AZ childcare landscape ‘in crisis’ as assistance waitlist approaches 12,800 kids

Michelle Crow is the Southern Arizona director of the Children’s Action Alliance who is championing the $160 million funding increase. She says the state is facing a crisis with access to affordable childcare and that the economics of the field are changing rapidly.

“The stories that we’re hearing is true frustration from parents and childcare providers,” she says.

“We sort of dug ourselves into the Grand Canyon of not funding childcare and we really do have to work our way back out,” Crow says.

Arizona’s childcare waitlist is growing rapidly. $160 million is needed to catch up, advocate says

“Nonprofits like Children’s Action Alliance have been urging leaders to make funding childcare a priority in budget negotiations that are happening now. Kyrstyn Paulat is the director of early learning and education with Children’s Action Alliance, and she joined The Show to talk about it. We are going through budget negotiations right now, that is why early childhood advocates are really stressing the need for not just the support of that $45 million, but for us to fully fund the Childcare Assistance Program, we need $160 million.”

Arizona has 1 of the nation's strictest thresholds for early intervention. Families are paying the price.

"Families really shouldn't have to choose between basic necessities and being able to provide services for their child," Paulat said.

How proposed childcare cuts may impact Arizona

"The cost of childcare is just not affordable for families right now," said Krystyn Paulat, the nonprofit's Director of Early Learning & Education. "It has reached levels that match what it takes to send a child to college."

Tucson student-parents hoping to reinstate suspended child care grant

“She’s also participating in a program called Changemakers through the Children’s Action Alliance. The Arizona nonprofit advocates for children and family rights. Changemakers is an educational course about the state and legislative processes and how parents can get involved in advocacy. Michelle Crow is the southern Arizona director of the alliance. She called Siller a “superstar.”  

New state report shows fewer Arizona children died in 2024

"Every time we lose a child, we know there’s a family grieving and asking themselves what they could have done differently. As a community we need to ask that, too,” said January Contreras, the CEO of the Children’s Action Alliance. “We are the adults in the room, and it’s really up to us to do our best to do right by kids.”

WIC nutrition aid funds for Arizona mothers, children could run out in 3 weeks

“We can’t allow moms and babies to go hungry,” she said.

Now executive director of Children’s Action Alliance – a nonprofit that advocates for child welfare in Arizona – Contreras said the Arizona Food Bank Network, local food drives and donations would be lifelines if WIC is frozen. - January Contreras, Executive Director 

How one state rose to 16th in education, and what Arizona could learn from them

“This issue with our state not investing with full-on services for our children is making a huge impact. It's a ripple effect,” said Kyrstyn Paulat,the director of early learning and child education at the Arizona Children’s Action Alliance.

This nonprofit CEO says a government shutdown would hurt the most vulnerable Arizonans

“It does leave us in a vulnerable position when there's such unpredictability at the federal level. Will these programs that people can rely on in their worst moments or in their tough moments, will they be able to stay open? And that causes a lot of, of uncertainty, it causes a lot of nervousness and anxiety.” “WIC is an example. WIC is the Women Infant Children's program. This is designed to help our most vulnerable not go hungry.” – January Contreras

Audit finds gaps in DCS investigations of child abuse cases as advocates call for change

The nearly 100-page audit found that while DCS followed its policies in 97% of cases reviewed in 2024, there were still major shortcomings in the investigative process. “The other truth is we need 100% when it comes to protecting kids,” said January Contreras, executive director of Children’s Action Alliance

Abogan por servicios de prescolar y guarderías en el área de Yuma

“Michele Crow, directora de Children’s Action Alliance, dijo que, a nivel estatal, el Departamento de Seguridad Económica pidió la aprobación de $120 millones de dólares para asistencia en cuidado infantil, pero la legislatura solo apropió $44.9 millones. Dichos servicios de DES tienen una lista de espera de 4,032 familias.

Crow invitó a los presentes a contactar a sus representantes legislativos para pedirles se aprueben más recursos para esos servicios el año próximo.

Advocates for foster youth say DCS group homes fail too many children who were placed into state care.

“Sometimes group homes are an environment where they feel disconnected from what they know,” said Leanne Murphy from Children's Action Alliance. “Sometimes it feels unsafe. Sometimes it can be a re-traumatizing experience.”