First Things First

First Things First Initiative Children’s Action Alliance joins a broad-based coalition to support a statewide ballot ini...

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First Things First Initiative Children’s Action Alliance joins a broad-based coalition to support a statewide ballot initiative for young children. The initiative, known as First Things First, is designed to provide families and young children with the tools they need to start kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. If approved by voters, this initiative will increase funding for early childhood development and health programs by $150 million annually. The funds will come from a state tax on tobacco products. Local councils who know the needs of children in their communities will distribute the funding to voluntary services for children and parents, such as parenting coaching, high quality child care and preschool, and linkages to health care. Forty years of research, coupled with groundbreaking scientific discoveries, has shown us how early learning experiences directly impact children’s long-term educational success through their language skills, thought process, self confidence, discipline and values. First Things First will give many more Arizona children the opportunity for quality early learning and care. For more information on how you can help get First Things First on the November 2006 ballot, visit www.firstthingsfirstaz.com or call 602-266-5118.