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Child Care

Child Care Newsletter

Sign up for the NEW DES Division of Child Care quarterly newsletter! Stay up to date on the latest stories, grants and scholarships, programs and more.

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The Department of Economic Security’s Division of Child Care (DCC) 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.

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Apply for Child Care Assistance

DCC offers child care assistance for low-income families, teen parents, and other individuals needing support.

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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.

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Become a Child Care Provider

DCC can support new and prospective child care providers get started! Whether it’s at a facility, or a family environment.

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Professional Development for DES Child Care Providers

DCC collaborates with state agencies, community partners, and institutes of higher education to plan and administer professional development for child care programs, educators, and staff.

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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.

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Contact Us

For general inquiries, or to reach the Child Care Family Support and Eligibility Administration, or the Provider Network and Support Administration, visit this page.

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.

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