Child Care For Returning Workers Program

Who is eligible to apply for Child Care For Returning Workers Assistance?

• Be a parent in need of child care assistance for their children, birth through age 12.
• Be currently employed (part-time or full-time) at a job earning $25 or less per hour, the equivalent of $52,000 or less annually.
• Have filed an initial claim for unemployment benefits in Arizona on or before May 15, 2021;
  • Individuals filing initial unemployment benefit claims after May 15, 2021, will not be eligible for the Child Care For Returning Workers Assistance, even if they are filing for weeks prior to Benefit Week Ending (BWE) May 15, 2021.
• Received a benefit payment for the benefit week ending May 8, 2021 or May 15, 2021;
  • Individuals must receive benefits for benefit week ending May 8, 2021 or May 15, 2021, although their benefit payment may be issued in a later week as long as the initial claim was filed on or prior to May 15, 2021.

How do I apply for Child Care For Returning Workers Assistance?

• Applications will be accepted June 1, 2021, through September 6, 2021.
• Clients can apply for the program by visiting the DES Child Care website.
• Child care assistance is available through any DES contracted child care provider, DES certified family child care provider or DES non-certified relative provider (NCRP).
• Parents will receive assistance in finding child care through Arizona’s Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) at azccrr.com or call 1-800-308-9000 Monday-Friday 8am-6pm & Saturday 8am-Noon to find a DES Child Care Provider.

Are there any costs for parents?

Parents will not have to pay a copay. Child care assistance may not cover the full cost of care. Parents will have to pay any difference between the reimbursement rate and the amount a provider charges, if applicable.

One of my children is thirteen (13) years old. Can I use this child care assistance for them in their summer camp?

No. Child care assistance can only be used for children ages 12 & younger at an approved child care provider within the DES child care provider network.

How will I receive my Child Care For Returning Workers Assistance?

Applicants will receive approval notification via email. Providers will be notified of the child's authorization. Providers will bill DES directly for payment using regular billing methods.

What type of Child Care is available through the Child Care For Returning Workers Assistance?

You must search and select a DES child care provider by calling Child Care Resource and Referral at 1-800-308-9000, or by visiting the Child Care Resource and Referral website to find care options by zip code or advanced criteria search. Click on the provider name and check that DES is listed under the “Fund Source.” Once the child care provider is selected, contact the child care provider directly to ensure there is space for your child. You will need to follow up with the provider once you receive confirmation of your scholarship to enroll your child with that provider.

What happens after receiving notification of child care assistance?

Once an approval email is received, child care use can begin. At this point, the parent has called the provider to request verbal authorization. When enrolling with the child care provider or center, please make sure that your child care provider completes the Provider/Parent/Guardian Agreement (CC-208) based on the Certificate of Authorization to determine whether you will be responsible for any additional charges.

How long will the Child Care For Returning Workers Assistance be available?

Eligible individuals can apply for the Child Care For Returning Worker Assistance by visiting the DES Child Care Assistance website anytime between June 1, 2021, through September 6, 2021.

Approved applicants will receive three (3) full months of child care assistance from the start of their authorization. Child Care authorizations will begin the date of application or the employment start date, whichever is later.

When will I find out if I qualify for the Child Care For Returning Workers Assistance?

Applications will be reviewed within two (2) business days from submission. Once your application has been reviewed and a determination has been made, you will receive an email to let you know whether your application is approved or denied and provide you with your next steps.

My application was denied. What is the appeals process?

If your application was denied and you wish to appeal, please send an email requesting an appeal to [email protected] (subject line: APPEAL REQUEST) within 10 calendar days of your denial notification. Please include a detailed description of your reason for appeal. DES has five (5) business days to review your appeal and respond with a final decision.

If my application was denied, can I still apply for regular child care assistance?

If your application was denied due to not having received unemployment benefits in the week ending May 8, 2021 or week ending May 15, 2021, you may still be eligible for child care assistance. Please visit “How to Apply for Child Care Assistance” on the DES website for details.

Does the Child Care For Returning Workers Assistance cover any annual registration fees?

No. Child Care Assistance does not cover any annual registration fees. Clients will have to pay the difference between the reimbursement rate and the provider rate or any other additional fees. For additional information on reimbursement rates please see the Maximum Reimbursement Rates for Child Care (CCA-1227A) form found on the DES website.

How do I find child care?

Parents will need to contact prospective child care providers to ensure availability for your child and follow-up with the provider once you receive confirmation of your Child Care Assistance to enroll your child with that provider. You can search and select a DES child care provider by calling Child Care Resource and Referral at 1-800-308-9000, or by visiting the Child Care Resource and Referral website to find care options by zip code or advanced criteria search. Click on the provider name and check that DES is listed under the “Fund Source.”

If I am not working full-time, will I still receive Assistance?

Yes. Eligible parents in need of child care assistance for their children ages birth through age 12 may be currently employed part-time at a job earning $25 or less per hour, the equivalent of $52,000 or less annually.

How can I become a DES Non-Certified Relative Provider?

A person approved for DES child care may choose to have a relative provider care for their child or children. A Non-Certified Relative Provider (NCRP) is a person who provides child care services to a child/children who receive DES child care assistance, and who is related by blood, marriage or by court decree.

An NCRP could be:

• Grandparent, great-grandparent
• Adult sibling not residing in the same household
• Aunt, great-aunt
• Uncle, or great-uncle of the eligible child.

An NCRP must be able to obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card and pass a Department of Child Safety (DCS) background check. Child care may be provided in either the home of the NCRP or in the home of the child. If child care is being provided to more than 4 children, care must be provided in the client’s (child’s) home. Care cannot be provided at both locations. All child care must be provided within the State of Arizona.