The funding stream for Arizona’s only dedicated early childhood education and development program is shrinking fast, and First Things First is bracing for what it could mean for families.

Funded largely by revenue from the tax on traditional tobacco products, the organization voters created nearly 20 years ago is confronting the dwindling popularity of cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco.

As a result, First Things First (FTF) – the state’s only public agency dedicated exclusively to children ages birth to 5 years – may not be sustainable in the next few years.

While the agency provides scholarships for children from low-income families, it also funds many things that are free to families regardless of their income – including parenting classes, developmental/vision/hearing screenings

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