The welfare of the state's youngest citizens is the priority of an appropriately named group, "First Things First."

The First Things First organization is available throughout Arizona. Citizens who voted "yes" to proposition 203 helped to pass the program in 2006, with 52 percent approved. It is once again on the ballot by legislatures to see if Arizona’s citizens want to continue with funding the program.

First Things First is a non-profit organization that is funded through tobacco tax. From every tobacco purchase, 80 cents goes towards First Things First.

The program works to prepare children ages 5 and under for kindergarten. “We try to level the playing field,” Cochise Regional Coordinator, Melissa Avant, said. “Our vision is to make sure every child in Arizona is healthy and ready to succeed when they get to kindergarten.”

“All decisions for our organization are made at a local level,” Avant said. “We have 11 local volunteers that assess the needs for Cochise County.”

There are six centers and homes participating in Quality First in Douglas, which teach curriculum and safety. They also offer child care scholarships, that pay for 50 percent of child care costs for parents.

The program does developmental checks statewide, which a professional comes to a home and makes sure a child is developing on track. They work to make sure children 5 and under are receiving the proper nutrition and they provide parents with packets on childcare straight from the hospital.

The program is available to all children, regardless of family income. “This is a prevention so children do not get to kindergarten unprepared,” Avant said. The program is helping over 11,000 children in just Cochise County currently.

“We help with all health related issues, such as; diabetes, childhood obesity, developmental areas and more,” Avant said.

“We don’t force the program on anyone. If someone needs a little extra help or services then we are here for them,” she said. “All the services we provide are free.”

Del Carbarga, Douglas, served for two years with the program and just recently stopped and Ginger Ryan, Douglas, is currently working with the organization.

“It is unfortunate that the program is on the ballet again,” Avant said.

If First Things First is eliminated, all programs will cease on December 1, 2010. To continue the program, voters will have to oppose proposition 302. If opposed the tax will remain on tobacco and the money will go to legislation for their disposal.

People may be referred to First Things First through a health care provider, DES, CPS or other resources. For questions call 378-3280 or visit www.azftf.gov.