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Quality First Childcare Scholarship Program

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for Quality First Scholarships.

What is Quality First Scholarships?

Quality First Scholarships help eligible Arizona families afford high-quality early care and education for their young children. Funded by First Things First, the scholarships are available through participating Quality First child care providers across the state.

Scholarships prioritize families with lower incomes, ensuring that more children can attend programs committed to continuous improvement and higher early learning standards.

How do I apply for Quality First Scholarships?

  • In-Person: Visit a Quality First participating provider and request a scholarship application.

  • Through a Provider: Applications are managed by each participating child care provider on-site.

If you'd like to see a copy of the application, you can do so here. 

There’s no central online, mail, fax, or email application option — the application process happens directly with approved child care providers.

How long does it take to receive funds from Quality First Scholarships?

Scholarship eligibility is determined by the participating provider. Once a child is approved, scholarship funds are applied directly to the child care provider to reduce the family’s monthly tuition costs.

Processing time varies by provider but typically takes 1–2 weeks after submitting all required documentation.

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Use the Quality First search tool to locate child care centers that offer Quality First Scholarships.

  2. Contact the provider to confirm if scholarship spots are open.

  3. Fill out the application provided by the child care provider.

  4. Turn in income verification and other required forms directly to the provider.

  5. The provider will review your application and notify you of the outcome.

  6. If approved, tuition discounts are applied directly to your child care account.

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

  • Proof of Income (provide 1 of the following):

    • Recent pay stubs

    • Employer letter

    • Tax return

  • Proof of Child’s Age (provide 1 of the following):

    • Birth certificate

    • Passport

  • Proof of Arizona Residency (provide 1 of the following):

    • Utility bill

    • Lease agreement

    • Driver’s license

Providers may request additional documents depending on specific circumstances.

Common FAQs

  1. Who is eligible for Quality First Scholarships?

    • Arizona families meeting income eligibility guidelines with children from birth to age 5, not yet eligible for kindergarten.

  2. How do I find a participating provider?

  3. Can I apply directly through Quality First?

    • No — applications are managed by participating providers.

  4. How much of my tuition will the scholarship cover?

    • Amounts vary by family income, provider rates, and availability of scholarship funds.

  5. Is there a waitlist for scholarships?

    • Some providers may have waitlists based on availability of funded spots.

Who do I contact about my application status?

  • Your Participating Child Care Provider: All scholarship applications and status inquiries are handled directly by the provider.

  • First Things First - Program Administrator