BORN LEARNING Did you know that 90% of a child’s critical brain growth happens by age 5? Research has proven that 90% of critical brain development happens by age 5. What happens to kids in the early years builds the foundation for a lifetime of success. Because of this, the job of helping kids get ready for school starts the day they’re born.

FIRST THINGS FIRST Kids who start with a strong foundation have better outcomes. Family Support and Literacy Early Learning Children’s Health Because of the importance of early childhood, Arizonans created First Things First to expand the early education, health and family support programs that help children arrive at school ready to succeed. Voters set aside a portion of tobacco revenues for this purpose. 90 cents of every dollar goes directly to benefit Arizona’s children. Decisions about which specific programs are funded in each community are made by volunteer regional councils who know best what children in their area need. Through competitive grants, FTF has dedicated almost $778 million statewide for strategies in three main areas: strengthening families improving early learning opportunities for kids birth to 5 years old and promoting better health for our youngest children.

A SMART INVESTMENT Early childhood investments add up to life-changing results. Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman has found that every $1 invested in early childhood can yield returns between $4 and $16. These returns are based on long-term educational, social, and economic benefits, including increased earnings and tax revenues and decreased use of social services, resulting in lower expenses for states and communities.

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