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First Things First assures all children younger than five succeed
$8 million designated for health and early childhood education

Danielle Caldwell, a community outreach coordinator for First Things First, speaks to the Williams Rotary Club about the importance of early childhood education and health services for kids under 5 years of age. She encourages parents to become aware of the resources available to give their children the best chance of success later in life and is available educate groups on these services.  Photo/Doug Wells

Danielle Caldwell, a community outreach coordinator for First Things First, speaks to the Williams Rotary Club about the importance of early childhood education and health services for kids under 5 years of age. She encourages parents to become aware of the resources available to give their children the best chance of success later in life and is available educate groups on these services. Photo/Doug Wells

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - Danielle Caldwell speaks passionately about the need to have kids younger than five receive educational and health services to aid them in succeeding in school later then life. Caldwell is an outreach coordinator for First Things First (FTF) and serves the Coconino region, which has devoted more than $8 million towards these goals. Programs she oversees include providing access to high quality child care and educational materials, encouraging timely oral health care for kids, and teaching parenting skills to young parents.

In 2006, Arizona voters made a commitment to our youngest kids. Voters backed an 80-cent tax on tobacco products to expand and enhance early education and health services for kids five and under.

By law, 90 percent of all revenue raised must go to services for children birth to five years of age. To date, FTF has allocated $274 million to early education and health services to children statewide.

Why focus on early childhood? Ninety percent of a child's brain is formed by the time they turn five. Children exposed to high quality early education are less likely to need special education or to be held back a grade. They have better language, math and social skills. They score higher on school readiness tests and are more likely to go on to college and successful careers. Research shows that for every $1 invested in early childhood services, states could save between $4 and $16 in reduced special education, welfare, and juvenile justice costs.

For additional information or to have Caldwell speak to groups on these topics, call (928) 637-0416.


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