The mission of First Things First is to increase the quality of, and access to, early childhood programs to ensure that a child entering school comes healthy and ready to succeed. The professional development of the early childhood workforce and the health providers interacting with young children and their families is critical to accomplishing this goal. Achieving and maintaining a child’s optimal state of healthy development requires integration and coordination of all those who currently serve Arizona’s children and their families….. that is why First Things First has at the core of its mission- creating “the right system for bright futures."

Our initial professional development focus is on increasing the level of education and training represented in the early care and education workforce and reducing workforce (and individual program) turnover.

First Things First is developing and will implement a comprehensive professional development system that links existing resources and programs. This integrated system of professional development will address quality enhancement and improved school readiness outcomes for children while building a high quality early care and education workforce.