DES now has a child care waiting list in place for most families applying to the program. Learn more about the waiting list on the Child Care Assistance page.
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The Department of Economic Security provides child care assistance to eligible families who participate in employment activities and specific education and training courses. Child care services are delivered by a network of child care providers, which includes centers, child care homes, and individual family members who contract or have an agreement with DES to provide child care for eligible children and families.
Apply for Child Care Assistance
DES offers child care assistance for low-income families, teen parents, and other individuals needing support.
Looking for Quality Child Care
Find assistance with the important steps in starting a child care search through Arizona Child Care Resource & Referral website or by phone at 1-800-308-9000.
DES can support new and prospective child care providers get started! Whether it’s at a facility, or a family environment.
Professional Development for DES Child Care Providers
DES collaborates with state agencies, community partners, and institutes of higher education to plan and administer professional development for child care programs, educators, and staff.
Child Care Grants and Scholarships
Arizona’s child care network received large relief funding to support families and help child care providers strengthen and stabilize.
Contact Child Care Family Support and Eligibility
For general inquiries, or to reach the Child Care Family Support and Eligibility Administration, or the Provider Network and Support Administration, visit this page.
Apply for child care assistance
DES offers child care assistance for:
Child care assistance is also available for grandparents and guardians:
Note: Only income received on behalf of the child is considered.
Child care assistance is available without regard to income for the following:
Documents Center for Families - search for reports, forms, policies and pamphlets and posters with information about child care programs and services.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) oversees the certification of family child care providers to care for up to four children in their home. View more information on becoming a certified family child care provider.
Child Care Centers and Group Homes that are licensed or certified by the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), Bureau of Child Care Licensing can become a DES contracted provider to be eligible for reimbursement for caring for children receiving DES Child Care Assistance. Visit the DES Child Care Contracted Provider Resources page for information and to assist child care providers who contract with DES.
For more information or to start your journey of becoming a DHS licensed or certified child care provider, please contact the DHS Office of Child Care Licensing.
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Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons that require a reasonable modification based on language or disability should submit a request as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the modification. The process for requesting a reasonable modification can be found at Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Modification