More than one-third of families in Arizona are considered low income. Nationwide, individuals considered part of the “working poor” face a Catch-22 situation; they want and need to work, but can’t afford the childcare needed so that they can be at a job.

Without access to affordable childcare, many Arizona parents would be unable to cover the cost of childcare – pushing them out of work or causing them to make unsafe choices for childcare. First Things First Child Care Scholarships was created to help families with young children afford quality childcare.

The Quality First Child Care Scholarship Program is a signature program which supports high quality early learning experiences for children birth to five to ensure they are healthy and ready to succeed in school. Scholarships support families who are working, attending school or choosing to place their child in a quality early childhood education setting. The Quality First Child Care Scholarships are currently being offered in 22 Regional Partnership Councils statewide.

Scholarships are offered to children birth through five years of age in most regions, however Northwest Maricopa, North Phoenix, and Southeast Maricopa only offers scholarships for children in specific age groups. Northwest Maricopa only offers scholarships to children birth through two years of age, North Phoenix only offers scholarships to children three through five years of age and Southeast Maricopa only offers scholarships to children birth through three years of age. To determine which Regional Partnership Council you are in please visit www.azftf.gov

To find a participating childcare facility in your area please enter your zip code into the box below. Please note that scholarships are available to eligible Parents & Families on a first come first serve basis at those childcare facilities. Funding is very limited at this time and availability of scholarship openings is minimal. Results do not guarantee that those specific center-based or family-based providers have openings. We suggest that after touring the facility you apply and ask to be placed on their waiting list.