In 2023, LISC awarded nearly $60 million to 478 child care providers through the Arizona Child Care Infrastructure Grant. What started as a $26 million fund quickly grew to $60 million in May 2023 thanks to the trust of our partners, the Arizona Department of Economic Security and First Things First, and the hard work of grantees. The impacts of this program have already been transformational: 99% of grantees improved the quality of their care and grantees created 2,800 new child care slots.

Beyond the numbers, these investments made child care providers – workers who are too often overlooked – feel seen. They created more child care options for families, improved care, and boosted staff morale. Summer Palacios reworked existing space to create new classrooms that cater to children’s developmental needs, accepting 19 children off the waitlist. Esmeralda Mata-Church reimagined her playground to include activity centers and a bike track that children love. Loretta Delsaulniers doubled the size of her outdoor play area and revamped the teachers’ break area, making children and staff happy.

Rooted in equity, the program focused on child care providers in low- and moderate-income communities, areas where child care is limited, and other high-need criteria. And we partnered with local organizations with deep expertise in early childhood education to provide business coaching to grantees. Although federal funds for child care expired in September 2023, we’re showing what’s possible when you pair funding with technical assistance for the child care sector – and why we need to double down on investments in child care and early learning.