Two babies playing

Early Childhood

The evidence is clear: when young children have healthy and enriching experiences, they are more likely to be ready for kindergarten and beyond. This means one-on-one attention from teachers, parents, and caregivers.

These early experiences shape a child’s lifelong learning because human brain development occurs most rapidly and dramatically in the first three years of life. For every $1 spent on early childhood up to $16 are saved through decreased special education, social welfare, and crime-related costs. Investments early in life also increase high school and college graduations and spur economic development.

$88

Million

CARES Act Funding directed to keep early childhood care and education intact throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

22%

of 3-and 4-year olds are enrolled in high-quality early childhood settings in Arizona (Arizona Progress Meter data).

46%

of Arizona third graders are reading at grade level (Arizona Progress Meter data).

22%

of Arizona children under age 5 are growing up in poverty.

2023 Priorities

We promote policies that make early investments in children and families to yield better outcomes. Our early childhood legislative priorities are to:

  1. Include state investments to keep child care provider reimbursement rates at the recommended federal benchmark that pays what it costs to provide care.
  2. Expand mental and behavioral health supports to early care and education program.
  3. Support for the Strong Families AZ Home Visiting System - Nurse-Family Partnership.
  4. Expand access to high-quality early learning settings like Head Start, child care, and preschool.

Read the latest

News

Huge Win for AZ Child Care System-DES Provider Rate Adjustments!

On Friday, March 24th, the Department of Economic Security (DES) shared a message with early childhood educators throughout Arizona announcing new, exciting updates for the early childhood system statewide.  These improvements are important to continue to strengthen Arizona’s early childhood system….

AZECA’s Full Partnership Meeting and the Rollout of the New Membership Model

Save Home Visiting

The Data Is In! Babies Need Our Help. 

News

Prioritize FFN Network, Arizona Should Take Notice