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Child Care

Important Information

New!  The Child Care Administration is now the Division of Child Care

DES is strengthening its focus on the critical child care program and providing a dedicated foundation to quality child care, safety, development and early literacy for Arizona’s families, while more parents enter the workforce.

DCC is Expanding its Virtual Services

The Division of Child Care (DCC) provides child care assistance to eligible families who participate in employment activities and specific education and training activities related to employment by providing financial support intended to offset a portion of child care costs. This financial support allows families better access to high-quality, early care and education settings for their children. Child care assistance is also available for children who are involved with the Department of Child Safety due to child abuse or neglect, and families with children experiencing homelessness.

Arizona’s child care and early childhood education system are interconnected across the services and supports provided by community organizations, and state or federally funded programs like DES and the Division of Child Care. Partners include the Department of Health Services, First Things First, the Department of Child Safety, Head Start and Early Head Start, and the Department of Education and local school districts who provide preschool education and before and after school programs for children.

Families

Apply for child care assistance

The DES Division of Child Care (DCC) offers child care assistance for:

  • Low-income working families
  • Teen parents enrolled in high school, GED, ESOL, or remedial education programs
  • Residents of homeless or domestic violence shelters
  • Individuals who are unable to care for their children due to a physical, mental or emotional condition
  • Individuals who are unavailable to care for their children due to participation in court-ordered community service or participation in a drug treatment program
  • Individuals who are currently receiving full-time DES child care assistance who enroll in a full-time education or employment training program, and submit a work requirement waiver to DES.

Child care assistance is also available for grandparents and guardians:

  • When the parent of the child is not living in the same home
  • When the grandparent or guardian is engaged in an eligible activity

Note: Only income received on behalf of the child is considered.

Child care assistance is available without regard to income for the following:

  • DES Cash Assistance recipients
    • Grant Diversion program for job search
    • TANF recipients who are employed
  • Grant Diversion program for job search
  • TANF recipients who are employed
  • Referrals from a DES Jobs Program
  • Referrals from the Arizona Department of Child Safety or Tribal Child Welfare program

Documents Center for Families - search for reports, forms, policies and pamphlets and posters with information about child care programs and services.

Providers

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.

    Additional Resources

     

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