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.
Professional Development for DES Child Care Providers
As the lead agency for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), DES is required to build a framework and systematic approach to training and professional development to improve the knowledge and skills of DES child care providers who receive CCDF funding. This includes health and safety training, application of health and safety standards, early learning guidelines, responses to challenging behavior, and the engagement of families.
DES works in collaboration with state agencies and community partners, including institutes of higher education, to plan and administer professional development systems and workforce initiatives for Arizona’s child care providers, educators, and staff.
To help providers be successful in meeting the annual pre-service and ongoing Health and Safety training requirements, DES has identified a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities offered throughout Arizona.
Preventing Suspensions and Expulsions
DES is committed to supporting child care providers and caregivers find the resources and support that are essential to ensuring access to quality child care for all children, including child development, social-emotional behavior intervention models for children from birth through school age and more.
Professional Career Pathway Project
The Professional Career Pathway Project (PCPP) is a scholarship funded by DES and administered by Central Arizona College to pay college tuition for up to 24 credits per year and provides a textbook stipend for students in the field of early childhood.