Arizona Early Childhood Funders Collaborative launches first annual benchmark survey, finds overwhelming support for investment in high-quality early childhood education opportunities
PHOENIX – A statewide survey of 400 likely voters in Arizona shows that more than 70% support the state investing in high-quality early childhood education opportunities for children from birth to five years old.
Support for early childhood education policies is broad-based and backed by all parties.
“It is encouraging to see the overwhelming support for high-quality early childhood education policies,” said Dr. Karen Ortiz, chair of the Arizona Early Childhood Funders Collaborative. “With 73% of Arizonans supporting the state investing in high-quality early childhood education, it is clear that it should be a priority for our state.”
Dr. Ortiz added, “On both sides of the aisle, early childhood education has been an important issue. Gov. Doug Ducey and Arizona lawmakers put this support into action by coming together earlier this year to authorize federal funds to increase child care funding to the tune of $56 million. We will continue to work together to ensure we prepare our children for success in kindergarten and beyond.”
Other survey highlights include:
- 78% of likely voters agree that opportunities for high-quality, affordable early childhood education for Arizona families enhance children’s educational performance in elementary school by helping ensure they are ready to learn when they get to kindergarten
- 61% of likely voters said the state should be doing more to ensure that children in Arizona begin kindergarten with the knowledge and skills they need to do their best in school
- A majority of likely voters believe both in-home and out-of-home programs can provide equal quality education opportunities
The survey was conducted June 18-20 by Moore Information for Born to Learn AZ on behalf of the Arizona Early Childhood Funders Collaborative.
About Born to Learn AZ
Launched in October 2018, Born to Learn AZ is an early childhood education effort highlighting the importance of high-quality early childhood education and the positive impacts these programs have on our children and our economy. Learn more about Born to Learn AZ at BornToLearnAZ.com.
About the Arizona Early Childhood Funders Collaborative
An initiative of Arizona Grantmakers Forum, the Arizona Early Childhood Funders Collaborative is dedicated to exchanging and linking ideas, knowledge, research and resources to focus statewide attention on a seamless continuum of quality early childhood services that strengthen Arizona’s young children, families and communities.
We do this by engaging government, businesses, organizations and philanthropic partners from within and outside of Arizona to bring additional knowledge and resources to our efforts.
About Arizona Grantmakers Forum
Arizona Grantmakers Forum is the statewide network that connects, educates and advocates for Arizona philanthropy. Founded in 1986 and incorporated in 2001, AGF’s mission is to empower its members to transform Arizona through leadership and meaningful philanthropy.
About Moore Information
Moore Information is one of the most widely respected public opinion research and strategic advice firms in the United States. Moore Information has been part of many Arizona candidate and advocacy campaigns including Gov. Jan Brewer, Congressman Paul Gosar, Yes on 100, Intel and MIHS to name a few. They have also done work for many conservative candidates at the national level such as Ohio Congressmen Warren Davidson and Jim Jordan, Montana Senator Steve Daines and Idaho Senator Jim Risch.