 Free and reduced cost preschool and child care available for many more families across Arizona
July 15, 2022 — More Arizona parents can now send their children to quality preschool and child care for free, or at a greatly reduced cost, thanks in part to funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
Pima County, through their new Pima Early Education Program (PEEP), is offering a variety of scholarships, free preschool classes at school districts and Pima Community College, and extended day Head Start classes, to families with preschool age children in Pima County.
“Decades of research has demonstrated that children who attend high-quality preschool enter kindergarten ready to learn and have better long-term educational and life outcomes,” said Nicole Scott, manager of the Pima Early Education Program. “Yet the cost of high-quality preschool can sometimes be out of reach for families. That is why Pima County has invested in our community’s young children through PEEP scholarships.”
Child care is one of the biggest expenses that families face. The average annual cost of infant care in Arizona is almost $11,000. It costs $390 more per year than in-state tuition for a four-year public university.
Funding for PEEPs is provided by Pima County’s share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act; the City of Tucson; the towns of Marana and Oro Valley; and participating school districts. Donations to the United Way of Tucson & Southern Arizona from individuals, businesses and nonprofits complement the program.
PEEPs is a one of a variety of scholarships, child care subsidies, and free classes available throughout Arizona for income-eligible families. These preschool and child care providers include local school districts, child care centers and family home-based providers. While income limits vary, many scholarships are now available to families with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level — that is $83,250 for a family of four.
First Things First, Arizona’s early childhood agency, recently increased income eligibility for Quality First scholarships, meaning many more families will be able to qualify for scholarships to send their children to quality early learning programs that participate in Arizona’s quality improvement and rating system.
Due to an additional $1.3 billion in child care relief funding from Congress, the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Child Care has substantially increased reimbursement rates, meaning many more preschool and child care providers are now accepting families with DES child care subsidies. Additional support for providers to support the child care network and families is also available through the Child Care Stabilization Grant and Child Care Recovery Plan. Details are available at des.az.gov/services/child-and-family/child-care.
Child-Parent Centers, the Head Start provider in southeastern Arizona, is providing even more high-quality early childhood education services for free through expanded partnerships.
To learn about these opportunities, contact your local school district, child care center, or family child care provider. If you need help finding a quality preschool or child care provider that offers these free and discounted opportunities, call Child Care Resource & Referral’s Child Care Information Line at 1-800-308-9000, or search CCR&R’s website at www.azccrr.com.
“High-quality preschool benefits young children, their families and the community by preparing the future workforce,” Scott said. “It’s the best investment!”
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Scott, manager of Pima County’s Pima Early Education Program, Nicole.Scott@pima.gov or 520-724-2696.
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