{"id":23,"date":"2017-11-21T17:27:17","date_gmt":"2017-11-21T17:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ec2-52-14-78-51.us-east-2.compute.amazonaws.com\/?page_id=23"},"modified":"2022-04-15T15:04:13","modified_gmt":"2022-04-15T15:04:13","slug":"how-we-work","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ftf-stg.magnetry.com\/es\/what-we-do\/how-we-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How We Work"},"content":{"rendered":"

First Things First works at the state and local levels to give Arizona children the opportunity to arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. We invest in proven programs and innovative strategies through grants to community organizations that provide services to children and families. We provide professional expertise and oversight to support local programs and statewide initiatives. And we collaborate with other early childhood system partners to make even more impact.<\/p>\n

Investing in Arizona\u2019s Young Children<\/h2>\n

First Things First is Arizona\u2019s only public funding source dedicated exclusively to early childhood, the beginning of our state\u2019s education continuum. We\u00a0invest<\/a>\u00a0early childhood funds in programs and services that address the development, education and health needs of children birth to age 5 (before kindergarten). We administer statewide initiatives and award regional and statewide\u00a0grants<\/a>\u00a0through competitive RFGAs (requests for grant applications). Funds are allotted to Arizona communities based on their population of young children (birth to age 5), and emphasis placed on getting resources directly to children and families through a network of community providers. Everything we do is strategically designed to help more Arizona children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed.<\/p>\n

Governance<\/h2>\n

The statewide First Things First Board and regional partnership councils in local communities across Arizona share the responsibility of ensuring that early childhood funds are invested in strategies that will result in improved education and health outcomes for young children.<\/p>\n

Statewide Vision<\/h4>\n

Our\u00a0Board<\/a>\u00a0sets the vision for First Things First, determines the priorities for FTF within Arizona\u2019s broader early childhood system, and approves local funding plans and contracts. By law, members of the Board must be representative of Arizona\u2019s diversity. They must include Republicans and Democrats, as well as residents of both metropolitan and rural areas. All Board members share a deep commitment to expanding opportunities for Arizona\u2019s young kids to succeed in school and in life.<\/p>\n

Five Year Strategic Plan<\/p>\n

The First Things First SFY24-27 Strategic Plan is based on roles identified by the 2016 Task Force as critical to supporting the six desired outcomes and the shared vision for Arizona\u2019s early childhood system. By concentrating on 12 priority system roles, FTF will fulfill its part within the early childhood system.<\/p>\n

Learn more<\/p>\n

Grassroots Leadership<\/h4>\n

The 28 First Things First\u00a0regional partnership councils<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 each made up of local volunteers \u2013 studies the unique needs of its Arizona community and decides how funds will be used to best support its young children and families. Each regional council member represents a specific segment of the community that has a stake in ensuring that children arrive at kindergarten prepared to succeed, including parents, educators, business leaders, tribal representatives, health professionals, philanthropists and leaders of faith communities.<\/p>\n

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