First Things First

10/22/2026

High-quality early learning and affordable child care are undeniably part of Arizona's infrastructure. This week, local leaders heard parents' stories and testimonials at Senator Ruben Gallego's Child Care Affordability & Accessibility Town Hall.

"Local solutions are rising or already in place all across the state — I ask you all to engage with your local elected officials," said Melinda Morrison Gulick, First Things First CEO.

Arizona is chipping away at the child care crisis, but there's more work to be done. Thank you to the parents, panelists, attendees and Senator Gallego's team for such a critical conversation.

Photo credit for the first two images: Savannah Nagy

10/17/2026

Sometimes, one connection can open the door to so much more.

For Youngtown mother Kayla Francisco, visiting her local family resource center meant finding a community of other moms who could share experiences, advice and support. It also connected her family with resources that helped address developmental concerns with her twin boys.

As Peoria Family Resource Center Coordinator Cory Underhill puts it:
“We really want to normalize that asking for help or needing connection as a parent is a very normal and natural thing.”

First Things First funds family resource centers across Arizona to give families a place to connect, ask questions and find resources to help their young children thrive.

Read Kayla’s story and learn how finding the right support can make a difference.

10/15/2026

Finding child care that works for your family can affect everything from your work schedule to the household budget.

First Things First CEO Melinda Morrison Gulick joined AZ BIG Media to discuss Arizona's child care crisis and the challenges facing families across our state.

It's a conversation worth hearing, because child care isn't just about finding a place for your kid to spend the day. Accessibility, affordability and quality early learning are all part of the equation.

Watch the full conversation: https://youtu.be/r8zgZL0p_Wg?si=da8_dYSeNGc1A9Hi

10/15/2026

When your baby decides the grocery store is, in fact, the worst place on Earth, the last thing you need is unsolicited advice from a stranger in the freezer aisle.

About 90% of a child's brain grows by age 5. Those moments when you're comforting a screaming baby in public count, too.

Your job isn't to stop every cry, it's about being present and offering comfort to help your baby feel safe. Even infants build the brain connections that support security and confidence through these everyday moments.

First Things First is Arizona's early childhood agency — get the Arizona Parent Guide at the link in bio.

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/