Pima County offering financial assistance
for children to attend preschool
PIMA COUNTY, June 22, 2021 — Pima County and its partners in the Pima Early Education Program are offering financial assistance to high-quality preschools for the children of families who qualify.
The Pima Early Education Program Scholarships, or PEEPs, are meant to help economically disadvantaged families. The Pima County Board of Supervisors in May approved a plan to allocate up to $10 million in County funds, as well as almost $3 million from cities, towns and other partners, to assist the families of 1,245 children with preschool costs.
On Tuesday, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to approve the PEEPs funding as well as two new administrative positions within the Department of Community and Workforce Development to oversee the program. The board also voted in support of agreements with the Town of Oro Valley, the Marana Unified School District and Child-Parent Centers Inc. to help implement the program.
To qualify for preschool financial assistance, a family must have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, which varies depending on family size. For example, a family of four must have a total household income of $53,000 or less.
The scholarships are available for children ages 3 to 5 who are not yet in kindergarten. Preschools are enrolling students now at 170 locations across Pima County for classes that begin as early as July.
Research shows that children who attend high-quality preschool programs are better prepared for kindergarten. There are long-term benefits, too. Children are more likely to graduate from high school, have higher incomes and be in better health. High-quality preschool benefits not only children, but also families, schools, taxpayers and the community as a whole.
For information about financial assistance and/or finding a high-quality preschool for your child, please call Child Care Resource & Referral’s (CCR&R) Child Care Information Line at 1-800-308-9000, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. You may also conduct an online search via CCR&R’s website at www.azccrr.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Fyffe, executive assistant to the county administrator, (520) 724-8149, Nicole.Fyffe@pima.gov.
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