First Things First

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

Choosing child care is a big decision but we can help you know what to look for.

From health and safety to teacher interactions, learning environments and individual attention, knowing the signs of quality can help you feel more confident in your choice.

First Things First offers a Quality Child Care Checklist to help families know what to ask, what to look for and what to consider when visiting a child care or preschool program.

Explore the checklist and find more resources about Quality First at First Things First.

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Elegir un servicio de cuidado infantil es una decisión importante, pero podemos ayudarle a saber qué buscar.

Desde la salud y la seguridad hasta la interacción con los maestros, los entornos de aprendizaje y la atención individualizada, conocer los indicadores de calidad puede ayudarle a sentirse más seguro de su elección.

First Things First tiene una lista de verificación de calidad para el cuidado infantil, diseñada para ayudar a las familias a saber qué preguntar, qué observar y qué tener en cuenta al visitar un centro de cuidado infantil o un programa preescolar.

Consulte la lista de verificación y encuentre más recursos sobre el cuidado infantil en FirstThingsFirst.org.

10/09/2026

Why won’t my toddler listen? How do I handle tantrums? Is this behavior normal?

Parenting young children comes with a lot of questions. And sometimes, it helps to talk to someone who understands. The Birth to Five Helpline connects Arizona parents and caregivers with early childhood specialists who can offer information and support for everything from challenging behaviors and discipline to sleep, feeding, development and more.

It’s free, confidential and there when you need a little help figuring out what comes next. Call 877-705-KIDS (5437) to connect with the Birth to Five Helpline.

10/07/2026

Eating well as a family and on a budget can feel like a challenge. But with a little planning you can make your grocery dollars go further.
Simple habits like planning meals before you shop, comparing prices and choosing ingredients you can use in more than one meal; can add up to real savings while still giving your family nutritious options.

Swipe for simple ways to eat well and make the most of your grocery budget. And find more practical parenting tips in First Things First’s Arizona Parent Guide.

Credit: https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/eating-well-budget/

10/06/2026

Melinda Gulick, First Things First CEO, and John Graham, President and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings, recently published an opinion piece in the Arizona Capitol Times.

Quality early childhood experiences are part of our workforce infrastructure — in the first five years of life, young children build the foundation they'll need for lifelong, work-ready skills. But Arizona’s funding model for early childhood has not kept pace with a changing marketplace.

We must Keep the Promise Arizonans made in 2006 and continue investing in the early childhood infrastructure that helps build a thriving Arizona.

When Arizona business leaders talk about our state's economic future, the conversation usually turns to jobs, water, workforce development, infrastructure and our ability to compete for new investment.

10/05/2026

There’s a lot to think about when you’re getting ready to welcome a baby into this world. A birth plan can help you organize your preferences, ask questions and communicate what matters most to you with your health care team. From how you’d like to manage labor to those first moments with your baby, thinking through your options ahead of time can help you feel more prepared.

And remember, a birth plan is a guide, not a guarantee. Staying informed and flexible can help you navigate the unexpected. Swipe for a few things to consider as you create yours, and visit First Things First to start making your own plan.

10/01/2026

Free parenting workshops, interactive family play and story time, children’s dental, hearing and vision screenings, WIC…all in one place? 👀

First Things First funds the family resource center inside the Gilbert Heritage Resource Center — check out AZCEND’s tour.

Families need dynamic, accessible, centralized support to thrive. More of this for Arizona 👏

09/29/2026

Kids don’t come with an instruction manual. First Things First funds the Southwest Human Development Birth to Five Helpline, a free service for all Arizona families of young children ages birth to five.

Call or text 1-877-705-KIDS (5437) to speak with an early childhood specialist. Learn more
at BirthToFivehelpline.org

Los niños no vienen con un manual de instrucciones. El Birth to Five Helpline de Southwest Human Development es un servicio gratuito para todas las familias de Arizona con niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 5 años de edad.

Llame o envíe un texto al 1-877-705-KIDS (5437) para hablar con una especialista en la primera infancia. Aprenda más en BirthToFivehelpline.org.

09/25/2026

It’s more than just the name. If you’re searching for quality child care, there’s a lot to consider.

Get our free checklist to guide your search at the link in bio.