Children exposed to high quality early learning do better in school and are more likely to graduate.

FTF funds research-based quality improvements that help children thrive, including learning environments rich in language and literacy, coaching for early learning professionals to better engage young learners, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Scholarships also are funded to help more babies, toddlers and preschoolers access quality early learning.

Families are a child’s first and best teachers.

FTF programs give parents choices when it comes to supporting their child’s health and learning. Services are voluntary and provided at levels that meet the family’s needs, from community-based parenting education to in-home coaching to address tough situations like parenting a child with special needs or dealing with multiple births.

Undetected or untreated health issues can impact learning later on.

Left unaddressed, developmental delays and chronic medical conditions can become serious learning problems that require more costly remediation. FTF funds preventive screenings, parent education and referrals to existing services to ensure that kids arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.

A child’s relationships with early caregivers impact whether her brain will develop in ways that promote learning.

Children 5 and younger learn differently than school-age students. The quality of early learning depends on the education and skills of the teacher. FTF funds scholarships and training to expand the skills of professionals working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

We all have a shared responsibility to help children arrive at school prepared to succeed.

FTF works with families, caregivers and community leaders to build awareness of the importance of early childhood and steps they can take to support the education and health of young children in their neighborhoods.

Measuring effectiveness and promoting continuous quality improvement rely on robust, accurate data.

Data collected by FTF are used to inform decision-making, monitor grantee performance, enhance program effectiveness and measure improved outcomes resulting from the collective investments of Arizona’s early childhood system.

Collaboration among system partners maximizes resources and effectiveness.

FTF works with early childhood system partners – like the child welfare system and juvenile courts – to maximize funding, reduce duplication, and ultimately improve outcomes for young children.