27% of children in Arizona live in poverty, according to the First Things First 2020 Annual Report. Imagine being able to give these children the ability to break the cycle of poverty by giving them access to early learning experiences that can level the playing field. Additionally, according to the First Things First 2019 Building Bright Futures Report, an estimated 62% of Arizona children do not have the opportunity to attend preschool, potentially reducing their readiness for kindergarten.

Children in these settings do not have the same equity of experience as children in traditional preschool classrooms. The data shows that the children are less prepared for kindergarten and are left with a lower ability to be successful. The children often come from low income homes where families worry about putting enough food on the table. As a result of financial hardship, the children may not have access to education materials that can prepare them for their kindergarten experience.