Welcome to the Quality First Application Process

The following information is required in order for you to submit your application successfully. Please gather the information listed below BEFORE you begin the application:

• All contact information for the actual child care site (an individual application is required for each site. Programs that share a license are considered one program and will submit one application together)
• All contact information for the main contact and/or the primary program designee of the site, including mailing address, phone number, fax number and email address.
• All provider license and certification numbers including: Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Tribal grant award number for Tribal Head Start or CCDF programs, United States Department of Defense, United States Health and Human Services (Head Start Bureau).
• The primary language used in the program

You may submit an application at any time; however, limited space is available. It is important to submit your application as soon as you are able.

You will be notified of eligibility once it is determined that your center or home is regulated and in good standing with your regulating body or bodies. Being eligible does not mean you have been enrolled in Quality First – just that you are on the wait list for participation in Quality First.

Selections occur throughout the year and is based on date of application submission. During fiscal year 2013 (starting July 1st 2012), Quality First is merging with Child Care Scholarships and programs who are participating in scholarships, but not yet enrolled in Quality First will receive priority for selection.

If you are selected to participate, you will receive notification and a Quality First coach will contact you to verify program information. After the coach has contacted you, the assessment team will contact you to schedule your initial program assessment.

If you are not selected, your application will remain in the Quality First database and continue to be considered as new spaces are made available. If you have any questions, please contact our office at qualityfirst@azftf.gov or 602-771-5000 or toll free at 1-877-803-7234.