Category: News and Announcements

First Things First (FTF) is excited to share that we are launching a new statewide evaluation study focusing on the outcomes of  Quality First! The study will help us understand how quality early experiences such as participating in Quality First, contribute to positive outcomes for young children and their school readiness, and support their families

Join us for the 2025 Quality First Forums! In these sessions, you will have the opportunity to hear information and updates, ask questions and meet other early childhood educators in your community. Sign up in the Registry to earn two hours of professional development credit. Region-based virtual events in English will include breakout rooms of

Each year on April 1, First Things First takes a snapshot of extranet information from all participants. This snapshot helps plan for the funding, services and supports programs receive in the next state fiscal year. Please be sure to review and update your information prior to midnight on March 31, 2025. Quick Tips:

As we prepare for state fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025- June 30, 2026) Quality First scholarship allocations, we want you to be aware of an opportunity for multi-site organizations. Child care providers who are part of multi-site organizations have the option of redistributing Quality First scholarships between their locations, as long as they are

Effective July 1, 2025 At First Things First, we are committed to supporting early care and education providers to improve the quality of care for Arizona’s youngest children. To ensure Quality First can continue to meet its goals and expand opportunities to more programs in the future, adjustments to funding amounts for Pursuing Quality (1-2

If your program is considering moving to a new location, please contact Quality First to determine whether your participation is eligible for transfer. The most important factor in whether your participation can transfer is the new location of your program. If your new location is in the same First Things First (FTF) region: If you’ll

View announcements and updates from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to help keep you keep kids safe. Read important warnings and safety recalls here. To view more safety information and recalls, visit the CPSC website.

Beginning October 1st, 2024: Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments will be administered as usual. When ERS scores meet the threshold score requirement for receiving a CLASS assessment, a second random draw will occur to determine which classrooms will be observed. Assessments will no longer be automatically conducted in the same classrooms that were assessed for

Programs on the Quality First waitlist may be eligible to be assessed and earn a Quality First Star Rating! We will contact you if you are eligible.  With a star rating, you can: Who is eligible and what’s next? Selection for participation is limited and dependent upon funding availability. Questions? Contact the Quality First team