Arizona Department of Economic Security

Quality child care helps children learn, grow and thrive. ☀️

Recent data shows continued growth in access to high-quality child care across Arizona. Swipe through to explore the latest statistics. ➡️

Ready to start your child care search? Visit azccrr.com to find resources near you.

Giving one last hooray to Older Americans Month we recognize Central Arizona Aging (CAA) (Central Arizona Aging), which has become a true lifeline for older adults, adults with disabilities, and the caregivers who support them across Pinal and Gila Counties. One of its most loved offerings is the free, once‑a‑month Arts N’ Meals program, a gathering that blends creativity, connection, and nourishment for seniors who often have limited access to social activities.

In partnership with ArtMobile (ArtMobile: Art that Heals on Wheels ), CAA brings hands‑on art experiences and shared meals directly into rural communities. For many participants, it’s more than an event, it’s a rare and meaningful chance to connect with others. Research from ArtMobile shows that even brief creative engagement can reduce stress, improve coping, and boost overall well‑being.

With events now held in Mammoth, Tonto Basin, Oracle, and Stanfield, Arts N’ Meals continues to expand its reach across rural Arizona. For participants like Jenny Caballos, it’s become the highlight of the month, something she looks forward to, something she loves.

This work is made possible through the strong partnership between the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and CAA, ensuring older adults and caregivers can stay safe, connected, and independent.

Arts N’ Meals is just one of many services available through DAAS and CAA, alongside caregiver support groups, educational workshops, housing assistance, and more. For more information, visit the DAAS homepage.

For nearly 30 years, Katherine Echoles (Kathie Chavez Echoles) has opened her home and her heart to children and families in her community. What began in 1996 as a simple desire to care for kids has grown into a lifelong calling rooted in love, learning, and service.

Katherine has always had a deep passion for nurturing children. Over the years, she has invested in her education and training in child development, safety, nutrition, and early childhood education to ensure every child receives high‑quality care.

With support from DES’s Certified Child Care Provider program, she launched her in‑home child care center, a partnership she describes as transformative. The program has provided resources, guidance, and ongoing training that strengthened her skills, confidence, and connection to a broader community of providers committed to excellence.

The knowledge and encouragement she’s gained have directly benefited the children and families she serves. Today, her program focuses on whole‑child development, emotional, social, and academic. She takes pride in creating a space where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow.

Katherine finds deep fulfillment in her work, knowing she plays a meaningful role during the most important years of a child’s life. She also cherishes the strong relationships she builds with families and the daily moments of joy and discovery that come with the job.

Her advice for future providers is simple: lead with patience, compassion, consistency, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Interested in becoming a certified child care provider or looking for child care resources? Learn more at azccrr.com.

Celebrating Older Americans Month, we took a closer look at how Central Arizona Aging (CAA) is supporting seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across Pinal and Gila Counties.

One of their most beloved programs is the Memory Café, a warm, monthly gathering where people experiencing memory loss can connect with loved ones, meet others on a similar journey, and enjoy meaningful activities in a supportive space.

This work is made even stronger through the partnership between the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and CAA, ensuring older adults and caregivers have access to the resources they need to thrive.

To explore the full range of programs, visit the DAAS homepage.

DES Director Michael Wisehart joined industry experts and hardworking Arizonans as Governor Katie Hobbs signed Executive Order 2026-01, Protecting Paychecks for Hard-Working Arizonans, which combats the misclassification of workers.

When businesses misclassify workers, they fail to provide Arizonans with important protections, coverage, compensation, licensing and more. Through this Executive Order, the Hobbs Administration is taking action. DES is thrilled to join partner agencies and share critical information to help support the proper classification of workers and strengthen Arizona’s workforce.

Annually, DES joins dozens of organizations at the Veterans Stand Down events, organized by the .

Today, we're in Flagstaff to support veterans and their families who are experiencing housing instability and homelessness. Here, they can access veteran benefits, health services, education services, housing support, substance abuse information, financial information, job opportunities, and so much more!

Learn more about the event and prepare for the next at azhousingcoalition.org/avsa/

As Arizona’s wildfire season is now effectively year-round, collaboration and preparedness remain critical.

DES Director Michael Wisehart recently participated in the statewide Wildfire Tabletop Exercise alongside other Cabinet leaders to support emergency response efforts during wildfire incidents across Arizona.

DES partners with and to help ensure our state is prepared to respond quickly and effectively when Arizonans need it most.