Help lay the groundwork for all the children in your care: learn the best practices for helping children develop intellectually, physically, and emotionally
Accreditation
Arizona Self-Study Project
The Arizona Self-Study Project (ASSP) is an exciting statewide project for early care and education programs committed to improving the quality of care for Arizona's children. ASSP assists programs to integrate quality developmentally appropriate practices in a model that meets the needs of all children.
Through the ASSP, each early care and education program evaluates its strengths and areas needing improvement using self-study materials. Each program identifies areas of change and creates specific program goals based on the results of their self-evaluation. The ASSP is funded by the Arizona Department of Economic Security Child Care Administration.
Eligibility
Apache, Coconino, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Yavapai, and Yuma Counties
Learn more
Call (520) 320-4036
Resources & Support
Child Care Food Program (CACFP)
Do you take care of children in your home? You can receive extra money for nutritious meals and snacks served to children you care for, including your own children. Providers may be reimbursed for two meals and one snack or one meal and two snacks per day per eligible participant. Learn about creating healthy, fun snacks for children in your care.
Eligibility
Certified Department of Economic Security (DES) home, Department of Health Services (DHS) certified group home, alternate approved private home, or tribally certified in Pima or Santa Cruz County.
Learn more
Call (520) 320-4021
Quality First
Quality First is a voluntary coaching and rating system for childcare centers and homes. You can partner with a coach to raise the quality of services of your home or center. Coaching will focus key components of quality early care, including adult-child interactions, learning environments and staff qualifications. Coaches can conduct on-site customized trainings and provide coaching on how to implement best practices for children in your care. Based on assessment scores each program is given a Quality First Star Rating, ranging from 1 to 5 stars.
Eligibility
Certified family childcare homes, licensed group homes and centers, and home or centers regulated by tribal or military authority
Learn more
Call 1-877-803-7234 or visit First Things First
Child Care Resource & Referral - ARIZONA
We are the premier site for families seeking child care in Arizona, and the best place for you to list your business. We can provide listing on the referral database, referrals to your business/program, help with business, care, and regulatory questions, and information about trainings and workshops..
Eligibility
Available to all childcare providers throughout Arizona
Learn more
Professional Development
Project Best
College level coursework and individualized coaching to center-based and family childcare providers. This program focuses on meeting the fundamental needs of infants and toddlers in group care settings through six essential program policies: primary care; small groups; continuity of care; individualized schedules and routines; inclusion; and cultural sensitivity and responsiveness.
Curriculum
Program for Infant/Toddler Care Partners for Quality
Cost
No cost to you
Locations
Child & Family Resources at 2800 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716
Times
Enrollment begins early July. Classes will meet WEEKLY from September-December and January-April. Sessions will begin at 6:30 pm and end at 9:00 pm.
Participants MUST commit to a full year of attendance which includes 64 hours of professional development, individual coaching hours, reflective journaling, and homework assignments
Credits
Participants may elect to receive 3 college credit hours upon successful completion of this program
Benefits
One-year membership to National Association for the Education of Young Children
Meeting with national experts
Register
Call 520-320-4036 or email Project Best