Governor Hobbs announces child care spots for 900 more children in Arizona
PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - Earlier this week, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced that 900 children have been accepted from the state's child care assistance waitlist.
According to a press release, this was made possible due to Governor Hobbs signing a bipartisan fiscal year 2026 budget into law last month, allocating "$125.9 million in state and federal funds for child care" as well as including "the largest investment of general funds for child care since the Great Recession."
"Access to affordable child care provides the opportunity, security, and freedom that underpin the Arizona Promise," said Hobbs. "When I've traveled across the state, I've heard from families who are struggling to afford child care and moms who put their careers on hold to care for their kids. These stories are exactly why I've made it a priority to expand pathways to child care and why my Arizona Promise Budget includes the largest investment of general funds for child care since the Great Recession. I will continue to fight for Arizona families and to make child care more affordable and accessible."
Following this, the press release said, "Letters, emails, and text messages have been sent to the families of the 900 children, notifying them they have been released from the waitlist for the Child Care Assistance Program."
After the families received the notification, the press release says they have to respond, by July 25, to the Department of Economic Security to "confirm eligibility and enrollment" as the program is said to help families "pay for child care, enabling parents and guardians to work and pursue their education."
"I am grateful to Governor Hobbs and our Legislature for investing in early childhood education and care for Arizona's children and working families," said DES Director Michael Wisehart. "This will empower hundreds of families to further their careers and education, knowing their children are cared for."
"This is great news for Arizona families," said Barbie Prinster, Executive Director of the Arizona Early Childhood Education Association. “"With this investment parents will have an opportunity to work, kids will be in caring environments, and providers will be able to serve more children and families."
"Children's Action Alliance thanks Governor Hobbs for prioritizing Arizona's children and families by allowing thousands to now afford the quality child care they need," said January Contreras, Executive Director of Children's Action Alliance. "This crucial step forward to reduce the wait list opens the door to early learning opportunities and peace of mind for working parents across Arizona."
"The release of the child care waiting list this week is a big win for families across the state of Arizona. It means that young children have access to early childhood programs and parents can return to work knowing that their children are in safe nurturing learning environments," said Ginger Ward, CEO of Southwest Human Development. "We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Governor Katie Hobbs and the members of the AZ Legislature who included early childhood education in the budget for recognizing that access to quality child care is essential to the vitality of the Arizona economy and the growth of our youngest learners."
"This long overdue investment will help children across Arizona access high quality early education and help their parents stay in the work force," said Kelley Murphy, Alliance Coordinator of the Arizona Early Childhood Alliance. "We are thankful to the Governor and the Legislature for recognizing the importance of putting resources into this essential public service."
Local leaders talked about how this could benefit Yuma County.
Rudy Ortiz, the Yuma Regional Director Director with First Things First, a program for early childhood education, says the rising cost of childcare continues to be the biggest barrier for families.
"It costs more to send your child to childcare than it does to send your child here to our local college at AWC (Arizona Western College)," says Ortiz.
However, critics are raising concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of the funding, as well as issues related to transparency and the allocation process.
Still, Ortiz says that the investment can only benefit Yuma County.
"It is critical to boost the local economy for the workforce but also setting up the foundation for our children to be ready for life and to be the citizens that give back to our community," he explains.
Amber Shek, the COO of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, says the new funding is a positive step, but not a complete solution.
"16% of our current workforce is electing to stay home because they don't have access to childcare services. 16% of a few million is a lot and we're only looking at 900 slots so that's why I say it's a small stepping stone to a larger problem," explains Shek.
For more information about the Child Care Assistance Program, click here. For other child care resources, click here.
