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We are proud to share a significant milestone for Arizona’s young children and the people who care for them. The State of Arizona has passed the FY2026 budget, and for the first time since the Great Recession, it includes a substantial general fund investment in child care and early childhood.

Highlights of the Budget Investment in Child Care and Early Childhood:

  • $45 million for DES child care assistance
  • $3 million for after-school and summer care
  • $3.5 million for child care provider coaching
  • $1.9 million for one-time child care licensing expenses
  • $1.5 million for Taylor Child Development Center
  • $1 million for early childhood educator scholarships
  • $500,000 for micro business loans to expand child care
  • $500,000 for an online child care availability tool
  • $100,000 for a state employee child care study

These investments are a bright spot after more than a decade of underfunding. For perspective: this funding was cut in 2010. Many of our children weren’t even born yet. Today, we are taking a critical step toward supporting working families and ensuring young children can thrive.

This achievement was only possible because of the collective effort of our Alliance partners, stakeholders, and supporters like you:

  • Families and providers who courageously shared their stories
  • Community members who sent letters, emails, and action alerts
  • Advocates who showed up at the Capitol
  • Leaders who worked tirelessly to champion early childhood

While this funding is largely one-time and much more remains to be done, but we are taking this moment to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together.

Additional Budget Wins for Young Children and Families:

  • $15 million for kinship and fictive care stipends
  • $34 million additional for the Arizona Promise Program
  • $3.8 million to eliminate reduced-price school meals
  • Investments in housing, homelessness services, and domestic violence shelters

What’s Next?

In the coming months, we will continue working to protect and expand this funding. We will also be planning a community celebration to recognize everyone who contributed to this success—stay tuned for details!

From all of us Child and Family Resources: Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Arizona’s children. Together, we are making progress that will benefit generations to come!

Learn more about AZECA and how you can get involved: https://azeca.org/

https://www.facebook.com/azearlychildhoodalliance/

We build strong communities where children can reach their full potential