Some encouraging news from Bruce Liggett of the Arizona Child Care Association:
"Our continued advocacy and monitoring has paid off.
DES notified me early this afternoon that they will begin contacting all families who are on Fee levels 1 and Fee level 2 and on the waiting list and begin notifying them by letter this week that if they are still eligible for Fee levels 1 and 2 that they may be authorized for child care subsidy effective Monday November 16th. This partial release of the waiting list will affect approximately 4,800 children statewide (2,600 families). It is estimated that up to 50% of those on the waiting list being contacted may still be eligible.
Also, beginning on November 16th , any new applicant who is eligible for Fee level 1 and 2 will receive the subsidy. This opens up the subsidy to families with incomes below 100% of the federal poverty level or a maximum income of less than $1,526 for a family of three.
Last Friday there were 9,205 children on the waiting list so this action "releases" approximately 48% of all those on the waiting list. The waiting list will continue to grow with families on Fee levels 3 through 6."
"The Arizona Child Care Association (ACCA) is a professional non-profit organization of private non-profit and proprietary child care centers. The ACCA mission is to promote accessible, affordable and quality early care and education that meets the needs of families and children statewide."