BUILDING BRIGHT FUTURES:
ARIZONA’S EARLY CHILDHOOD OPPORTUNITIES

Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary 4
II. Introduction 7
III. Essay 9
IV. School Readiness of Arizona’s Children 16
V. Data Summary 24
VI. Statewide Data Set 38
VII. County Data Sets 44
VII. Acknowledgements 105

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Building Bright Futures 2011 |

3

I
Executive Summary
Today’s young students face greater expectations –
and higher stakes – than ever before. If they are not
reading well enough by the end of third grade, they
will be held back. Multiple scientific studies have
shown what many parents have long known: children
are born learning, and the quality of their early experiences determines how well they do in school and in
life.
Arizona voters created First Things First to give all
children the opportunity to start school healthy and
ready to succeed. The voters set aside funds exclusively to establish or expand education, health and
family support programs with demonstrated success
in giving young children the tools to be successful in
kindergarten and beyond.

•

Nearly 1 in 4 Arizona third graders did not pass
the reading portion of the Arizona Instrument to
Measure Success (AIMS) in 2011.

•

Research shows the number of words a child
knows at age 3 strongly correlates with reading
and comprehension levels at ages 9 and 10.

Building Bright Futures is First Things First’s biennial
assessment on the needs of young children in Arizona.
This report gives all Arizonans a starting place for
conversations about the challenges faced by children
birth to 5 years old and how their communities can
best meet those needs.

•

Children need to be exposed to words and print –
at home and in early care settings – by a variety
of caregivers and through diverse strategies,
including talking with children, reading aloud
together, playing word games, and telling stories.

This document describes the status of young children
in our state in a variety of ways.

4

Read All About It, our Essay Section (pages 9 to 17),
reminds us of the importance of early literacy as the
foundation of school success. There are a variety of
skills and concepts that comprise early literacy, and
a number of things that parents, early educators and
policymakers can do to support emerging literacy.
Points of interest from research and current practice
include:

| First Things First

Our School Readiness Indicators section (pages 18 to
25) focuses on how we measure progress in preparing
children for kindergarten. Although Arizona does not
have a current consistent mechanism for measuring
school readiness (plans are in place to implement
a statewide assessment), there is information on a
variety of related topics that reveal some current challenges in preparing children for kindergarten. Notable
highlights from that section include:
•

•

•

About 16 percent of licensed and certified child
care settings in Arizona are participating in Quality First, Arizona’s child care quality improvement
and rating system, impacting almost 30 percent
of children in licensed or certified care.
For many Arizona families, cost is a major factor
impacting their ability to access early education
for their child (the median cost for full-time care
for a preschool age child is $7,500 per year).
1 in 5 Arizona parents are not aware that their
child’s first year impacts later school performance, and almost half of parents (47%) believe
that a child’s language development benefits
equally from watching TV versus talking to a real
person.

Finally, our data tables and analysis sections (pages
26to 105) paint a picture of the overall status of children statewide. Chief among the challenges faced
by Arizona children is the high rate of poverty; 1 in 4
young kids in Arizona lives in poverty. While there are
many families with limited financial resources who
are able to support their child’s learning, growing up in
poverty can make it difficult for children to access the
educational and health resources that support their
optimal growth and development. Some significant
statistics include:
•

Only 26 percent of Arizona fourth graders scored
at or above a proficient reading assessment
level on the National Assessment of Educational
Progress (NAEP) in 2011, leaving Arizona in the
bottom 10 of all states.

•

Two-thirds (66%) of children who lack health
insurance live in families with incomes below
200 percent of the federal poverty level.

•

Half of Arizona children from birth to 4 have
never visited a dentist. Oral health problems are
a major cause of school absence in elementary
school.

Taken together, all of this information provides a
snapshot of the opportunities that exist for our state
and our communities to support children during the
most crucial time in their development. Building Bright
Futures is a critical tool for continuing the conversation about what it means and what it takes to prepare
children for kindergarten, and a powerful reminder of
why young kids, now, more than ever, need our support in getting ready for school and set for life.

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

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II

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Introduction
Building Bright Futures now includes an essay
highlighting a timely early childhood topic. The
intent of these essays is multi-faceted. They
build public awareness of the importance of
early childhood. For those who work in the field,
they reinforce the critical nature of our work. For
elected leaders and policymakers, they highlight
the importance of investing in programs that
prevent problems and make most efficient use
of public funds. And, for parents and caregivers,
they provide insight on how vital the relationships
children have with the adults in their lives are to
their future success.
Because our goal is school readiness for all
Arizona children, it is appropriate that we focus
on the topic of early literacy. First, because early
literacy is a foundation upon which much of a
child’s future learning is built. Early literacy is
not about babies reading at six months (impossible); it’s about a child learning that everything
has a word or symbol (whether it’s a shape,
letter, number, etc.) and that those words and
symbols have meaning. A child who grasps this

is primed to absorb all manner of information
in subjects like reading, math and science. The
second reason for focusing on early literacy is
that it comprises a skill set that children can only
learn through interaction with adults. Unlike skills
like walking and crawling, which children learn
through experience or trial-and-error, babies
and toddlers need adults – parents, caregivers,
educators, etc. – to teach them the meaning of
the symbols around them.
Please read on to learn more about why we must
better support language and literacy development in Arizona’s youngest kids, and strategies
for parents and policymakers for making that
happen.

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

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III

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Essay
Read All About It: Early
Language and Literacy
Are Foundations of
School Success
Reading is vital to children’s success – in school and
in life. And in Arizona, the stakes for young children to
develop the foundational skills for literacy have never
been higher.
Arizona law blocks the promotion of students reading
well below grade level at the end of third grade. A.R.S.
§15-701 prohibits advancement to the fourth grade “if
the pupil obtains a score on the reading portion of the
Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS)
test, or successor test, that demonstrates that the
pupil is reading far below the third-grade level.”i The
law took effect with last year’s kindergarten class,
making them vulnerable to retention at the end of the
2013-2014 school year. Exceptions exist for students
with learning disabilities, English language learners, and those with reading deficiencies.ii Arizona
joins the states of Florida and Texas and the cities of
Philadelphia, New York City and Chicago to require
academic standards for grade-level promotion.iii

As Table 1 shows us, only 76% of Arizona third-graders
passed the AIMS reading assessment in 2011, leaving
nearly one-quarter of their classmates with scores
below the state standard. While these scores represent an improvement over time, concerns remain
as to how well Arizona students will match up with
the national standards, as measured by the National
Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). For
example, in 2011, 58% of Arizona fourth graders
scored at or above a basic reading assessment level,
and of those, only 26% scored at or above a proficient
reading assessment level on the NAEP test, leaving
Arizona in the bottom ten of all states.iv
Time will tell if this new mandatory retention law will
highlight the literacy gaps among Arizona’s children.
But for now, the law instills a new sense of urgency
for developing literacy skills in the early grades.
Research shows that early reading experiences,
opportunities to build vocabularies and literacy rich
environments are the most effective ways to support
the literacy development of today’s babies, toddlers
and preschoolers, so the AIMS-level literacy standards will be an easy hurdle to clear when they reach
third grade.

Table 1: AIMS Reading Test Scores, 3rd Grade Students
% of Students Falling Far
Below the Standard

% of Students Approaching
the Standard

% of Students Passing

2011

5%

19%

76%

2010

6%

21%

73%

2009

7%

22%

71%

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The National Association for the Education of Young
Children says early literacy skills are an excellent
litmus test for a child’s future performance:
One of the best predictors of whether a child
will function competently in school and go on to
contribute actively in our increasingly literate
society is the level to which the child progresses
in reading and writing. Although reading and
writing abilities continue to develop throughout
the life span, the early childhood years – from
birth through age eight – are the most important
period for literacy development.v (p.3)
The seminal work of Hart and Risley provides a deeper
understanding of the critical role the early years play
in developing literacy skills. Their work shows that the
foundations of literacy are established early, and that
later interventions in school (even after the age of 3)
may be too late to close gaps caused by the lack of
early literacy experiences.vi Hart and Risley studied
and carefully recorded the number of words spoken in
the homes of very young children. Their findings show
significant differences in both the quantity and quality
of words adults spoke with children.
While Hart and Risley’s research findings are presented in relation to socioeconomic status, in a
subsequent interview, Risley points out that – above
income or race – it is the amount and quality of the
communication that parents have with their children
that matters. Dr. Risley summed this up nicely in a
subsequent 2005 interview with Children of the Code:
Now, the interesting thing is that when we look
at the amount of talking the parents are doing,
and the amount of extra talk they are doing over
and above business talk [instrumental talk about
daily activities, such as, please put on your coat
or don’t touch that], nothing is leftover relating

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to socioeconomic status. Some working poor
people talked a lot to their kids, and their kids did
very well. Some affluent business people talked
very little to their kids, and their kids did very
poorly. All of the variation in outcomes [is] taken
up by the amount of talking in the family to the
babies before age 3.vii
In a typical hour, children from highly communicative
families will hear over 2,000 words including 32 positive/encouraging words. In that same hour, children in
less communicative families may hear only about 600
words, only five of which are positive/encouraging.viii
Over the course of a child’s early life, these differences become staggering. Hart and Risley found that,
on average, the child of a highly communicative family
will hear 45 million words in four years, while a child
from a less communicative family will hear only 13
million. Early language experiences have a profound
impact on vocabulary. By the time they reach the age
of 3, children in highly communicative families will
have a vocabulary of 1,100 words, while the child in a
less communicative family will have a vocabulary of
less than half of that (500 words). And research tells
us these early differences are compounded when the
child begins school.
Their findings suggest: (1) differences in children’s
language abilities and measured intelligence are
directly related to the amount of words parents say
to their children; (2) children’s academic success in
elementary school can be attributed in large part to
the amount of words children hear in the first few
years of life; (3) parents of children with higher school
performance use significantly more words and use
words in qualitatively different ways with their child
from birth onward, than parents of children with lower
school performance. Taken together, these findings
suggest that the amount of words parents use has a

big impact on early and later child development, which
in turn influences a child’s ability to read and acquire
other academic proficiencies. The bottom line is children do best when they have lots of opportunities to
talk and interact with parents and other caring adults,
and a language-enriched environment is important for
all children.
Rich early language experiences do more than teach
words. They instill an excitement for learning and a
sense of personal efficacy. Children without early
positive language experiences have more to learn
when they get to school – and fewer skills to enable
that learning. Hart and Risley found that the number of
words children knew at age 3 was strongly correlated
with their reading and comprehension abilities at ages
9 and 10. In other words, an achievement gap that
appears at age 3 becomes wider by the age of 10.ix
Environments that encourage seeking, noticing,
categorizing, and thinking behaviors also contribute
to young children’s learning about words and print. In
literacy-rich homes and out-of-home settings, children
are continually exposed to written and oral language.
They engage in literacy practices – such as reading
aloud, storytelling, playing word games, hearing bedtime stories, singing songs, making shopping lists –
from birth onward.x Yet, not all early environments are
equal; researchers have found important differences
in children’s exposure to language. When adults spoke
more with children, exposing them to more language
opportunities, it positively impacted the children’s
vocabulary level.xi

throughout early childhood are three key strategies
for improving preschool language and literacy skills.xii
Additional research finds that literacy-enriched play
settings help to increase early literacy skills among
young children.xiii Children who play “office” using
paper, stationery, wall signs and file folders, or kids
who play “grocery store” making pencil-and-paper
lists, do more than explore their imagination – they
also gain literacy skills through play.xiv
Oral language is also an important component of
literacy in facilitating both early reading and writing
skills.xv Storytelling and retelling is one way of
increasing children’s oral fluency and expression, and
improved story comprehension while songs and finger
plays, such as Itsy-Bitsy Spider, allow for risk-free language play that fully engage children’s minds as they
act out the words of a song.xvi This kind of risk-free
language play that singing songs permits gives children a chance to experiment with language, to make
safe mistakes as they experiment with new sounds,
which can be especially important for children learning a new language.xvii
Although there is no consensus “best” strategy for
developing literacy skills in young children, researchers do agree on one thing: adult/child book reading
using a style that engages children as active participants leads to numerous language and literacy
developmental skills. So a parent who reads to their
child while also pointing out words and asking questions provides an optimal environment for literacy
development.

Talking and playing with adults and other children are
how children develop language and literacy skills.
Researchers agree that reading aloud to children,
developing their ability to recognize rhythms and
sounds in language, and extensive exposure to print

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

11

Guidelines and Standards
First Things First and the Arizona Department of
Education are in the process of assembling Infant and
Toddler Development Guidelines that can be used by
caregivers, parents, and teachers, as well as policy
makers and community members. The Guidelines specifically address emergent literacy skills in children
ages birth to 3, including language development and
communication skills. The Guidelines assert that:
•

•

•

Parents and caregivers can promote listening
and understanding skills by: talking with their
baby; understanding their baby’s nonverbal cues;
acknowledging their older baby’s attempts to
communicate; and sharing stories and picture
books.
Parents and caregivers can promote communication and speaking skills by responding to their
baby’s sounds; playing naming games with their
baby; and asking their older baby questions and
allowing time to respond.
Parents and caregivers can promote emergent
literacy by talking, singing, and rhyming with
their baby; reading simple books repeatedly to
their baby; and providing opportunities for their
baby to explore writing materials, such as large
crayons and paper.

The Arizona Early Learning Standards, developed by
the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), provide
guidelines for 3 to 5 year-olds, as well as a framework
for the development of preschool curricula. The standards also establish common outcomes of teaching
and learning; reflect current research; and offer a tool
for parents and caregivers.xviii ADE’s Language and
Literacy standards include:

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| First Things First

•

Language development through listening
and understanding of directions, stories, and
conversations;

•

Language development through speaking and
communicating;

•

Print awareness, such as distinguishing between
letters and pictures;

•

Appropriate book-handling skills, such as holding the book right-side-up and carefully turning
pages;

•

Hearing and understanding sounds, rhymes and
syllables;

•

Letter and alphabet knowledge;

•

Use and expansion of vocabulary and grammar;

•

Comprehension of stories read to him/her; and,

•

Use of materials to communicate and mimic writing and organizing writing from left to right.

These standards and guidelines give Arizona a framework to guide the literacy development of children
from birth through age 5.

Physical Health
Early sensory screening, including vision and hearing, is critical for children’s literacy development. The
American Academy of Pediatrics advocates early
sensory screening for the most common congenital
disorders of hearing and vision problems.xix
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
took a similar stance in 2001, urging that speech-language pathologists play an important role in helping

young children with communicative disorders attain
literacy skills.xx Researchers have found that the
timely detection of speech-language difficulties can
greatly impact literacy development.xxi

5. Phonological Awareness – parents should say
nursery rhymes and emphasize rhyming words,
sing songs emphasizing different syllables, and
make up their own rhymes with their child.

In Arizona, all educational institutions are mandated to
provide auditory screening and referrals, if appropriate, for school-aged children. The state recommends,
but does not require, vision screening for school-aged
children. Early sensory screening is also recommended as part of well-child health check-ups for
children ages birth to 5.

6. Letter Knowledge – parents can point out
letters in their child’s environment, read them
alphabet books, and emphasize the similarities
and differences between objects.

Parental Engagement

For babies and young children, social interactions
such as talking and playing with parents or caregivers
are the building blocks of language and literacy
development. But a national parent poll by Zero to

Parents are key players in their child’s relationship
with literacy. They know when their child is most
open to learning and how their child learns best.
Language and literacy experts suggest six pre-reading, or emergent literacy skills that parents can help
their babies and toddlers develop:xxii
1. Vocabulary – parents can talk frequently
to their babies or toddlers, asking them many
questions, speaking clearly and reading to them
every day.
2. Print Motivation – parents should begin reading books early, visit their public library and let
their child see them reading.
3. Print Awareness – parents should use board
or cloth books that the child can hold, and they
should read aloud to their child every day.
4. Narrative Skills – parents should talk to their
child about what they are doing, telling their
child stories, and listen patiently to their child’s
verbalizations.

Three says only one-third of parents surveyed know
that babies as young as six months old can experience
emotions of sadness and fear. And only one-third of
parents realize that a child can begin to sense and be
affected by their parents’ moods by six months of
age.xxiii Understanding the importance of high quality
social and emotional interactions during these early
years is critical to all aspects of a young child’s
development, including early literacy skills.

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

13

First Things First Infuses
Literacy Development in
its Funded Programs
Literacy skills do much more than enable reading
proficiency. They offer structure and challenge to the
developing mind. Because of the critical link between
early literacy development and success in school, First
Things First makes early literacy a dominant theme in
the programs it funds to help Arizona kids birth to 5 be
prepared for school.
In 2010, 60% of Arizona children lived in homes where
all of the adults worked.xxiv Many of those children
spend all or part of their day in center or home-based
early learning environments. Quality First, FTF’s
statewide quality rating and improvement system for
early learning programs, helps to ensure that those
environments promote early literacy in a variety of
ways. The assessments used to gauge participating
early learning providers’ quality – and their progress
in improving that quality – focus heavily on elements
that promote early literacy, including: a curriculum
that promotes early literacy, teachers well-trained to
support children’s language and literacy development,
and classrooms rich with developmentally appropriate
materials, especially books. There are currently more
than 700 providers enrolled in Quality First, impacting
more than 36,000 children throughout Arizona. In addition, First Things First funds expansion programs and
scholarships to help more children throughout Arizona
access early learning environments through schools,
private and non-profit child care providers and in certified child care homes. These supports helped more
than 6,000 Arizona kids access early learning opportunities statewide in the past year.
First Things First also supports a broad slate of
programs to help children encounter literacy early

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and often in their first five years. The Arizona Parent
Kit is offered to the parents of every newborn before
they leave the hospital; more than 58,000 kits were
distributed in the 2011 fiscal year. Each kit contains six
DVDs with vital information to help parents support
their child’s learning. One of those DVDs is devoted
almost entirely to language and literacy development,
including chapters on the importance of communication with newborns, establishing reading habits,
materials that prepare kids birth to 5 for reading and
writing, activities that spark a child’s interest in learning, and incorporating learning into everyday activities (vocabulary and concept development). Each kit
also includes a board book – ideal for tiny hands – to
encourage parents to read daily to their child starting
in the earliest months of life.
First Things First also provides voluntary, in-home support for parents who may face a number of challenges.
During those interactions, home visitors assess the
developmental progress of children and offer parents
tips and tools on how to help their children learn.
Home visitors stress critical early literacy behaviors
for parents, including reading, talking and singing. In
the past fiscal year, young children in more than 7,700
families received home visitation services.
In addition to supporting early literacy in homes and
in child care settings, First Things First also funds a
number of community-based parent education and
family literacy programs. More than 59,000 parents
and caregivers attended these community-based sessions in fiscal year 2011. A sample of these programs
includes:
First Things First partners with various entities –
including municipal governments, providers and nonprofit organizations – in establishing family resource
centers that offer parent education courses and other
resources to help families nurture early literacy skills
in their young children. For example, the Benevilla

Family Resource Center in Surprise offers “coffee
talks” with parent education experts, and school
readiness kits designed for 3 to 5 year-olds. These
kits contain books, crayons, and activity supplies to
boost early literacy skills. The talks, and the kits, are
available at multiple locations throughout the Surprise
area.
First Things First sponsors numerous library-based
programs, as well – like the Fun Van at the Pinal
County Public Library. This mobile, rural library offers
reading programs and story time for babies, toddlers
and preschool-age children throughout Pinal County.
Other libraries, such as the Safford City-Graham
County Library, offer the Imagination Library program,
a free service where books are mailed monthly to the
homes of children ages birth through 5 for them to
keep and begin building their own home library. Parents register, online or in person, and books arrive at
the child’s home. Free books are especially important
to young families in Arizona’s rural areas, where the
nearest library could be far away, or families may lack
the transportation to reach it.

Summary
Learning and literacy begin at birth. Research
demonstrates that reading, singing and talking with
infants, toddlers and preschoolers supports early and
lifelong reading success. If we wait until kindergarten
to introduce the foundations of reading and writing,
our children may never reach their fullest potential. In
Arizona, the stakes are especially high. The mandatory retention of third graders who do not read to
grade-level should further compel Arizonans to start
supporting the development of literacy skills in early
childhood. By supporting kids birth to 5 with literacy
rich environments, creative programs and activities
that foster pre-literacy skills, we give children the
tools to achieve in school and in life; enhancing their
future and ours.

Reach Out and Read Arizona encourages member
pediatricians to “prescribe” reading to children during
well-child visits. The program stresses to parents
the importance of reading with their kids and gives
children under 5 a free book to take home after each
visit. Reach Out and Read impacts more than 121,000
kids each year. Phoenix and Maricopa County families
have recently been taking part in Raising a Reader, a
national literacy program that began locally in 2010.
Raising a Reader uses regular workshops to educate
parents on the importance of early literacy skills. Each
workshop includes a bag of books that parents can
take home to share with their kids. In apartment complexes and multi-housing units, the books also can be
used as part of a “lending library,” where families can
swap books they have already read for new reading
adventures.

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

15

Endnotes
i

HB 2732 bill text, www.azleg.gov.

ii

ibid.

iii

Laff, A. H. Brief Blog: April 30, 2010, Stopping Social Promotion in Arizona.
www.statebrief.com.

iv

Arizona Indicators, Morrison Institute for Public Policy and Arizona State University, “Education
Indicators.” http://arizonaindicators.org; KidsCount, http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/
acrossstates.

v

Neuman, S. B., Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (2000). Learning to read and write: Developmentally
appropriate practices for young children. National Association for the Education of Young Children.
P. 3

16

vi

Hart, B., & Risley, T. R. (2003). The early catastrophe: The 30 million word gap by age 3. American
Educator, Spring.

vii

Risley, T. R., (2005, February 28), Meaningful differences in the language learning environment of
young American children, [interview transcript]. Retrieved from http://www.childrenofthecode.
org/interviews/risley.htm.

viii

Hart, B., & Risley, T. R. (1995). Meaningful differences in the everyday experience of young American
children. Paul H. Brookes Publishing, Baltimore, MD

ix

Hart, B., & Risley, T. R. 2003. The early catastrophe: The 30 million word gap by age 3. American
Educator, Spring.

x

Bennett-Armistead, V. S., Duke, N. K., & Moses, A. M. (2005). Literacy and the youngest learner: Best
practices for educators of children from birth to five. Scholastic.; Hart, B.., & Risley, T. R. (1995).
Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children. Paul H. Brookes
Publishing, Baltimore, MD ; Neuman, S. B., Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (2000). Learning to read
and write: Developmentally appropriate practices for young children. National Association for the
Education of Young Children. Clay, Marie (1986).

xi

Hart, B., & Risley, T. R. 2003. The early catastrophe: The 30 million word gap by age 3. American
Educator, Spring.

xii

Halle et al. (2003). Promoting language and literacy in early childhood care and education settings.
www.childcareresearch.org.

| First Things First

xiii

Justice, L. M., & Pullen, P. C. (2003). Promising interventions for promoting emergent literacy skills: Three
evidence-based approaches. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 23(3), p. 99.

xiv

Ibid.

xv

Goswami, U., 2002. Early phonological development and the acquisition of literacy. In S.B. Neuman &
D.K. Dickinson (Eds.), Handbook of Early Literacy Research. New York: Guilford Press.
Watson, R., (2002). Literacy and oral language: Implications for early literacy acquisition. In S.B.
Neuman & D.K. Dickinson (Eds.), Handbook of Early Literacy Research. New York: Guilford Press.

xvi

Christie, J.F., Enz, B.J., &Vukelich, C. (2011). Teaching Language and Literacy: Preschool Through the
Elementary Grades. 4th edition. Pearson: Boston MA

xvii

Ibid

xviii

“Early Learning Standards,” Arizona Department of Education. www.azed.gov

xix

American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org.

xx

Justice, L. M., Invernizzi, M. A., & Meier, J. D. (2002). Designing and implementing an early literacy
screening protocol: Suggestions for the speech-language pathologist. Language, Speech, and Hearing
Services in Schools, 33, 84-101.

xxi

Ibid.

xxii

Whitehurst, G.J., & Lonigan, C.J. (1998). Child development and emergent literacy. Child Development, 69
(3), 848-872.
Whitehurst, G. J., & Lonigan, C. J. (2002). Emergent literacy: Development from prereaders to readers.
In S. B. Neuman & D.K. Dickinson (Eds.), Handbook of early literacy research (pp. 11-29). New York: The
Guilford Press.
Gunn, B. G., Simmons, D. C., & Kame’enui, E. J. (2000). Emergent literacy: Synthesis of the research.

xxiii

Zero to Three, 2009 National Parent Survey. www.zerotothree.org.

xxiv

Kidscount, http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/acrossstates/Rankings.aspx?ind=5057

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17

IV
School Readiness
of Arizona’s Children
Each year, thousands of Arizona kindergarteners
arrive for their first day of school. To most observers,
they are all relatively the same – between 5 and 6
years old, holding their parents’ hands, faces alight
with curiosity and new backpacks in tow. Their teachers, however, will tell a different story. Almost from
the first day, the differences become evident: some
know their letters and numbers; they can easily handle
their pencil, crayons, and art supplies; they are able to
follow the structure of the school day; they share toys
and supplies; and, they get along well with their school
mates. For many children, the opposite is true: they
are academically lost, socially awkward and unsure
what to do in a classroom setting. From the start, they
are already behind.
Same community; same school; same age of the children. The big difference? One group of children had
access to high quality educational experiences before
starting kindergarten; the others did not.
Believe it or not, this scene – or ones like it – repeats
itself all too often in classrooms throughout Arizona,
and throughout the nation. Research has demonstrated that the majority of a child’s brain (between
80 and 95 percent, depending on the study) develops
before children enter kindergarten. And, the quality of a child’s early experiences in that critical time
between birth and age 5 shapes their success in
school and in life.
In 2006, Arizona voters created First Things First to
expand the early education, health and family support
programs that have demonstrated success in helping

18

| First Things First

children be healthier and more prepared for school.
This commitment has never been more important. In
addition to the rigorous curriculum children face in
kindergarten, they risk being held back if they are not
reading well enough by the end of third grade (see
page 4.)
In order to help children arrive at school prepared to
succeed, First Things First has allocated more than
half a billion dollars since 2009 to fund education and
health programs for young kids throughout Arizona.
Those programs are improving the quality of child
care; helping more children access early learning programs; improving the skills of teachers working with
infants, toddlers and preschoolers; ensuring that more
kids have preventive oral health care and access to
early developmental screening; and, supporting parents in their role as their child’s first teachers.
But, fulfilling our commitment to young children means
more than simply funding programs and services.
It means having a shared vision about what being
prepared for kindergarten actually means and then a
collective commitment to work across sectors to realize this vision.
The Arizona Early Childhood Task Force, composed of
35 leaders from an array of disciplines, convened in
2010 to weigh in on these issues. They were supported
with national technical assistance from Karen Ponder,
former CEO of the North Carolina Partnership for Children. From this work came a strategic framework for
building an early childhood development and health
system that offers Arizona children the strong start

they deserve. (See Creating the Model Early Childhood
System, azftf.gov) The outcome we all want is that
children and families are better off as a result of this
system.
For the following eight months, the First Things First
Advisory Committees for Early Learning, Health and
Family Support and Literacy, convened to review and
recommend school readiness indicators designed
to provide a snapshot of progress toward positive
outcomes for young children. A subset of these indicators provides a composite measure for young children
as they prepare to enter kindergarten, and were
approved by the First Things First Board in August 2011
as its School Readiness Indicators (see figure below).
These indicators provide us the opportunity to achieve
measureable and real long-term results for children.

The data for these indicators have not been collected
systematically in Arizona before. First Things First and
its early childhood system partners will work over the
next year to develop benchmarks for these indicators
and systems for tracking them over time. Future editions of Building Bright Futures will offer a statewide
and county-by-county view of how Arizona’s children
are faring on these measures of school readiness.
In the mean time, the information and data presented
here will help the reader gain insight into the challenges faced by Arizona’s children in these areas and
some of the work that is being done to better measure
and impact these benchmarks.1
1 Data for the indicators discussed in this section are not generally available at the level
of county and many are not available even for the state as a whole. Some data come from
national surveys which are not conducted each year, so the most recent data available
are presented. Overall, they illustrate areas of opportunities for developing systematic
measurement systems within the state.

SCHOOL READINESS INDICATORS
The ten indicators, designed to monitor progress in Early Learning, Health and Family Support, are:
1. (Number/percentage) of children demonstrating school readiness at kindergarten entry in the
developmental domains of social-emotional, language and literacy, cognitive, motor, and physical
2. (Number/percentage) of children enrolled in an
early care and education program with a Quality
First rating of 3-5 stars
3. (Number/percentage) of children with special
needs enrolled in an inclusive early care and
education program with a Quality First rating of 3-5
stars
4. (Number/percentage) of families that spend
no more than 10% of the regional median family
income on quality care and education with a Quality First rating of 3-5 stars

5. Percentage of children with newly identified
developmental delays during the kindergarten year
6. Number of children entering kindergarten exiting
preschool special education to regular education
7. (Number/percentage) of children ages 2-5 at a
healthy weight (Body Mass Index – BMI)
8. (Number/percentage) of children receiving
timely well child visits
9. (Number/percentage) of children age 5 with
untreated tooth decay
10. Percentage of families who report they are
competent and confident about their ability to support their child’s safety, health and well-being

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

19

Age-appropriate
Competencies:
Preliminary Data on Indicator #1
Currently, Arizona school districts use a variety of
methods to assess literacy in kindergarten, but no
common comprehensive kindergarten assessment has
been adopted by the Arizona Department of Education. In the past year, conversations in the early
childhood community have intensified and the need
to have better assessment tools and data has become
paramount. Efforts are already underway to build a
common, cohesive system for helping teachers and
parents understand young children’s progress in the
developmental domains of school. In July 2011, the
Arizona Department of Education convened a working group with representatives from Head Start and
the State Advisory Council (First Things First), to begin
defining kindergarten readiness and determining
appropriate ways to understand the status of children’s learning and development as they transition to
kindergarten. A taskforce with representatives across
the state was convened in November 2011, and will
work over the next several months to carry out this
work.

State education and philanthropic leaders have committed to working together to identify and implement a
common Kindergarten Entry Assessment (KEA) across
Arizona with the following goals:
1. Coordinate and align with assessment
efforts underway in grades 3-12 and with
state approved formative early childhood
assessments.
2. Measure all developmental domains of school
readiness.
3. Serve as a tool for kindergarten teachers and
parents to understand children’s learning,
inform instruction, and facilitate collaboration
between teachers and parents to support children’s learning.
4. Provide a cross-sectional benchmark of Arizona
children’s learning and development at kindergarten entry that can serve as an indicator of the
effectiveness of early childhood system goals
and First Things First.
5. Provide a baseline of children’s learning and
development for monitoring progress.
Mechanisms will be established to facilitate parents’
full and transparent access to their children’s results.
Professional development for teachers will ensure all
kindergarten teachers not only implement the assessment validly, but capably interpret results for parents,
and partner with parents to collaboratively help young
children succeed in school.
A statewide assessment will provide kindergarten
teachers the information they need for individualized
instruction; will provide system stakeholders information about the effectiveness of preschool programs;
and, link existing 3rd–12th grade assessments to K–3
effectiveness.

20

| First Things First

Quality First and
Enrollment in Early Care
and Education:
Preliminary Data on Indicators #2-4
National studies show that children exposed to highquality early childhood education are 40 percent
less likely to need special education or be held back
a grade. In addition, they have better language,
math and social skills; have better relationships with
classmates; have better cognitive and sensory skills
and experience less anxiety; and, score higher on
school-readiness tests.2
In June 2011, 711 child care homes and centers (16%
of licensed and certified early child care programs)
were enrolled in Quality First, Arizona’s quality
improvement and rating system. These centers
serve about 36,000 Arizona children, which is about
30 percent of the children in licensed and certified
care, and about seven percent of children from birth
to 5 years old. By June 2012, it is estimated that
more than 900 child care centers and homes will be
improving the early education services they provide
through Quality First participation.
Quality First is unique in that it focuses first on
helping programs understand the components of
quality, assess the quality of their services, and
make necessary improvements. The second focus
is the rating of a program’s quality based on a 5 Star
system of standards. The Star Rating assists parents
in choosing early education programs for their young
children. Ratings of providers enrolled in Quality First
2 Reynolds, A.J., Temple, J.A., Robertson, D.L., & Mann, E.A. Age 21 Cost-Benefit
Analysis of the Title I Chicago Child-Parent Center Program. Institute for Research
on Poverty. Discussion Paper no. 1245-02, 2001; The Children of the Cost, Quality, and
Outcomes Study Go To School. NICHD, June 1999, p. 2 and Karoly, Lynn, et al, Investing
in Our Children: What We Know and Don’t Know About the Costs and Benefits of Early
Childhood Interventions. RAND, 1998, xv.

will be available via a public website beginning July
1, 2012. Ratings will be posted in an ongoing manner
according to a program’s annual assessment cycle.
Initial quality assessments of participating centers
and homes indicate that the majority of providers
(more than 90%) enrolled in Quality First are Rising
Stars or Progressing Stars, meaning that they have
demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality
of their physical environment and instructional activities for young children beyond regulatory standards.
About half of the providers currently participating in
Quality First have received a progress assessment,
a measurement of improvements after receiving at
least a year of coaching, financial incentives and
improvement supports. Based on preliminary analysis of completed assessments, about 93% of providers improved or maintained their assessment scores.
This is an important and statistically significant
improvement for young children in Arizona.
While it is important to focus on improving the quality
of early education in Arizona, it is equally important
to ensure that more children have access to early
learning programs. For many Arizona families, cost is
a major factor limiting their child’s access to an early
education. In 2010, according to the DES Market
Rate Survey, the median cost of a full day of child
care in Arizona was $38.75 for infants (under 1 year

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

21

old), $34.80 for toddlers (ages 1 to 2), and $30.00 for
preschoolers (ages 3 to 5).
The American Community Survey estimates that the
median family income in Arizona in 2009 was $69,164
for married-couple households with at least one child
(ages 0 to 17). It is important to note that because
income generally increases with the age of the children, the $69,164 figure is likely an overestimate of the
median income of parents of young children. Assuming 250 work days in a year, care for a preschool child
at the median rate ($30) would cost $7,500 per year.
This is almost 11 percent of the median income for
a two-parent family. For single women with one or
more children (ages 0 to 17), the estimated median
income in 2009 in the state was $25,349. A mother at
this income level would spend about 30 percent of her
income on care for a preschooler and 38 percent on
care for an infant.
There are a number of federal and state programs
available to help Arizona families access early
education programs for their young kids, including
Early Head Start, Head Start and child care subsidy.
First Things First has supplemented those efforts by
funding scholarships to help children access care in
Quality First sites and to help schools and other early
education programs expand services for preschoolers. In 2011 alone, FTF helped more than 6,100 infants,
toddlers and preschoolers access early education
programs. In addition, First Things First is working with
its state agency and K-12 partners to help families
afford early education programs at the sites offering
higher quality learning opportunities.
As indicated earlier, all children need access to early
learning opportunities. For children with special
needs, it is imperative that they be able to access
those opportunities in settings that are prepared to
meet their needs, in classrooms that include them in

22

| First Things First

learning activities and with caregivers that can help
them be successful. Approximately 12 percent of the
sites currently enrolled in Quality First have selfreported that they serve children with special needs.
Through their Quality First participation, those sites
have access to coaching to help them better identify
and assess children with special needs, and to help
teachers and other staff build a greater understanding
of how to best serve the children in an inclusive and
sensitive manner.

Detecting
Developmental Delays:
Preliminary Data on Indicators #5 and 6
Children experience developmental delays for a
variety of reasons, including genetics, their mother’s
access to prenatal education and care, and circumstances of their birth. The sooner developmental
delays are diagnosed and treated, the more prepared
a child will be once they enter school.
There were 89,932 kindergartners enrolled in public
education during the 2010-2011 school year. Of this
total number of kindergarteners, 8,976 (10%) were
identified as having a developmental delay; 4,067
(45%) of the 8,976 identified kindergarteners were
newly identified during kindergarten. Thus 4.5% of all
kindergarteners were identified as having a developmental delay that was not identified until their kindergarten year, or that did not present as a delay until
they entered kindergarten.
Additionally, in the preceding year (2009-2010 school
year), 14,807 preschool children (ages 3-5) were
identified with a developmental delay and 5,429 (37%)
exited special education services prior to entering
kindergarten.

Increases or decreases in the number of children
newly identified as having a delay or disability in
kindergarten must be interpreted with caution.
Improved efforts to identify children with developmental delays prior to entering kindergarten should lower
the number of children newly identified with delays
once they enter school and decrease the number of
children needing special education services in kindergarten. However, increased efforts by the K-12 system
to ensure all school-age children are adequately
screened and evaluated for potential developmental delays once they enter kindergarten may offset
any decreases related to better quality assessment
and services in the 0-5 years. This indicator must be
interpreted in light of data trends from both the early
childhood and K-12 systems.
The emphasis must be on identifying children with
developmental delays as early as possible and ensuring that they get the services and support they need to
be successful in kindergarten and beyond.

Healthy Weight:

According to data from the CDC’s Pediatric Nutrition
Surveillance System (PedNSS)4 for 2010, 14.2 percent
of low-income young children in Arizona (ages 2 to
4) are classified as obese. An additional 15.7 percent are overweight. These rates are similar to the
national rates of 14.4 percent obese and 16.1 percent
overweight.
The Navajo Nation and the Inter Tribal Council of
Arizona5 (ITCA) report their data separately to the
PedNSS. ITCA is a membership organization comprised of several tribes in Arizona. Obesity and
overweight are much more prevalent among children
in these communities. For the Navajo Nation, 18.7
percent are obese and 20.2 are overweight. For the
ITCA, 24.5 percent are obese and 20.5 percent are
overweight.
Low-income young children in Arizona have lower
rates of being underweight than do children nationally
(the national rate is 4.5%). Statewide, 2.7 percent of
children are reported as underweight, with even lower
rates for the Navajo Nation (1.3%) and ITCA (1.5%).

Preliminary Data on Indicator #7

Well-child and dental visits:

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for school
readiness. Underweight children may feel weak or
tired and have trouble focusing and concentrating.
Overweight and obese children are at risk for developing medical problems that can affect their present and
future health and quality of life.

Preliminary Data on Indicators # 8 and 9

A child is obese if his or her Body Mass Index (BMI)3 is
at or above the 95th percentile, according to the 2000
Centers for Disease Control growth charts. A child
whose BMI falls between the 85th and 95th percentiles is overweight. A child whose BMI is below the
5th percentile is considered underweight.
3 Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indicator of body fatness widely used in both children and
adults. BMI is defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (or
weight in pounds divided by the square of height in inches times 703).

For young children, especially those under the age of
3, the recommended guidelines indicate they should
have 16 vaccination visits and well-child screenings
during those first three years. About 6 percent of
young children (ages 0 to 5) in Arizona did not have at
least one well-child check-up or exam during the year
prior to the survey. This rate is somewhat higher than
the national average of 4 percent.
4 Most of the children in the PedNSS database are participants in the WIC program
5 ITCA member tribes are: Ak-Chin Indian Community, Cocopah Tribe, Colorado River
Indian Tribes, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Fort Mojave Tribe, Gila River Indian Community, Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab-Paiute Tribe, Pascua Yaqui Tribe,
Pueblo of Zuni, Quechan Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, San Carlos
Apache Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute, Tohono O’odham Nation, Tonto Apache Tribe,
White Mountain Apache Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe.
http://www.itcaonline.com/tribes.html (accessed 11.8.11).

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

23

This may be linked to the high number of children in
Arizona (9 percent) who lack health insurance.
The Arizona Health Survey (2010) found medical-care
disparities between young children (ages 0 to 5) who
were or were not covered by health insurance. Among
children with health insurance coverage, almost all
had a regular source of care (97%) and had received
an annual check-up (96%). Among the children without coverage, only 79 percent had a regular source
of care and only 86 percent had received an annual
check-up.
Dental care is just as important as medical care, and
can greatly impact school success. Poor oral health
in children has been linked with failure to thrive,
impaired speech development, and absence from and
inability to concentrate in school. All of these factors
can impact a child’s performance in school.
The American Dental Association recommends that a
dentist examine a child within six months after the first
tooth comes in and no later than the first birthday. A
dental visit at an early age is a “well baby checkup”
for the teeth, and regular check-ups should continue
through school age and into adulthood.
The Arizona Department of Health Services Office of
Oral Health reports that 50 percent of Arizona children
from birth to four have never visited a dentist.6 Of
those parents who reported that their child had not
seen a dentist, 46 percent said this was because the
child did not need to, 34 percent because the dentist
would not see a young child, and 12 percent because
they could not afford it.
The 2009 Arizona Oral Health Survey of Preschool Children found that 16 percent of two year olds, and over
half (52%) of four year olds, already had evidence of
6 Office of Oral Health, Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Oral Health Survey
of Preschool Children 2009. Retrieved from http://azdhs.gov/cfhs/ooh/pdf/ArizonaPreschoolChildrensOralHealthStatus_Feb11.pdf

24

| First Things First

tooth decay (treated or untreated). 7 Thirty percent of
children between two and four years old were found
to have untreated tooth decay, compared to 16 percent nationally. The 2007 National Survey of Children’s
Health also showed Arizona children to have greater
incidence of tooth decay or cavities, compared to the
nation. Almost 25 percent of Arizona children (ages 1
to 17) had decay or cavities identified in the six months
prior to the survey, compared to only 19 percent
nationally.
The Arizona Health Survey (2010) found a dental-care
disparity between children with and without insurance. Only 44 percent of the young children (ages 2
to 5) without insurance had received a routine dental
visit in the past year, compared to 57 percent of those
with insurance. (Note: Some children with health
insurance might not have had dental coverage.)
Many First Things First regional councils have prioritized oral health. In fact, through First Things First
funding in fiscal year 2011, more than 12,000 dental
screenings were completed on children 5 years old
and younger; more than 11,400 fluoride varnishes were
applied, and more than 8,000 children were referred to
a dentist for follow-up.

Parents:
Preliminary Data on Indicator #10
Parents are their child’s first and most important
teachers. While data indicate that Arizona parents
know as much as or more than parents nationwide
about their child’s learning, they also demonstrate that
many parents need additional information and support.
According to the First Things First Family and
7 Office of Oral Health, Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Oral Health Survey
of Preschool Children 2009. Retrieved from http://azdhs.gov/cfhs/ooh/pdf/ArizonaPreschoolChildrensOralHealthStatus_Feb11.pdf

Community Survey of 20088, overall, Arizona parents
understand that early childhood development is
important, with more than 75% of parents acknowledging that they can significantly impact children’s
brain development at or before birth. While Arizona’s
parents understand the importance of early brain
development, not all are sure what they can do to best
support their child’s optimal development.
The survey results show:
•

20% of Arizona parents are not aware that
their child’s first year impacts later school
performance.

•

27% are not aware that children sense and react
to parent emotions starting from birth.

•

21% of parents are not aware that play is crucial
for children under 10 months of age.

•

47% of parents believe that a child’s language
benefits equally from watching TV versus talking
to a real person.

More detailed analysis of the data reveals that there
is significantly less awareness of the importance of
the early years among parents with lower incomes or
educational attainment. Whatever their circumstance,
however, all parents can benefit from additional information and support.
First Things First partners with parents and families
to offer a variety of resources – tailored to the level
of support the family wants or needs. Those supports
include:
• Arizona Parent Kits – offered to the parents of
every newborn in Arizona before they leave the
hospital, each kit includes critical information

about healthy parenting practices and how to
support their baby’s development and early
learning. More than 58,000 kits were distributed
in fiscal year 2011.
• Birth to 5 Helpline – available for all families
with young children looking for the latest child
development information from experts in the
field. Staffed by early childhood development
specialists, registered nurses, disabilities
specialists, early literacy specialists, and mental
health counselors, the Helpline provides a tollfree number and/or an online form for all Arizona
families with young children, and parents-to-be,
to call or write with questions or concerns about
their infants, toddlers and preschoolers. More
than 2,300 calls were answered by Helpline staff
in fiscal year 2011.
• Community-Based Literacy and Parent
Education – strengthens families with young
children by providing voluntary classes in
community-based settings on a wide range
of topics, including parenting skills, child
development, early literacy and nutrition. In
fiscal year 2011, 58,493 caregivers attended
6,380 community-based early childhood settings
statewide.
• Home Visitation – free, voluntary, in-home support that is tailored to meet the specific needs of
the family. All services stress the importance of
health and safety, parent/child interactions and
promotion of early literacy by offering parents
fun reading and other language activities to do
with their children at various stages of development. More than 7,700 families received home
visitation services during fiscal year 2011.

8 Family and Community Report: A Baseline Report on Families and Coordination. http://
www.azftf.gov/whoweare/board/pages/reportsandpubs.aspx.

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

25

V
Data Summary
Each year, the First Things First statewide Board
and the 31 Regional Partnership Councils must make
critical decisions about which education, health and
family support programs to fund in their communities
for children birth to 5 years old. In order to ensure that
they are funding the programs that will have the greatest impact, they must have a comprehensive view
of the challenges children in the state – and in their
individual communities – face.
The statewide Board and the regional partnership
councils use this information as a starting point
for discussions with early childhood stakeholders
– including educators, service providers, community leaders and parents – on how to maximize the
resources in their area and yield the most positive
outcomes for our youngest children.
Currently, the data are available by county, and while
county lines do not match the boundaries of the First
Things First regional councils in all cases, the information can be used to look at general geographic trends.
Pages 40 to 105 of this document offer a statewide and
county-by-county view of major data elements. In the
following section, we provide some notable trends in
data presented in this report across the areas of:
•

Demographics

•

Economic Conditions

•

Education

•

Health

The statewide and county-specific data tables follow
this overview.

26

| First Things First

Overview of Data
Trends
Demographics
Through the early part of this century, Arizona experienced phenomenal population growth, fueled in large
part by its expanding economy. Due to the on-going
economic downturn, that growth has slowed, but
continues in much of the state.
The population of young children in all Arizona counties grew between 2000 and 2010. The only exceptions
were Apache County, which experienced a 6 percent
population decrease; Gila County, which experienced
a 3 percent decrease; and Greenlee County, which
experienced a 9 percent decrease. Pinal grew the
most, with an increase of 149 percent.

Census 2010 PopulaƟon Under Age Six, by Ethnicity

Arizona
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma

Total
populaƟon,
ages 0 to 5
546,609
7,171
10,125
10,777
3,657
3,830
794
1,227
339,217
13,218
10,550
74,796
36,181
4,435
12,583
18,048

Hispanic or
LaƟno
45%
8%
47%
22%
28%
34%
55%
50%
45%
27%
15%
53%
38%
94%
30%
76%

White
40%
14%
42%
36%
42%
44%
40%
24%
40%
65%
32%
34%
49%
6%
64%
19%

Not Hispanic or LaƟno
Black or
African
American
American
Indian
4%
5%
0.1%
75%
4%
0.5%
1%
36%
0.3%
28%
0.5%
18%
1%
2%
1%
21%
5%
2%
1%
3%
0.4%
49%
3%
3%
3%
5%
0.1%
0.1%
1%
2%
1%
1%

Other
7%
3%
6%
5%
2%
3%
2%
4%
8%
4%
4%
6%
5%
1%
4%
3%

Source: 2010 US Census
Note: "Other" includes non-Hispanic children of two or more races
According to the 2010 Census, there are more than half a million children under the age of 6 living in Arizona. About
62 percent live in Maricopa County and 14 percent in Pima County. The remaining 24 percent live in the other 13
counties of the state.
Almost half of the state’s young children (45%) are Hispanic. Counties in the northern part of the state have relatively fewer Hispanic children. In Apache County, three-quarters of the young children are American Indian.
There are three counties where more than one third of children 0-5 live with foreign-born parents. These include:
Maricopa County (37%); Santa Cruz County (45%); and, Yuma County (45%).

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

27

Economic Conditions
Poverty is often linked to poor outcomes across a variety of areas, including education and health. Therefore,
throughout the remainder of this section, note that the counties identified as having high poverty rates are also
generally those with poor outcomes for families and young children. The rate of child poverty is a critical factor
that regional partnership councils keep in mind as they continue to work with their communities to build systems
and programs that address the challenges kids face in their regions.

Percent of children ages 0-5 living in poverty

Arizona
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma

2005
23%
65%
17%
23%
.
.
.
.
21%
30%
36%
26%
19%
.
14%
30%

2006
22%
43%
32%
25%
.
.
.
.
19%
28%
32%
26%
24%
.
23%
30%

2007
23%
49%
25%
14%
.
.
.
.
22%
29%
28%
23%
18%
.
31%
29%

2008
23%
43%
24%
16%
.
.
.
.
22%
21%
29%
22%
23%
.
22%
30%

2009
26%
48%
17%
24%
.
.
.
.
25%
31%
53%
31%
19%
.
17%
32%

2005-2009
24%
50%
23%
20%
34%
25%
14%
27%
22%
28%
36%
26%
21%
30%
22%
31%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 1- and 5-year esƟmates
Note: In 2009, the poverty threshold for a two-parent, two-child family was $21,756.
For a one-parent, one-child family, it was $14,787.
Before 2009, the annual American Community Survey estimated that fewer than 25 percent of Arizona’s young
children (ages 0 to 5) lived in families whose income was less than the poverty threshold. In 2009, the estimate
was 26 percent. This means that more than 1 in 4 children in Arizona live in families that are poor.
In smaller communities, it can be difficult to look at year-to-year comparisons, due to small sample sizes and
variances in residents’ response rates to the survey. An analysis of the five-year estimates (2005 to 2009) shows

28

| First Things First

that five counties have 30 percent or more of
young children living in poverty (Apache, Gila,
Navajo, Santa Cruz and Yuma). Apache County
had more than twice the statewide rate of poverty.
And, Greenlee County is the only county with a
poverty rate under 20 percent.
Child poverty in Arizona is distributed disproportionately across ethnic groups. Forty percent of
Arizona’s young children are white, 45% are Hispanic, 5% are American Indian, and 4% are black
(US Census 2010). But according to the National
Center for Children in Poverty (2009),
•

49% of young American Indian children in
Arizona live in poor families.

•

38% of young Hispanic children in Arizona
live in poor families.

•

12% of young white children in Arizona live
in poor families.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 1-year estimates (2009)

American Indian children face the highest rates
of poverty, which may be linked to the lack of
economic and educational opportunities in many
tribal communities. The work of First Things First is
rooted in a profound respect for tribal sovereignty
and a commitment to working in collaboration with
Arizona’s tribes. Arizona’s Tribes are represented
by First Things First in one of two ways:
•

•

Tribes may elect to have their tribal lands
treated as a separate region by the statewide FTF Board.
Tribes may elect to participate in the designated geographical region or regions in
which their tribal lands are located.

First and, to date, more than $128 million has been
allocated to the 17 FTF Regional Partnership Councils affiliated with Arizona’s Tribes.
Family socioeconomic status is associated with
parental education and also impacts many parental behaviors such as the likelihood that parents
will talk to and read with their children — as well
as individual factors such as environmental stress,
health, early care experiences, and low birth
weight — that impact cognitive development and
school readiness (Duncan & Magnuson, 2005).
The high percentage of Arizona children in poverty
and the disproportionate number of poor children
who are minorities only heightens the need for a
strong early childhood system in our state. The
more prepared children are for school, the more
likely they will be to graduate from high school
and go on to college. Higher high school and
college graduation rates mean more economic
opportunities for our children.
Other findings of note:
•

In all counties in Arizona, single female
households earn a significantly smaller
median income than single male
householders.

•

Statewide median income for married-couple families is $69,164. The median household income for married-couple families
is below $50,000 in two counties: Apache
County ($44,476) and La Paz County ($49,453).

•

Yuma has the highest 2010 unemployment
rate, at 25.3 percent (compared with 9.9%
statewide).

Currently, 19 of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized
tribes have elected to participate in First Things

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

29

Education
As noted in the previous section, Arizona has no
systemic way of assessing how prepared children
are when they enter kindergarten. Developing this
assessment is critical because children who start out
behind generally stay behind. A look at test scores
in the elementary grades reinforces the need to give
all our young children a better start. Over the past
five years, the percent of third-grade children passing the reading section of the Arizona Instrument to
Measure Standards (AIMS) has steadily increased;
in 2011, 76 percent of the children passed the reading
test. Over the same period of improvements in reading
test scores, the passing rates for the math test have
decreased. In 2011, only 68 percent of third-grade
students passed the math test.
Scores on national tests are equally concerning. The
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
is an assessment of mathematics, reading, writing,
and science performance for America’s children in 4th
and 8th grades. As reported by the National Center
for Education Statistics, in 2011, the average reading
score for Arizona’s 4th grade students on the NAEP
was 212, lower than the national average of 220. This
average score was not significantly different from the
average Arizona scores in 2009 or 2002.
Further, on the basic reading assessment level, only
26% of Arizona fourth graders scored at or above a
proficient reading assessment level on the NAEP, leaving Arizona in the bottom ten of all states.1

1 Arizona Indicators, Morrison Institute for Public Policy and Arizona State University,
“Education Indicators.” http://arizonaindicators.org; KidsCount, http://datacenter.kidscount.
org/data/acrossstates.

30

| First Things First

While these findings underscore the importance of
early education and its focus on early literacy and
other basic skills, early education itself and quality
early education most importantly is unavailable or
out of reach for many families who want it for their
children.

In data reported by KidsCount for 2009, 53 percent of Arizona’s children aged 3-5 are not enrolled in early education (nursery school, preschool or kindergarten). This compares to the national percentage of 40%. Based on
these data, Arizona ranks 45th worst in the nation for young children enrolled in an early education program.
For many families searching for early learning opportunities for their children, cost may be a major factor.
Assuming that a child spends 250 days in child care, the annual costs of child care, calculated using the DES
market rate survey for 2010, are the following:
Child’s age

Median daily charge

Estimated annual charge

infants 1 year old

$38.75

$9,688

children 1 or 2

$34.80

$8,700

children 3 to 5

$30.00

$7,500

children 6 and up

$27.00

$6,750

The American Community Survey estimates that the median family income in Arizona in 2009 was $69,164 for
married-couple households with at least one child (ages 0 to 17). It is important to note that because income
generally increases with the age of the children, the $69,164 figure is likely an overestimate of the median
income of parents of young children. For single women with one or more children (ages 0 to 17), the estimated
median income in 2009 in the state was $25,349. A mother at this income level would spend about 30 percent of
her income on care for a preschooler and 38 percent on care of an infant.

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

31

Health
Good health is key to success in school. Children who
are chronically ill may miss more school days or have
trouble concentrating on days when they are in class.
A number of key indicators of children’s health care
are found in the previous section and include:
•

15.7 percent of young kids in Arizona are overweight and 14.2 percent of young kids are obese;

•

6 percent of young children have not received a
well-child visit in the past year;

•

And, 50 percent of young children have never
seen a dentist.

Closely related to those data on healthy weight and
early and regular health and dental care, are data on
children’s health insurance.

Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Recent policy changes and the economic downtown
in Arizona have had dramatic impacts on the status
of children using public health insurance. In data
provided by Arizona Health Care Cost Containment
System, population statistics, we can see the dramatic
decrease in the number of children enrolled in KidsCare; from almost 50,000 in 2009 to less than 17,000 in
2011. 2
The KidsCare program serves children and their
parents with incomes greater than the AHCCCS limit
but less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
Spending cuts (of more than $3 million for services to
children under six from 2005 to 2010) have led to an
enrollment freeze established January 1, 2010, that
has resulted in the decreases detailed above.
At the same time, there has been an increase in families identified as low income, making them eligible for
Medicaid services. Expenditures for young children
in those funds have increased almost $190 million
between 2005 and 2010.

49,479

28,780
16,649

Aug-09

Aug-10

Aug-11

As reported in the Arizona Health Survey, most young
children in Arizona have health coverage, while nine
percent of children are without health insurance coverage. and. However, it is only at the highest income
level (300 percent of poverty or above) that almost all
children have health insurance. Almost two-thirds
of children without health coverage (66 percent) live
in families with incomes below 200 percent of the
poverty level.

32

| First Things First

2 http://www.azahcccs.gov/reporting/Downloads/PopulationStatistics/2011/November/
AHCCCS_Population_Highlights_Nov11.pdf

Birth Conditions and Maternal Health
A mother’s health while she is pregnant and a child’s health at birth are good indicators of future health status.
More than half a million babies were born to Arizona-resident mothers in the six years from 2005 to 2010. The
number of births increased every year from 1992 until 2007, but there has been a decreased birth rate each
year since then. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of Public Health Statistics, in their
report “Arizona Health Status and Vital Statistics 2009” attributes the decreases to the economic recession and
changes in immigration laws, which have had the effects of decreasing the birth rate and increasing out-migration from the state.

Births by mother's county of residence

ARIZONA
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma

2005
95,798
1,283
1,769
2,070
649
452
99
245
62,232
2,237
1,903
12,976
3,641
781
2,115
3,292

2006
102,042
1,189
1,808
2,062
667
540
110
229
66,160
2,468
1,877
13,929
4,467
753
2,380
3,354

2007
102,687
1,149
1,860
2,132
694
582
138
230
65,931
2,439
2,012
13,798
5,285
766
2,411
3,252

Births
2008
99,215
1,211
1,781
1,985
697
644
131
246
62,667
2,301
1,944
13,503
5,731
796
2,216
3,362

2009
92,616
1,242
1,846
1,894
704
645
130
174
57,663
2,220
1,893
12,840
5,309
761
2,061
3,234

2010
2005-2010
87,053
579,411
1,099
7,173
1,781
10,845
1,775
11,918
670
4,081
530
3,393
105
713
200
1324
54,236
368,889
2,022
13,687
1,737
11,366
12,169
79,215
4,990
29,423
693
4,550
1,817
13,000
3,229
19,723

Source: Arizona Dept of Health Services
hƩp://www.azdhs.gov/plan/menu/for/births.htm
In the state as a whole, the prevalence of one of more medical risk factors (such as maternal anemia, diabetes,
hypertension, or kidney disease) during pregnancy has increased from year to year. In 2009, about one in every
three births had at least one risk factor associated with it. The highest prevalence of medical risks associated
with less than optimal birth outcomes is found in Santa Cruz County mothers. Those from Yuma County have a

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

33

Percent of births with medical risk factors, by mother's county of residence

ARIZONA
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma

2005
28%
42%
44%
39%
36%
25%
21%
28%
23%
24%
47%
41%
21%
68%
46%
6%

Births with one or more medical risk factors reported
2006
2007
2008
2009
2005-2009
27%
30%
32%
33%
30%
43%
44%
42%
38%
42%
32%
27%
38%
47%
38%
49%
38%
23%
18%
34%
37%
39%
36%
28%
35%
30%
25%
30%
32%
29%
27%
22%
32%
23%
25%
19%
17%
18%
15%
20%
22%
25%
30%
32%
26%
14%
18%
16%
10%
16%
46%
45%
43%
35%
43%
48%
53%
49%
51%
48%
24%
27%
29%
28%
26%
70%
70%
63%
64%
67%
40%
45%
37%
41%
42%
8%
8%
6%
6%
7%

Source: Arizona Dept of Health Services
Note: Medical risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, anemia, hydramnios, and others.
www.azdhs.gov/plan/menu/for/births.htm
lower prevalence of medical risks but also have a lower birth rate.
Other findings of note:

34

•

Over half of births in Apache (72%); Gila (62%); La Paz (58%); and Navajo counties (61%) are to unmarried
mothers.

•

In Greenlee County, 52% of mothers had fewer than 9 prenatal visits (compared with 19% statewide).

•

More than one third of mothers had no prenatal care in the first trimester in Apache (41%); Gila (39%);
Yuma (40%); and Navajo (34%) counties.

•

In Apache County, 35% of children 0-5 have no health insurance (compared to 10% statewide).

| First Things First

ARIZONA
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma

Tobacco Use During Pregnancy
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
4%
5%
4%
3%
5% 10%
8%
9%
8%
6%
5%
4%
4%
3%
14% 17% 14% 15% 13%
7%
8%
9% 10%
9%
6% 15% 14% 13%
9%
8%
5%
3%
3%
3%
5%
4%
4%
4%
4%
16% 14% 13% 12% 13%
8%
6%
7%
6%
6%
6%
6%
6%
6%
6%
7%
8%
6%
6%
5%
0%
1%
1%
2%
1%
15% 14% 12% 11% 12%
1%
2%
1%
1%
1%

Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
0.8% 0.6% 0.6% 0.5% 0.5%
1.9% 1.7% 1.9% 0.3% 1.1%
0.5% 0.7% 0.6% 0.5% 0.3%
1.8% 1.1% 1.1% 0.9% 0.7%
2.5% 1.6% 1.2% 1.3% 1.6%
0.9% 0.2% 0.5% 0.2% 1.1%
0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.8%
2.0% 0.4% 0.0% 0.4% 0.0%
0.6% 0.5% 0.4% 0.5% 0.4%
1.3% 0.5% 0.6% 0.6% 0.5%
2.9% 2.2% 1.6% 1.4% 1.4%
0.9% 1.0% 0.9% 0.7% 0.9%
0.6% 0.5% 0.5% 0.1% 0.2%
0.3% 0.3% 0.5% 0.4% 0.3%
0.9% 0.5% 0.5% 0.9% 0.3%
0.3% 0.2% 0.5% 0.3% 0.2%

Source: Ari zona Dept of Hea l th Servi ces , www.azdhs .gov/pl a n/menu/for/bi rths .htm

Smoking during pregnancy is associated with prematurity, low birth weight and other health risk for infants. Over
the past five years, the statewide rate of mothers using tobacco products during pregnancy has been about 5
percent each year. The rate is more than 10 percent for mothers in Mohave, Gila, and Yavapai counties, but only
about 1 percent in Santa Cruz and Yuma counties
The use of alcohol during pregnancy is associated with a range of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) that
includes cognitive and behavioral problems in young children. However, FASD is 100 percent preventable if a
mother does not consume any alcohol during pregnancy. In Arizona, over the past five years, the rate of mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy appears to be low, and steadily decreasing from year to year.

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

35

Food Insecurity
Many Arizona children are at risk for hunger. Almost
one-fourth of Arizona’s children under 18 are considered food insecure, the third highest rate in the
country. Research shows that even moderate undernutrition, the type seen most frequently in the United
States, can have lasting effects on the brain development of young children. According to the Center on
Hunger and Poverty, inadequate nutrition is a major
cause of impaired development and is associated with
increased school failure in children.
According to the 2010 Child Food Insecurity Report
(covering 2006-2008) nearly one in four (24.2%)
children under 18 in Arizona are food insecure, the
3rd highest rate in the country. This is a 4 percent
increase over the 2005-2007 report. Nationwide, about
19 percent of children are food insecure. A more
recent report by the Food Research and Action Center
reports an even higher rate of food insecurity for Arizona families with children for 2009-2010: 29 percent.
Nearly 900,000 Arizonans received emergency food
from food banks in 2009, an 85 percent increase over
2006. Nearly half of these (46%) were children, and 10
percent were children birth to 5 years old.
In addition, data from the American Community Survey
and the state Department of Economic Security
indicate that there are increases in the numbers of
families using federal food programs. The number
and percentage of families with children participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) increased as economic
conditions have gotten worse. In 2007, there were
103,000 households (13%); in 2008, there were 122,000
(16%).

36

| First Things First

First Things First’s food security strategy addresses
the immediate and emergency need for food faced
by families with children ages birth through 5, providing funding for food boxes to be distributed to
Arizona families. Between July 1, 2010 and June 30,
2011, 171,572 food boxes were distributed as a result,
impacting 263,192 children 5 years old and younger.
Other findings of note:
•

Gila has the highest statewide neonatal mortality
(per 1,000 births), at 6.2.

•

Maricopa experienced a substantial decrease
in the number of children who received welfare
assistance between 2010 and 2011: from 34,238
to 19,135.

•

Yavapai experienced a substantial decrease in
the number of children who received welfare
assistance between 2010 and 2011: from 782 to
415.

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

37

VI

STATEWIDE DATA SETS

38

| First Things First

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

39

State of Arizona

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

560,000

546,609

2,380,990

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

540,000
520,000

384,441

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

500,000
480,000

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

459,141

460,000

16%

440,000

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

420,000
400,000
Census 2000

13%

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

87,468

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

+ 19%

2%

Living with two married
parents or step-parents
Living with one unmarried
parent or step-parent
Not living with parents or
step-parents, but with some
other relaƟve

24%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

61%

Not living with parents, stepparents, or any other relaƟve

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
Young children with grandparent householders

6%
5%
4%

45%

Hispanic or LaƟno
White, not Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

11%

Black or African American,
not Hispanic

40%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

American Indian, not
Hispanic

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Other (including children of
two or more races), not
Hispanic

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)

184,556

Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

40

| First Things First

32%

State of Arizona

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children
9%
31%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor force

12.0%

26%

10.0%

Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

1%

9.7%

9.9%

2009

2010

8.0%
6.0%

5.9%
4.7%

4.1%

4.0%

3.8%

2.0%
33%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

0.0%
2005

2006

2007

2008

Unemployment

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Foresclosures, as of August 2011
Married-couple family

$72,049

Male householder, no wife
present

$38,414

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

Female householder, no
husband present

$26,754

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

11,081
4.0

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Young children in poverty
Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

138,361

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

24%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

768,650

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

126,563

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

16%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

41

State of Arizona

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year

120,000
100,000

95,798

102,042 102,687

99,215

60,000

92,616

87,053

80,000

50,000

49,479

40,000

60,000
40,000

28,780

30,000

20,000
16,649

20,000

0
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010
10,000

Births by year, by mother's county of residence
0

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

August 2009

August 2010

August 2011

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010
Total number of births, 2010

87,053

Mother unmarried

45%

Mother 19 years or younger

11%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

19%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

7%

Young children without health insurance
Number of children 0-5
without health insurance
Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

Births by payee, 2005-2009
3%

1%
AHCCCS
Indian Health Service
(IHS)

42%

Private insurance
Self-pay
52%

Unknown payee

2%
Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

42

| First Things First

61,734
10%

State of Arizona

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

Reading

1.8%
78%

76%

1.8%

76%
74%

73%

72%

1.8%

70%

71%
69%
68%

68%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)

66%
64%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

$38.75

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$34.80

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$30.00

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

2010

2011

Math
72%
72%

72%
71%

70%
68%
68%
66%

$27.00

65%

64%
62%
60%
2007

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

2009

74%

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2010

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

2008

2008

2009

2010

2011

:Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

216,538
10,448
3,715

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2010
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

43

VII

COUNTY DATA SETS

44

| First Things First

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

45

Apache

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

7,700

7,653

22,771

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

7,600
7,500

4,729

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

7,400
7,300

21%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20
7,171

7,200

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

7,100
7,000

1%

6,900
Census 2000

Living with two married
parents or step-parents

Census 2010
41%

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

36%

- 6%

Living with one unmarried
parent or step-parent

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census
Not living with parents or
step-parents, but with
some other relaƟve

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
3%

8%

22%

Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any other
relaƟve

Hispanic or LaƟno

14%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)
White, not Hispanic
0%
Black or African American, not
Hispanic

Young children with grandparent householders

American Indian, not Hispanic
75%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Other (including children of
two or more races), not
Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

45%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)

–

Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)

–

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

46

| First Things First

Apache

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children

18.0%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor force

18%

18%

16.4%

14.0%

Children living with two
parents, one in labor force and
one not

12.0%

10.5%

10.0%

Children living with two
parents, neither in labor force

11.1%
9.8%
8.6%

8.0%
6.0%

Children living with one
parent, in labor force

4.0%

24%
35%

15.4%

16.0%

2.0%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

0.0%

5%

2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$44,476

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

Male householder, no wife
present

$22,422

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

Female householder, no
husband present

$20,095

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Young children in poverty

8
0.2

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

7,065

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

3,461

2,289

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

50%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

32%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

47

Apache

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence
1,300

1,283

800

1,242

1,250
1,211

600

1,189

1,200

734

700

500

428

1,149

1,150

400

1,099

1,100

300

245

200

1,050

100
0

1,000
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010
1,099
72%

Mother 19 years or younger

15%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

40%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

7%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009

12%
47%

AHCCCS

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

Self-pay

33%

Unknown payee

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

48

| First Things First

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance
Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

7%

August 2011

Young children without health insurance

Mother unmarried

1%

August 2010

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

Total number of births, 2010

August 2009

2,596
35%

Apache

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

Reading

1.8%
59%

58%

58%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

1.5%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

2.0%

57%

56%

56%

56%
55%

54%

54%

53%

53%
52%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

51%
50%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

$30.00
$25.00

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$24.00

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$21.00

2009

2010

2011

Math
70%
60%

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

2008

59%
52%

56%
46%

50%
39%

40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**

Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

10572

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

778

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

176

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data is a compilation of 2 counties: Apache and Navajo.
**Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 4 counties: Apache, Coconino,
Navajo, and Yavapai.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

49

Cochise

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

10,200

10,125

50,865

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

10,100
10,000

7,272

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

9,900
9,800

14%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

9,700
9,571

9,600

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

9,500
9,400

1%

9,300

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

14%

9,200
C

2000

C

2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

+ 6%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity

25%
60%

1%

6%

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Hispanic or LaƟno

4%

47%

White, not Hispanic

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

Black or African American,
not Hispanic

Young children with grandparent householders

American Indian, not
Hispanic
42%
Other (including children of
two or more races), not
Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

11%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)
Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

50

| First Things First

2,406
23%

Cochise

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children

9.0%

11%
29%

24%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force
Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

1%
35%

8.4%
7.8%

8.0%
7.0%
5.6%

6.0%
5.0%

4.8%

4.0%

3.0%
2.0%
1.0%
0.0%
2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

4.4%

4.0%

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$61,875

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

81

Male householder, no wife
present

$36,520

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

1.4

Female householder, no
husband present

$20,127

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

15,356

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

2,482

3,183

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

23%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

21%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

51

Cochise

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence

800

1,880

705

1,860
1,860

700

1,846

600

1,840
1,820

500

1,808
1,781

1,780

1,781

300

1,769

1,760

200

1,740

100

254

0

1,720
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

August 2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010
Total number of births, 2010

1,781
37%

Mother 19 years or younger

12%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

19%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

8%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
0%
49%

AHCCCS

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

Self-pay

Unknown payee
0%

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

| First Things First

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance

656

Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance

6%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

48%

August 2011

Young children without health insurance

Mother unmarried

3%

August 2010

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

52

429

400

1,800

Cochise

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

1.4%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

1.8%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

2.2%

Reading
72%
71%
71%
71%
70%

70%

70%

2008

2009

2010

70%
70%
69%
69%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

69%
68%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

Math

$29.40
80%

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$25.00

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$23.95

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$20.00

2011

75%

73%

70%

70%

60%

64%

60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**

2007

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)

2008

2009

2010

2011

Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

3034

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

1061

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

71

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data is a compilation of 3 counties: Cochise, Graham, and Greenlee.
**Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 4 counties: Cochise, Graham,
Greenlee, and Santa Cruz.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

53

Coconino

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

11,000

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

10,777

10,800

46,711
7,474

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

10,600
10,400

16%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

10,200

10,117

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

10,000
9,800

1%

9,600
Census 2000

23%

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents
Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

+ 7%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

23%
53%

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
5%

Hispanic or LaƟno

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

22%
White, not Hispanic
36%

Black or African American, not
Hispanic
American Indian, not Hispanic

1%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

36%

Other (including children of
two or more races), not
Hispanic

Young children with grandparent householders

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)
Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

54

| First Things First

24%

1,476
13%

Coconino

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children

11%

33%

31%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

10.0%

8.9%

9.0%

8.3%

8.0%
7.0%
6.0%
5.0%

5.3%

4.9%
4.3%
3.7%

4.0%
3.0%
2.0%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force
1%

24%

1.0%
0.0%
2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$73,024

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

123

Male householder, no wife
present

$31,435

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

2.0

Female householder, no
husband present

$23,434

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

14,692

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

2,295

2,272

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

20%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

15%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

55

Coconino

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence

1,400

2,500
2,070

2,062

2,132
1,985

2,000

1,894

1,200
1,775

1,147

1,000

1,500

800
627
600

1,000

328

400
500

200
0

0
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

August 2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010

Young children without health insurance
1,775

Mother unmarried

50%

Mother 19 years or younger

12%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

22%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

7%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
1% 2%
49%

AHCCCS

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

Self-pay

16%

Unknown payee

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

56

| First Things First

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance

520

Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance

5%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

32%

August 2011

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

Total number of births, 2010

August 2010

Coconino

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS),reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

1.7%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

1.5%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

2.4%

Reading
70%

69%

68%

67%

66%
64%
64%

63%
62%

62%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)

60%
58%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

$30.00

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$25.00

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$24.00

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$21.00

2009

2010

2011

Math
70%

68%

68%
65%

66%

66%

64%
62%

60%

60%

58%

58%
56%
54%
52%

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)*

2007

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

2008

2008

2009

2010

2011

Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

10572

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

778

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

176

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)*
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 4 counties: Apache, Coconino,
Navajo, and Yavapai.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

57

Gila

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

3,800

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

3,772

3,780

22,000

3,760

2,488

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

3,740
3,720
3,700

11%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

3,680

3,657

3,660

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

3,640
3,620
3,600

2%

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

3,580
Census 2000

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

27%

44%

- 3%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity

27%

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent
Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2%
Hispanic or LaƟno
28%

28%

Young children with grandparent householders
White, not Hispanic

Black or African American,
not Hispanic
0%

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

14%

American Indian, not
Hispanic

42%

Other (including children of
two or more races), not
Hispanic

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)

–

Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)

–

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

58

| First Things First

Gila

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children

20%

19%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

30%
29%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

12.0%

11.1%

11.1%

2009

2010

10.0%
8.0%
6.0%

6.2%

5.9%
5.1%
4.2%

4.0%
2.0%
0.0%

2%

2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2006

2007

2008

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$52,343

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

52

Male householder, no wife
present

$39,414

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

1.7

Female householder, no
husband present

$20,909

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Young children in poverty

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

4,379

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

1,364

1,270

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

34%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

29%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

59

Gila

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence
710

350

704

700

694

697

324

300

690

250

680

670

667

670

200

176

150

660

107

649

650

100

640

50

630
0

620
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010

August 2011

Young children without health insurance

Total number of births, 2010

670

Mother unmarried

62%

Mother 19 years or younger

18%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

35%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

9%

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance

–

Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance

–

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
2% 1%
AHCCCS
20%
Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

Self-pay
22%
55%

Unknown payee

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

| First Things First

August 2010

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

60

August 2009

Gila

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

Reading

2.5%
80%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

2.1%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

2.8%

70%

74%
64%

64%

2007

2008

60%

64%

59%

50%
40%
30%
20%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

10%
0%

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

70%

$37.50

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$27.50

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$30.00

2010

2011

Math

$42.50

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

2009

64%

64%

64%
57%

60%

52%

50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2007

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**

2009

2010

2011

Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

2008

5730

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

718

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

196

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data is a compilation of 2 counties: Gila and Pinal.
**Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 2 counties: Gila and Pinal.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

61

Graham

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

4,500

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

3,830

4,000
3,500

11,120
2,448

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

3,112

3,000

22%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

2,500
2,000

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

1,500
1,000

1%

500

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

23%

Census 2000

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

+ 23%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

19%

57%

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
3%

Hispanic or LaƟno

18%

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

34%
White, not Hispanic

Young children with grandparent householders

1%
Black or African
American, not Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

14%

American Indian, not
Hispanic

44%

Other (including children
of two or more races), not
Hispanic

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)

–

Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)

–

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

62

| First Things First

Graham

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children

8%

35%
26%

0%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

16.0%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

2.0%

14.7%
13.5%

14.0%
12.0%
10.0%
8.0%

6.8%

6.0%
6.0%

5.0%

4.2%

4.0%

0.0%

31%

2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$62,654

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

23

Male householder, no wife
present

$44,320

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

1.8

Female householder, no
husband present

$19,104

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Young children in poverty

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

4,772

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

849

1,404

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

25%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

29%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

63

Graham

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence
700

644

600
500

250

645

582

210

540

530

200

452
150

400
300

133

100

75

200
50

100
0

0
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010
530

Mother unmarried

47%

Mother 19 years or younger

18%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

47%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

5%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
0%
AHCCCS
37%

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

Self-pay

53%

Unknown payee

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

| First Things First

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance

–

Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance

–

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

64

August 2011

Young children without health insurance

Total number of births, 2010

9%

August 2010

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

1%

August 2009

Graham

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

3.3%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

2.3%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

2.2%

Reading
85%
81%
80%

78%

77%

75%
70%

69%

68%

65%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

60%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

$29.40

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$25.00

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$23.95

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$20.00

2008

2009

2010

2011

Math
75%

74%

74%

73%

73%
72%

71%

71%

71%
70%

69%

69%
68%
67%
66%
2007

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)

2008

2009

2010

2011

Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

3034

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

1061

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

71

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data is a compilation of 3 counties: Cochise, Graham, and Greenlee.
**Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 4 counties: Cochise, Graham,
Greenlee, and Santa Cruz.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

65

Greenlee

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

880

3,188

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

869

860

566

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

840
820

18%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

794

800

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)
780
760

2%

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

13%

740
Census 2000

Census 2010

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

16%

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

- 9%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

69%

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
1%

2%

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2%

Hispanic or LaƟno

Young children with grandparent householders
White, not Hispanic
40%

Black or African
American, not Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

–

American Indian, not
Hispanic
55%
Other (including children
of two or more races),
not Hispanic

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)

–

Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)

–

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

66

| First Things First

Greenlee

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children
10%

18%
43%

0%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

20.0%

18.5%

18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
11.1%

12.0%
10.0%
8.0%
6.0%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force
29%

3.7%

3.2%

2006

2007

2.0%
0.0%
2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

5.1%

4.9%

4.0%

2008

2009

2010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$66,667

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

Male householder, no wife
present

$24,792

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

Female householder, no
husband present

$24,904

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Young children in poverty

1
0.3

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

–

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

104

–

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

14%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

–

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

67

Greenlee

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence
160

35

138

140
120
100

131

130

110

30

105

99

29
27

25
20

80

15
15

60

10

40

5

20
0

0

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

August 2009

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010

Young children without health insurance

Total number of births, 2010

105

Mother unmarried

47%

Mother 19 years or younger

16%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

52%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

10%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
2%
AHCCCS
45%
Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

Self-pay

Unknown payee
0%

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

68

| First Things First

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance

–

Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance

–

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

52%

August 2011

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

1%

August 2010

Greenlee

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

3.1%

Reading
85%

86%
84%

5.1%

82%
80%

79%

78%

78%

2.2%

76%

76%

74%

74%
72%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

70%
68%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

2008

$29.40

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$25.00

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$23.95

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$20.00

2009

2010

2011

Math
90%

80%

80%

82%

85%

74%
64%

70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**

0%
2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

3034

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

1061

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

71

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data is a compilation of 3 counties: Cochise, Graham, and Greenlee.
**Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 4 counties: Cochise, Graham,
Greenlee, and Santa Cruz.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

69

La Paz

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households
1,227

1,230
1,220
1,210

9,198

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

822

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

9%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

1,200

1,195

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

1,190

0%

1,180

Living with two married
parents or step-parents

30%

1,170
Census 2000

32%

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

+ 3%

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity

Hispanic or LaƟno
50%
White, not Hispanic

Black or African American,
not Hispanic

1%

38%
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

4%
21%

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

Young children with grandparent householders

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

20%

American Indian, not
Hispanic

24%

Other (including children of
two or more races), not
Hispanic

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)
Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

70

| First Things First

304
24%

La Paz

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children

16%

10%

24%

0%
50%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor
force and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force
Children living with one
parent, not in labor
force

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

12.0%
10.0%
8.0%

9.9%

2009

2010

7.4%

6.8%
5.6%

6.0%

9.6%

5.0%

4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
2005

2006

2007

2008

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$49,453

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

13

Male householder, no wife
present

$24,709

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

0.8

Female householder, no
husband present

$22,118

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

3,091

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

368

786

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

27%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

25%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

71

La Paz

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence

160

300
245

250

229

246

230

150

140
120

200
200

100

174

90

80

150

60

100

49

40
20

50

0

0

August 2009

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010

Young children without health insurance

Total number of births, 2010

200

Mother unmarried

58%

Mother 19 years or younger

19%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

33%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

3%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
3%
AHCCCS
23%
Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

Self-pay

11%

62%

Unknown payee

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

| First Things First

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance

–

Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance

–

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

72

August 2011

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

1%

August 2010

2010

La Paz

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

4.2%

Reading
69%

70%
68%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

1.6%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

1.3%

66%

65%

64%

64%
61%

62%

59%

60%
58%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

56%
54%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

$26.00

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$23.00

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$22.00

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

2008

2009

2010

2011

Math
80%
70%

71%

69%
62%

60%

51%

50%

48%

40%

$20.00

30%
20%
10%

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**

0%
2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

7242

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

1251

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

326

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data is a compilation of 2 counties: La Paz and Mohave.
**Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 3 counties: La Paz, Mohave, and
Yuma.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

73

Maricopa

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

350,000

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

339,217

340,000

1,411,583

330,000

238,955

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

320,000
310,000

17%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

300,000
289,759

290,000

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

280,000
270,000

2%

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

11%

260,000
Census 2000

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

+ 17%

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

23%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

64%

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)
2%

8%

Hispanic or LaƟno

5%

Young children with grandparent householders
45%

White, not Hispanic

Black or African American,
not Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

9%

American Indian, not
Hispanic
40%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)
Other (including children
of two or more races), not
Hispanic

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)

138,852

Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

74

| First Things First

37%

Maricopa

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children
8%

32%
24%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

1%

10.0%
9.0%

8.9%

9.1%

2009

2010

8.0%
7.0%
6.0%
5.0%

5.1%
4.0%

4.0%

3.5%

3.2%

3.0%
2.0%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

1.0%
0.0%

35%

2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2006

2007

2008

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$77,400

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

Male householder, no wife
present

$40,887

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

Female householder, no
husband present

$29,629

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

83,321

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

22%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

4.8

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

7,569

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

479,973

65,671

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

14%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

75

Maricopa

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence
70,000

66,160
62,232

65,931

35,000
31,067

62,667
57,663

60,000

30,000
54,236

25,000

50,000

20,000

40,000
30,000

10,381
10,000

20,000

5,000

10,000

0

0
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

August 2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010
Total number of births, 2010

August 2011

Young children without health insurance
54,236

Mother unmarried

43%

Mother 19 years or younger

10%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

16%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

7%

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance
Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
3% 1%
AHCCCS

Indian Health Service (IHS)
44%

Private insurance

Self-pay
52%

Unknown payee

0%

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

| First Things First

August 2010

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

76

17,787

15,000

38,395
10%

Maricopa

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

1.5%

Reading
80%

78%

78%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

1.4%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

1.6%

76%
73%

74%
72%

70%

70%

74%

69%

68%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)

66%
64%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

2008

$40.80

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$36.74

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$32.00

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$28.00

2009

2010

2011

Math
76%
74%

75%
73%

73%

72%
70%
70%
68%

67%

66%
64%

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2010
62%
2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

153,444

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

4,488

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

1,864

Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2010
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

77

Mohave

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

13,500

82,539

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

13,218

13,000

8,981

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

12,500

11%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

12,000

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

11,454

11,500
11,000

1%

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

12%

10,500
Census 2000

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

+ 15%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

27%
60%

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
3%

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)
4%

Hispanic or LaƟno

1%
27%

White, not Hispanic

Black or African American,
not Hispanic

Young children with grandparent householders

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

9%

American Indian, not
Hispanic

65%

Other (including children of
two or more races), not
Hispanic

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)
Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

78

| First Things First

1,638
12%

Mohave

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children

12.0%

7%

34%
29%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force
Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

1%
29%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

11.1%

11.2%

2009

2010

10.0%
8.0%

7.3%

6.0%
4.3%

4.2%

2005

2006

4.6%

4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
2007

2008

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$61,025

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

419

Male householder, no wife
present

$34,183

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

4.1

Female householder, no
husband present

$19,127

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

18,807

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

4,064

4,342

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

28%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

23%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

79

Mohave

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence

1,400

3,000
2,500

2,468

2,439

2,237

2,301

1,248

1,200
2,220
2,022

1,000

2,000

800

692

1,500

600
1,000

382

400

500

200
0

0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

August 2009

August 2010

August 2011

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010
Total number of births, 2010

2,022

Mother unmarried

48%

Mother 19 years or younger

14%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

17%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

7%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009

13%
AHCCCS
4%
Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

24%

Self-pay
59%

Unknown payee

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

80

| First Things First

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance
Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

0%

Young children without health insurance

1,220
8%

Mohave

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

1.4%

Reading
80%

78%

78%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

1.0%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

1.3%

75%

76%
73%

74%
72%
70%

70%
68%

68%
66%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

64%
62%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

2008

$26.00

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$23.00

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$22.00

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$20.00

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**

2009

2010

2011

Math
76%
74%
72%
70%
68%
66%
64%
62%
60%
58%
56%

74%

69%

70%
68%

63%

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

7242

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

1251

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

326

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data is a compilation of 2 counties: La Paz and Mohave.
**Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 3 counties: La Paz, Mohave, and
Yuma.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

81

Navajo

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)
10,600

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

10,550

35,658

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

10,500
10,400

7,011

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

10,300

20%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

10,200
10,068

10,100

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)
10,000
9,900

3%

9,800
Census 2000

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

45%

+ 5%

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

31%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
21%
4%

15%

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Hispanic or LaƟno

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)
White, not Hispanic

Young children with grandparent householders
Black or African
American, not Hispanic
49%
American Indian, not
Hispanic
32%

0%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Other (including children
of two or more races), not
Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)

809

Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)

8%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

82

| First Things First

29%

Navajo

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children

18.0%

17%
28%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

28%
24%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

16.0%

14.9%

15.7%

14.0%
12.0%
10.0%

9.7%
8.0%

8.0%

7.2%

6.3%

6.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

3%
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$56,078

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

73

Male householder, no wife
present

$26,389

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

1.3

Female householder, no
husband present

$22,352

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

14,523

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

3,839

4,381

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

36%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

30%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

83

Navajo

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence
2,050

1,400

2,012

2,000
1,950

1,200

1,944
1,903

1,893

1,877

1,900

1,159

1,000

1,850

800

707

1,800

600

1,737

1,750
1,700
1,650

200

1,600

0

1,550
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

August 2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010
Total number of births, 2010

1,737
61%

Mother 19 years or younger

16%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

40%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

9%

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance
Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
2%
AHCCCS

17%

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance
20%
Self-pay
59%

Unknown payee

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

| First Things First

August 2011

Young children without health insurance

Mother unmarried

2%

August 2010

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

84

365

400

1,087
10%

Navajo

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

2.7%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

2.3%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

2.0%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

Reading
69%
68%
67%
66%
65%
64%
63%
62%
61%
60%
59%

64%
62%

2008

$30.00

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$25.00

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$24.00

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

65%

2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

68%
67%

$21.00

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**

2009

2010

2011

Math
68%
66%
64%
62%
60%
58%
56%
54%
52%
50%
48%

66%

65%

60%
57%
55%

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

10572

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

778

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

176

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data is a compilation of 2 counties: Apache and Navajo.
**Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 4 counties: Apache, Coconino,
Navajo, and Yavapai.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

85

Pima

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

76,000

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

74,796

74,000

53,862

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

72,000
70,000
68,000

388,660

14%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

67,159

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

66,000
64,000

2%

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

13%

62,000
Census 2000

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

+ 11%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

57%
28%

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
3%

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with
parents, step-parents,
or any other relaƟve

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

6%

Hispanic or LaƟno

3%
White, not Hispanic

Black or African American,
not Hispanic

Young children with grandparent householders

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

12%

American Indian, not
Hispanic
35%

53%

Other (including children
of two or more races), not
Hispanic

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)

20,382

Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

86

| First Things First

26%

Pima

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children
8%

33%
30%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

10.0%
9.0%

8.8%

9.0%

2009

2010

8.0%
7.0%
5.6%

6.0%
5.0%

4.5%
3.9%

4.0%

3.6%

3.0%
2.0%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

1%

1.0%
0.0%

28%

2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2006

2007

2008

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$69,909

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

Male householder, no wife
present

$32,966

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

Female householder, no
husband present

$25,271

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

20,560

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

26%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009).
Note: Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

2.8

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

1,214

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

110,027

21,977

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

20%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

87

Pima

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence

8,000

14,500
13,929

14,000

7,000
6,000

13,503
13,500
13,000

5,000

12,976

4,071

12,840

12,500

4,000
12,169

3,000

2,297

2,000

12,000

1,000

11,500

0

11,000
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

August 2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010
Total number of births, 2010

12,169
45%

Mother 19 years or younger

11%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

24%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

7%

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance
Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
1%
AHCCCS

Indian Health Service (IHS)

43%

Private insurance

Self-pay
52%
Unknown payee
1%

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

| First Things First

August 2011

Young children without health insurance

Mother unmarried

3%

August 2010

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

88

6,752

13,798

7,115
9%

Pima

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

2.3%

Reading
75%

74%

74%

2.4%

73%

73%
72%

71%

71%

71%

2.4%

70%

69%

69%
68%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

67%
66%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

$36.80

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$30.23

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$29.00

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

2008

2009

2010

2011

Math
74%

73%
72%

72%

71%

70%
68%

$25.00

67%

66%

65%

64%
62%

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2010
60%
2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

36,474

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

2,148

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

1,082

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2010
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data presented in tables are a compilation of 2 counties: Pima and Santa
Cruz.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

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89

Pinal

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

40,000

125,590

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

36,181

35,000

24,750

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

30,000
25,000

20%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

20,000
15,000

14,552

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

10,000
2%

5,000

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

15%

Census 2000

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

+ 149%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

19%

64%

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

5%

5%

Hispanic or LaƟno

Young children with grandparent householders

3%
White, not Hispanic
38%
Black or African American,
not Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

13%

American Indian, not
Hispanic
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

49%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Other (including children
of two or more races), not
Hispanic

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)
Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

90

| First Things First

5,386
19%

Pinal

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children

9%

35%

22%

2%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

14.0%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

2.0%

12.0%

12.0%

12.0%
10.0%
8.0%
6.0%

7.1%
5.6%

4.9%

4.5%

4.0%

0.0%

32%

2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$62,587

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

724

Male householder, no wife
present

$38,483

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

4.9

Female householder, no
husband present

$22,489

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

42,287

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

5,374

7,170

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

21%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

17%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

91

Pinal

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence

1,800

7,000
5,731

6,000
5,000
4,000

5,309

5,285

1,630

1,600
1,400

4,990

1,200

4,467

1,032

1,000

3,641

800

3,000

617

600

2,000

400

1,000

200
0

0
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

August 2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010

Young children without health insurance
4,990

Mother unmarried

41%

Mother 19 years or younger

10%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

14%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

7%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
1%
43%

AHCCCS

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

Self-pay

52%

Unknown payee
1%

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

92

| First Things First

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance
Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

3%

August 2011

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

Total number of births, 2010

August 2010

3,323
10%

Pinal

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

1.9%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

2.6%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

2.8%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

Reading
73%
72%
71%
70%
69%
68%
67%
66%
65%
64%
63%

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

72%
70%

67%
66%

66%

2007

2008

$42.50

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$37.50

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$27.50

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$30.00

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**

2009

2010

2011

Math
68%
67%
66%
65%
64%
63%
62%
61%
60%
59%
58%

67%

67%
66%

63%
61%

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

5730

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

718

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

196

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data is a compilation of 2 counties: Gila and Pinal.
**Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 2 counties: Gila and Pinal.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

93

Santa Cruz

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

4,500

4,435

15,437

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

4,400
4,300

3,231

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

4,200

21%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

4,100

4,027

4,000

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

3,900
0%

3,800
Census 2000

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

20%

+ 10%

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
17%

6%

0% 0%

0%

Hispanic or LaƟno

63%

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with
parents, step-parents,
or any other relaƟve

White, not Hispanic
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

Black or African American,
not Hispanic

Young children with grandparent householders

American Indian, not
Hispanic

94%

Other (including children of
two or more races), not
Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

15%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)
Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)
Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

94

| First Things First

1,640
45%

Santa Cruz

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children
4%
29%

27%

2%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

18.0%
15.4%

16.0%

16.3%

14.0%
12.0%
10.0%

10.6%
8.6%

8.0%

7.4%

7.3%

2006

2007

6.0%
4.0%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

2.0%
0.0%

38%

2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2008

2009

2010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$50,420

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

62

Male householder, no wife
present

$58,125

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

3.5

Female householder, no
husband present

$21,294

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

4,369

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

1,462

914

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

30%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

21%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

95

Santa Cruz

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence

800

820
800

796

700

781

780

600

766

761

753

760

674

500
405

740

400

720

300

244

693

700

200

680

100

660

0

640
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

August 2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010

Young children without health insurance

Total number of births, 2010

693

Mother unmarried

50%

Mother 19 years or younger

17%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

47%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

8%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
0%
AHCCCS

Indian Health Service (IHS)

29%

Private insurance

Self-pay

60%

Unknown payee

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

96

| First Things First

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance

–

Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance

–

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

0%

August 2011

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

11%

August 2010

Santa Cruz

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

1.7%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

1.9%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

2.4%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)*

Reading
76%
74%
72%
70%
68%
66%
64%
62%
60%
58%
56%

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

69%

2008

$29.40
$25.00

68%

68%

2009

2010

63%

2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

74%

Math
80%

72%
65%

70%

68%

$23.95

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$20.00

65%
59%

60%

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

2011

50%
40%
30%
20%
10%

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**

0%
2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

3034

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

1061

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

71

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)**
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: 2009 data is a compilation of 2 counties: Pima and Santa Cruz.
**Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 4 counties: Cochise, Graham,
Greenlee, and Santa Cruz.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

97

Yavapai

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)

Households with young children (0-5)
Total number of households

14,000

90,903

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

12,583

12,000
10,392

8,854

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

10,000
8,000

10%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

6,000

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)
4,000
2,000

2%

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

12%

Census 2000

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

+ 21%

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

25%
61%

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
2%
0%

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with
parents, step-parents,
or any other relaƟve

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

4%

Hispanic or LaƟno
30%

Young children with grandparent householders
White, not Hispanic

Black or African
American, not Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

9%

American Indian, not
Hispanic
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

64%

Other (including children
of two or more races),
not Hispanic

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)
Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

98

| First Things First

2,455
19%

Yavapai

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children
11%

33%
23%

2%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force

12.0%

Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

2.0%

10.2%

10.5%

2009

2010

10.0%
8.0%
5.9%

6.0%
4.4%
4.0%

3.9%

3.6%

2006

2007

0.0%

31%

2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2008

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$65,757

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

356

Male householder, no wife
present

$40,315

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

3.3

Female householder, no
husband present

$24,375

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

18,903

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

2,798

3,112

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

22%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

16%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

99

Yavapai

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence

1,800

3,000

1,627

1,600
2,411

2,380

2,500

2,216

2,115

1,400
2,061

2,000

1,200

1,817

990

1,000
1,500

800
571

600

1,000

400
500

200
0

0
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

August 2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010

Young children without health insurance
1,817

Mother unmarried

45%

Mother 19 years or younger

12%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

15%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

6%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
0%
AHCCCS
32%

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

Self-pay
0%

63%

Unknown payee

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

100

| First Things First

Number of children 0-5
without health insurance
Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

5%

August 2011

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

Total number of births, 2010

August 2010

2,369
18%

Yavapai

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

2.1%

Reading
79%
78%
78%

1.5%

77%
77%
76%
76%

1.9%

75%
75%
74%
74%
73%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)

72%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old

2008

$30.00

Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2

$25.00

Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5

$24.00

Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

$21.00

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)*

2009

2010

2011

67%

67%

2010

2011

Math
80%
78%
76%
74%
72%
70%
68%
66%
64%
62%
60%

78%
76%

2007

76%

2008

2009

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)
Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

10572

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

778

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

176

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)*
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 4 counties: Apache, Coconino,
Navajo, and Yavapai.

Buidling Bright Futures 2011

|

101

Yuma

Demographic Change
Population of children under age six
(as of April 1, 2010)
18,500

Households with young children (0-5)

18,048

18,000
17,500

Total number of households

64,767

Households with one or more children
under 6 years

12,998

Percent of households with children
under 6 years

17,000
16,500

20%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1, P20

16,000
15,441

15,500

Living arrangements for young children (0-5)

15,000
14,500

2%

Living with two
married parents or
step-parents

14,000
Census 2000

Census 2010

Increase or decrease from 2000 to 2010

20%

+ 17%

Living with one
unmarried parent or
step-parent

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census

Population of children under age six, by ethnicity
1%

1%

3%

25%

53%

Not living with parents
or step-parents, but
with some other
relaƟve
Not living with parents,
step-parents, or any
other relaƟve

Hispanic or LaƟno

19%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

White, not Hispanic

Young children with grandparent householders
Black or African American,
not Hispanic
American Indian, not
Hispanic
76%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, Summary File 1

Other (including children of
two or more races), not
Hispanic

Number of children 0-5 living in the
household of their grandparent

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

Young children with one or both foreign-born parents
Number of children 0-5 living with
foreign-born parent(s)
Percent of all children 0-5, who live with
foreign-born parent(s)
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

102

| First Things First

18%

8,428
45%

Yuma

Economic Change
Rates of unemployment, annual averages

Employment status of parents of young children
10%
26%

32%

1%

31%

Children living with two
parents, both in labor
force
Children living with two
parents, one in labor force
and one not
Children living with two
parents, neither in labor
force
Children living with one
parent, in labor force
Children living with one
parent, not in labor force

30.0%
25.3%
25.0%

22.5%

20.0%

17.7%
15.9%

15.0%

14.6%

13.8%

2006

2007

10.0%
5.0%
0.0%
2005

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009)

2008

2009

2010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median income of families with their own children (0-17), by
family type

Foresclosures, as of August 2011

Married-couple family

$50,735

Number of housing units in
foreclosure

363

Male householder, no wife
present

$33,920

Number of foreclosures per
1,000 housing units

4.1

Female householder, no
husband present

$18,236

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Values are inflation-adusted dollars, for the year of the survey.

Source: RealtyTrac

Children (0-17) receiving food assistance
Households with one
or more children (0-17),
estimated

Young children in poverty

29,069

Number of children (0-5)
living in poverty

6,020

7,646

Percent of children (0-5)
living in poverty

Households with children
(0-17), receiving food stamps

31%

Percent of households with
children (0-17) receiving
food stamps

26%

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2005-2009). Note:
Included are children living with parents or other relatives. In 2009, poverty thresholds
were $21,756 for two parents and two children; $14,787 for one parent and one child.

Source: US Census, American Community Survey, 3-year estimates (2007-2009)

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103

Yuma

Child Health
Number of children enrolled in KidsCare

Births by year, by mother’s county of residence

2,500

3,400
3,362

3,354

2,023
2,000

3,350

1,500

3,292

3,300

1,186
3,252

3,250

3,234

1,000

3,229

719
500

3,200

0

3,150
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

August 2009

2010

Characteristics of births and women giving birth, 2010

Young children without health insurance
3,229

Mother unmarried

45%

Mother 19 years or younger

15%

Mother had fewer than 9
prenatal visits

35%

Baby had low birth weight
(less than 5.5 pounds)

6%

Births by payee by mother’s county of residence, 2005-2009
0%
AHCCCS

33%

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Private insurance

Self-pay
0%

62%

Unknown payee

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

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Number of children 0-5
without health insurance
Percent of children 0-5 who
have no health insurance
Source: US Census, American Community Survey, one-year estimates (2009)

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

5%

August 2011

Source: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, population statistics

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Section of Health Status and Vital
Statistics

Total number of births, 2010

August 2010

2,717
14%

Yuma

Education
Percent of third-grade students passing Arizona’s Instrument
to Measure Standards (AIMS), reading and math

Individualized Family Service Plans for infants (up to 36
months), by state fiscal years (July-June)
Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2007

Reading

0.9%

69%

70%
68%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2008

1.0%

Percent of infants with an
IFSP, SFY 2009

1.1%

66%

65%

65%

2009

2010

64%
62%

61%

60%

58%

58%
56%

Source: Arizona DES, Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)

54%
52%
2007

Median daily charges by licensed child care centers
Median charge for infants
under 1 year old
Median charge for children
ages 1 or 2
Median charge for children
ages 3 to 5
Median charge for children
ages 6 and up

2008

Math

$26.00
66%

$23.00

2011

65%

65%
63%

64%
62%

60%

60%

$22.00

58%
55%

56%

$20.00

54%
52%
50%

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)*

2007

Child care capacity, according to providers’ approved
numbers of children (all ages)

2009

2010

2011

Source: Arizona Department of Education, Research and Evaluation Section

Estimated capacity in
licensed centers

7242

Estimated capacity in
approved family homes

1251

Estimated capacity in certified group homes

2008

326

Source: Arizona DES, Child Care Market Rate Survey, (2010)*
These data are for early care and education providers that charge for their services,
therefore, it does not include many Head Start and public school programs. It does
include certified family homes, licensed child care providers, certified child care group
homes, participants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and unregulated homes
registered with the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
*Note: Data presented in tables are a compilation of 3 counties: La Paz, Mohave, and
Yuma.

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105

VIII

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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| First Things First

First Things First would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following organizations and individuals, without whom this publication would not have been possible.
Building Bright Futures was assembled and produced under the general direction of Dr. Amy Kemp,
Senior Director for Research and Evaluation at First Things First.
The data used in this publication were provided by various state agency partners, including the Arizona Department of Education, the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Arizona Department
of Economic Security and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. Additional data were
obtained from the U.S. Census, the American Community Survey, RealtyTrac, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Morrison Institute for Public Policy and KIDSCOUNT.
Collection and initial analysis of data contained in Building Bright Futures were completed by Dr. John
Daws and Dr. Michelle Walsh from the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona. Additional data analysis was provided by Karen Woodhouse, Chief Program Officer,
and Dr. Kemp, Dr. Roopa Iyer, Dr. Kate Burns, Dr. Karen Peifer, Dr. Ida Rose Florez and Ena Binns of the
First Things First Program Division.
We offer special thanks to the individuals whose writing talents translated the numbers and painted
a picture of what the data mean for young children in Arizona. They include Dr. Kemp, Dr. Melissa
Kovacs of FirstEval, and Michael Grady and Liz Barker Alvarez of First Things First.
We gratefully acknowledge the many hours contributed by Dr. Burns, Lisa Colling, Meena Shahi and
Kristin Richardson in checking and re-checking the information presented herein, and the talents of
Windy Jones in the final layout and design of this publication.

Building Bright Futures 2011 |

107

Building Bright Futures is produced and submitted in accordance with
A.R.S. §8-1192 and is distributed in accordance with section 41-4153.
© 2011 Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board (First Things First)
4000 North Central Avenue, Suite 800
Phoenix, AZ 85012
www.azftf.gov
Permission to copy, disseminate or otherwise use the information in this
publication is granted, as long as appropriate acknowledgement is given.