Maricopa County opening new child care center, giving employees steep discount

PHOENIX — Child care can be one of the largest expenses for young families, but employees at Maricopa County will be getting some much-needed relief in that area.

Maricopa County Kids Club, a 12,000-square-foot child care center set to open in the coming weeks, will offer county employees a 50% discount.

The facility at 441 W. Madison St. is conveniently located near county offices in downtown Phoenix.

Why did Maricopa County decide to open child care center?

Plans for the Maricopa County Kids Club were announced in October 2023.

At a ribbon-cutting event last week, County Manager Jen Pokorski said it will help address one of biggest barriers to employment, especially for women.

“It’s about giving our employees the support they need to thrive not just professionally, but personally, and employees that are thriving provide better service to our community,” Pokorski said.

Maricopa County Kids Club features 10 classrooms plus indoor and outdoor play areas to serve over 150 children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

KinderCare, one of the nation’s largest early childhood education providers, will run the county child care facility.

The center will offer extended hours at first, with the potential to operate 24/7 to support parents who work nights, depending on the demand.

How much does child care cost in Arizona?

The average annual cost of child care in Arizona is $15,625 per year, which comes to $1,302 per month, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Galvin, who attended the ceremony, said he hoped the discounted rate will provide employees with financial relief and peace of mind.

Childcare in Arizona can cost as much as a mortgage. Maricopa County is helping employees save money–and find peace of mind–with an all-new childcare center with county employees getting a 50% discount. Full story on @KTAR923 coming soon: pic.twitter.com/BAzL4aQuwM

— Colton Krolak (@ColtonKrolak) May 19, 2025

He added that it will help the county attract and retain workers.

“In this era where child care expenses are really taking a toll on families, we’re doing everything we can to show our employees that we appreciate them, but we also think this is going to result in better service for the constituents of Maricopa County,” he said.

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