Child Care
Arizona is working with partners across sectors to meet workforce needs in a variety of industries, from semiconductors, to cyber security, construction, and healthcare. A significant area for workforce support is quality child care for families. Opportunities for child care give families the flexibility to work or continue their education. Additionally, children benefit from positive social and learning experiences that prepare them for Kindergarten and to be successful in the early grades.
However, there is a significant lack of child care, preschool and pre-K availability across the state.
In order to strengthen the state’s workforce and to ensure children have a strong start, Governor Hobbs has prioritized expanding availability of child care and other quality early learning opportunities.
Why This Matters
The economic impact of disruptions in child care is significant to Arizona businesses, their employees and the economy, totaling $4.7B in annual losses in earnings, productivity and revenue.
Without reliable access to child care, many families may miss work, skip opportunities for promotion or decide not to advance their education. Many find themselves leaving the workplace altogether because of the cost or lack of availability of child care.
Child care gives employers the ability to have a reliable workforce they can count on. All of these things lead to a stronger current and future workforce, increased earnings, greater tax revenues, and employment gains.
Actions Led by Governor Hobbs
Child Care Study
Governor Hobbs announced the launch of a child care study in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Department of Economic Security and First Things FIrst. The study will assess gaps across the state, provide a needs analysis, a 10 year projection of future child care needs and an action plan.
Watch the Press Conference
Provider Roundtable
The Office of Strategic Initiatives has hosted a roundtable with providers to better understand what’s working and what’s not working as they provide child care to children across the state. A diverse group of programs representing different types, sizes and geographic locations were a part of the conversation. The group provided meaningful feedback and dialogue about the state of child care in Arizona.
Toolkit for Businesses
First Things First Developed this toolkit for business leaders to demonstrate the myriad ways that businesses can support their employees’ child care needs. From having employee policies that give parents flexibility or certainty with scheduling, to providing child care back up options or on site child care, this guide provides a continuum of options to meet the needs of large, medium and small businesses alike.