News Summary
Arizona is experiencing a significant child care crisis as enrollment in early childhood education plummets while demand surges. With 379,000 children under five needing care, the state only has 230,000 available slots, leading to job instability and challenges in school readiness for families. High costs, changing federal funding, and limited subsidized options exacerbate the issue. Governor Hobbs has proposed increased funding to address waitlists and improve care quality, while initiatives like Blackberry Academy aim to expand educational opportunities for young children.
Arizona is currently grappling with a significant child care crisis, as enrollment in early childhood education has dropped dramatically while demand continues to surge amidst rising costs. The state’s families are facing heightened challenges in securing affordable and accessible child care options, leading to job instability and difficulties in achieving school readiness for young children.
Approximately 5.3% of Arizona’s population, which includes about 379,000 children under five, require daytime care if their parents are employed. However, the availability of care is severely limited, with only 230,000 child care slots accessible across the state. This creates a noticeable gap given that an estimated 304,000 children may need care. The average annual cost for child care in Arizona stands at around $15,625, translating to approximately $1,300 monthly, a financial burden that Governor Katie Hobbs acknowledges may exceed the expense of state university tuition.
Survey data reveals a worrying trend, with 35% of working families reporting that they have left jobs due to child care difficulties and 82% indicating they have missed work because of child care issues. Furthermore, statistics show a notable decline in preschool enrollment, with only 6,323 children participating in preschool during the 2023-2024 school year, representing less than 5% of total school enrollment.
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this crisis, with federal funding for child care coming to an end, significantly increasing demand while funding has dwindled. This shift is evident in various child care programs, including the Valley of the Sun YMCA, which has seen a decrease in enrollment despite expanding their capacity through the opening of five new preschools.
Currently, more than 2,600 Arizona children are on a waitlist for state-supported child care subsidies. The eligibility criteria for these subsidies require a family’s income to be at or below 165% of the federal poverty level, limiting access for many families in need. Existing programs such as Head Start provide some free child care opportunities, yet many families do not qualify for assistance. Additionally, the Tempe PRE program offers financial aid for preschool, but participation is restricted to only 200 seats each year.
To address these challenges, Governor Hobbs has proposed increased funding aimed at reducing child care waitlists and fostering workforce development to ensure better quality child care is available. Various organizations, including the Phoenix Business Journal and the Arizona Community Foundation, are actively engaging in discussions surrounding the pressing needs in early childhood education through upcoming events focused on this issue.
In an effort to expand educational options, Arizona has opened its first state-licensed outdoor preschool, Blackberry Academy, for children aged two to four. Set to open for nature-based learning, Blackberry Academy intends to connect children with the outdoors, featuring activities such as a mud kitchen and a native plant garden. Enrollment for the academy begins on September 2, with classes scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday.
As families navigate these difficulties, child care and early education remain vital components, affecting not only job retention but also children’s readiness for school. With escalating costs and limited availability, Arizona continues to face a child care crisis that requires immediate action and innovative solutions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KOBI5: Blackberry Academy Holds Open House in Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Child Care
- KTAR: Child Care and Preschool Cost
- Google Search: Child Care Costs in Arizona
- Business Wire: KinderCare Celebrates Opening in Maricopa County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Early Childhood Education
- ABC15: Arizona Families Awaiting Child Care Subsidies
- Google News: Arizona Child Care Crisis
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
