Children & Family Services: Education Resources in Arizona
Overview
Families in Arizona have access to free or low-cost education, early childhood programs, and child care assistance. Below are key programs and services that support children’s learning, health, and family stability.
1. 🧸 Head Start / Early Head Start – Maricopa County
What it is: Free early education, health screenings, and family services for children ages 0–5.
Who qualifies:
Families at or below the federal poverty level
Families receiving TANF, SSI, or SNAP
Foster children
Homeless families
Teen parents
How to apply:
📞 Call 602-372-3700
📍 Visit: 1001 W. Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
🌐 Apply online: Head Start Eligibility Details
2. 🏙 City of Phoenix Head Start
For residents of the City of Phoenix.
📞 Call 602-262-4040 for enrollment or questions
🌐 Learn more: Phoenix Head Start Program Info
3. 👶 DES Child Care Assistance Program
What it is: Pays part or all of child care costs for eligible families.
Who qualifies:
Low-income working families
Teen parents in school
Kinship caregivers
Families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence
How to apply:
🌐 Apply through Arizona’s Child Care Portal
📞 Call 1-800-308-9000 for assistance
4. ⭐ First Things First – Quality First Scholarships
What it is: Scholarships for high-quality child care centers.
Who qualifies: Low-to-moderate income families enrolled in participating child care centers.
🌐 Find a participating provider
5. 📚 Maricopa Community Colleges – Child Care & Youth Programs
Affordable or free child care, after-school programs, and youth enrichment opportunities for student-parents and community youth.
📞 Contact & Next Steps
Each program has its own eligibility criteria and application process. Families are encouraged to reach out directly to the numbers or websites listed above for details.
If you’ve been contacted by Nest Health or your health plan and think you might be eligible for Nest Health’s services, call 866-222-NEST.