The Division for Community and Youth Development administers funds from the Child Care and Developmental Block Grant (through the Department of Economic Security) to provide training and technical assistance for before and after school child care providers. The federal government, through the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), provides Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to states for the purpose of improving the affordability, availability and quality of childcare. This funding is generally referred to as the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).

Federal regulations for the CCDF (45 CFR Parts 98 and 99) require the Lead Agency of the state to submit a CCDF Plan to DHHS every two years. In Arizona, the Department of Economic Security (DES) has been designated the Lead Agency for the CCDF by the Governor’s Office. The Child Care Administration within DES has the responsibility for administering the day-to-day operations of the CCDF and developing the State Plan.

The $19.4 million Early Childhood Block Grant supports a variety of early education programs, $3.4 million to full-day kindergarten; $9.9 million to preschool; and $5.7 million to K-3 supplements. As LEA’s (local education agencies) receive funding for full-day kindergarten, the ECBG funds allocated to the LEA for K-3 support or for full-day kindergarten should be redirected to preschool programs. ECBG funding for full-day kindergarten or K-3 supplements should not be re-directed until the LEA receives formula-funded full-day kindergarten. Additional resources should be identified to expand the availability of quality preschool. As additional resources become available, the SRB recommends changing the law to allow ECBG funds to be allocated via a competitive grant instead of by a formula driven program.

Source of Funds: US Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Bureau