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.
Become a Child Care Provider
The need for child care providers in Arizona is critical. DES contracts or enters into agreements with a network of Arizona child care providers to provide child care for DES eligible children and families. To achieve the quality requirements of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), DES also partners and contracts with state and community organizations to provide professional development, training, technical assistance, and information to the public, child care providers, and families.
There are different types of providers that care for children who receive DES child care assistance. Providers are required to meet certain health, safety, and other federal standards to receive financial reimbursement from DES.
DES Certified Family Child Care Providers
Providers who are certified to care for children in their home.
DES Contracted Child Care Centers and Certified Group Homes
For providers who are licensed by the Department of Health Services (DHS) and care for children in a child care center*, as well as providers who care for children in their home and are certified by DHS, respectively.
DES Non-Certified Relative Providers (NCRPs)
Provides child care for family members who are receiving DES child care assistance, and have identified an NCRP as their child care provider.
*The Department of Health Services (DHS) Bureau of Child Care Licensing provides the application, forms, and other resources for Child Care Providers to be licensed or certified by DHS. All Child Care Group Homes and Child Care Centers must first be DHS licensed in order to be eligible to contract with DES to serve children and receive financial reimbursement.