment, but she used her fame to put books into the hands of millions of children. For the imprint she's left on young children for years past and years to come, we're grateful, inspired and committed to carrying early literacy forward.

08/18/2026

The random tantrums and meltdowns happening in the weeks after starting preschool are literally part of the plot. It’s a lot for young children to navigate new routines, faces, rules and social settings.

Then they come to you, their safest person, and let it all out. That sudden defiance and clinginess might just mean they’re running on empty.

Ways to help your preschooler settle into home:
🍎 Have a healthy snack at the ready
🎨 Set up a low-key activity or invitation to play
🧸 Stay away from screens for the first hour and before bedtime
🛌 Push bedtime earlier, even by 20-30 minutes to start

Resources on big feelings, routines, bedtime and more at the link in bio.

06/26/2026

Literally why we exist. 90% of a child's brain growth happens before they start kindergarten. 🤯

Nearly 20 years ago, Arizona voters chose to fund quality early childhood development and health programs for kids birth to age 5.

Today, we fund plenty of programs and resources available (and free!) to families with young kids across the state.

Find programs at FirstThingsFirst.org/Find-Programs/

06/09/2026

Some parts of Arizona have already hit triple digits—and young kids are even more vulnerable to sun and heat dangers.

As Arizona's early childhood agency, First Things First has a guide to sun safety for little ones under 5, plus how to choose the right sunscreen at the link in bio. 🧴☀️

05/27/2026

Nutrition is extra important in those first five years of life, yet many Arizona families struggle to afford food.

Food insecurity = higher rate of stress for the whole fam = harder for kids to build strong, nurturing relationships they need to thrive.

But no matter what or where you're eating, the Arizona Department of Health Services reminds us that mealtime is a chance to connect, talk and help children feel safe and supported while building healthy eating habits.

Find free meals and guidance: https://www.FirstThingsFirst.org/first-things/family-table-mealtime/

05/20/2026

Making friends is an important part of growing up. Sometimes that means big feelings, shy moments, or even a few tears.

Get the full guide to helping your preschooler make friends at the link in bio. 🔗

And remember, this isn't easy for every child. If they're shy or if conflicts happen, give them time and step in with calmness—like, "Let's try taking turns," or, "Let's find a different toy to play with." 🫶

05/15/2026

1 in 5 mothers are affected by maternal mental health conditions, yet so often these conditions go untreated.

Sometimes it's hard to sort through what you're feeling as a parent, especially with the responsibility of a new baby. Have an honest check-in with yourself and call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline if you're feeling unsure.

As Arizona's early childhood agency, First Things First has resources and support for pregnant and postpartum parents at FirstThingsFirst.org.

05/08/2026

🌟PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY🌟 is today! Join us in thanking child care providers and early educators for helping shape the futures of our youngest children—it’s a severely underpaid and under-appreciated profession.

Watch how much time, effort, detail and love goes into high-quality care (and this is just half of it).

Check the link in bio for help finding quality care.

05/07/2026

Learn the signs. Act early. 🚼

Every kid is different, but it helps to know if your child is meeting typical milestones at different ages and stages—and how you can support their healthy development.

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Find information to help you understand what’s happening at every stage through First Things First.

All kids develop differently, but along the way, it helps to know if your child is meeting typical developmental milestones -- the things most children can d...