Temporary Halt in Childcare Subsidy Program in Arizona

The Department of Economic Security (DES) acknowledges there is a backlog; the subsidy backlog only affects new applicants. During the pandemic, subsidies were in place as part of the COVID recovery plan, but without those subsidies, many parents and childcare centers cannot afford the cost of care.

Kyrstyn Paulat, Director of Early Learning and Education at Children’s Action Alliance, joined us to discuss the topic.

“Childcare is just not affordable for families. When we’re talking about what this expense means, infant-based care right now is upwards $14 to $15,000 a year,” Paulat said.

Last year, the CAA asked for $100 million in funding from the state, and that money became part of the governor’s budget. After budget negotiations, the program was given $12 million. That is the reason DES has re-instated the waitlist.