Parents of children with special needs often face challenges finding appropriate childcare. Learn more about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to childcare.
Gloria McGinty from the Association for Supportive Childcare joined us on Facebook Live to share what parents need to know about finding childcare.
First Things First
First Things First supports early childhood programs in Arizona through grants to community organizations that provide services, at no cost, for young children from birth to age 5 (before kindergarten) and their families.
Space may be limited, and eligibility requirements may apply. While this listing only includes programs funded by First Things First, many of them can connect you with additional services that might be right for you.
Search for programs in your area
Quality First Childcare Programs
Quality First is Arizona’s quality improvement and rating system for early learning programs. Created and administered by First Things First, Quality First partners with more than 1,000 licensed and regulated childcare and preschool providers across the state to improve the quality of their early learning programs for children from birth to age 5 and help more Arizona kids arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed.
The Child Care Resource & Referral
CCR&R helps families find childcare. Choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions families make, but all too often they must rely on word-of-mouth. Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) helps families take the guesswork out of choosing care by providing:
- Information about local childcare programs per your request
- Information on state licensing rules and regulations (requirements)
- Information on availability of childcare subsidies
- Information on quality childcare indicators
CCR&R provides guidance by phone, in person, and in other ways, such as the internet. To conduct an online search, https://azchildcareprovidersearch.azdes.gov/
Call toll free: 1-800-308-9000
Business hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Saturdays – 8:00am to 12:00pm
The DES Child Care Administration (CCA)
The DES Child Care Administration (CCA) offers childcare assistance for:
- Low-income families that are working
- Teen parents enrolled in high school or GED classes
- Homeless or domestic violence shelter residents
- Individuals who are unable to care for their children due to physical or emotional conditions
Apply for Child Care Assistance