Arizona Enrichment Centers to offer childcare for frontline workers

PHOENIX — Arizona Enrichment Centers will be offering childcare for children of critical health care workers, first responders and essential public sector workers, including child safety workers, the governor’s office announced in a press release on Friday.

The goal of the initiative is to keep COVID-19 frontline workers able to work while providing safety for their children. The program is scheduled to begin Monday.

“Arizona is coming together to serve our frontline workers serving all of us,” Gov. Doug Ducey said in the release.

“Through support including child care assistance and financial resources, we can help alleviate some of the stress and concerns that families serving on the frontlines are facing. I’m grateful to Superintendent [Kathy] Hoffman and all the non-profit, faith-based and community organizations for partnering with us to make these resources available.”

The governor’s office has partnered with the Arizona Department of Education; nonprofit, education and faith-based organizations; and local child care providers such as Arizona Child Care Resource & Referral and the Valley of the Sun YMCA.

All Arizona Enrichment Centers locations can be found online, and parents can find out if they qualify for childcare and financial support by filling out a questionnaire.

Financial scholarship for childcare comes on a first-come, first-serve basis, pending resource availability.

All of the locations will follow school and childcare program guidance issued by the CDC, ADHS and local public health departments.

“This initiative is critically important for the children and families of our first responders, healthcare workers, and other essential emergency personnel,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said in the release.

“I’m grateful for everyone that is stepping up to serve these families during this difficult time.”

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