Child Care Assistance in Arizona

How to get started:
To get started in the enrollment process, find the programs in your area by using the online Head Start Locator.

Many programs use the Federal Poverty Line as a guide for financial assistance with child care. If your annual income is at or below the poverty line, you may qualify for financial help. These are the guidelines:

• A family of 1 must make less than $11,490 per year.


• A family of 2 must make less than $15,510 per year.


• A family of 3 must make less than $19,530 per year.


• A family of 4 must make less than $23,550 per year.


• A family of 5 must make less than $27,570 per year.


• A family of 6 must make less than $31,590 per year.


• A family of 7 must make less than $35,610 per year.


• A family of 8 must make less than $39,630 per year.

Arizona’s Department of Economic Security Child Care was founded to help families afford child care. It was created with the goal of helping parents of financially needy families pursue higher educations or careers, with the purpose of enabling them the power to earn enough to live on in the future. Eligible candidates must either work full-time, be enrolled in an approved, fulltime educational program or work at least 20 hours per week while pursuing some for of education or work training. Those who live in a homeless or domestic violence shelter may also be eligible. Visit DES Child Care for more information about help paying for child care in Arizona.