First Things First - How Childcare Economics Impact Everyone

Phoenix Community Alliance’s Education Partnerships Advocacy Committee focuses on more than just school supplies.  

A common theme across our eight committees is how we can connect Members to foster public-private partnerships that benefit Downtown. Whether it’s Members helping the City of Phoenix update Downtown zoning ordinances or securing sponsorships that rejuvenate Hance Park, a Member can significantly influence Downtown development in various ways. 

The nonprofit organization First Things First (FTF) recently addressed an Education Partnerships Committee meeting about how a lack of childcare resources in a community—known as “Childcare deserts”—impacts a family’s upward mobility. Childcare deserts are areas where there are more than three children under five for each licensed childcare slot, which limits opportunities for young children and their families. 

This is an ongoing Committee priority to bring more childcare facilities to the Downtown core. There are multiple ways to get involved, from Member participation in the Committee to connecting with Braxton Hynes, Downtown Phoenix, Inc.'s Business Development Manager. PCA recently connected with First Things First to discuss how stakeholders can bring solutions to these barriers. 

PCA: Why is it important to address these childcare deserts?  

First Things First: Without affordable, quality childcare, working parents may be forced to reduce their work hours or leave the workforce, affecting their financial stability and the local economy. 

However, the impact goes beyond economics. High-quality early learning and childcare supports healthy development and school readiness, building a foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond. Without it, children may fall behind before they even start.  

Addressing these gaps is essential to supporting strong families, thriving communities, and Arizona’s future. Considering that 60% of young children in Arizona live in homes where all adults work, childcare is unaffordable to most families. 

PCA: Does Downtown Phoenix meet the criteria of a location lacking sufficient childcare resources and facilities? 

First Things First: Downtown Phoenix displays these characteristics with key affordability, availability, and flexibility gaps — especially for families with limited resources. Infant care costs often exceed $1,200 per month, and flexible options like in-home or drop-in care are virtually nonexistent in the Downtown area.  

There are a few regulated childcare centers, such as Bright Horizons and KinderCare, but space is limited to fewer than 500 openings — and many providers do not accept state subsidies. Additionally, waitlists are common, making it difficult for families to find care when needed.  

As Arizona’s state early childhood agency, First Things First (FTF) supports efforts to expand access to quality early learning, but meeting the need will require broader community investment and collaboration. 

PCA: Can you provide more details about the childcare forums mentioned at the recent Education Partnerships Committee meeting that FTF has been leading?  

First Things First: FTF collaborates with many partners to advocate for young children and their families. Our agency aims to discuss how early childhood is a workforce and economic issue. The goal is to shift the conversation — positioning childcare as a social service and a critical factor in workplace participation and retention.  

Over the last two years, FTF has expanded its efforts to meaningfully engage the business, economic, and workforce development communities about how childcare impacts the economy. We have worked to form community roundtable discussions, local steering committees, panels, and workgroups with stakeholders to generate the most impactful local solutions.

For instance, FTF recently partnered with Arizona Town Hall to explore real-world solutions and share what’s working across the Valley. Some of these solutions include on-site childcare, employer-sponsored stipend programs, repurposing existing spaces for childcare use, and forming community-led task forces. We are in the early planning stages of these events, so stay tuned for more information. 

Every community in Arizona is unique, and the needs around early childhood vary between remote, rural, and urban environments, like Downtown Phoenix. We’re always open to collaborating, and if anyone would like to participate, we would be happy to assist however we can. 

PCA: What spaces can be repurposed as childcare facilities to address these needs? Are there any notable local examples?  

First Things First: Empty classrooms, community centers, churches, and office buildings can help expand access to quality childcare, especially in areas with limited availability.  

FTF is collaborating with EPIC (Executives Partnering to Invest in Children), a nonprofit that helps employers explore and implement sustainable childcare solutions. EPIC offers expert guidance on repurposing buildings into licensed childcare facilities that meet community needs — making it a strong partner for innovation. 

PCA: How can businesses or companies support these childcare efforts or participate in a future workshop?  

First Things First: Businesses play a key role in expanding access to childcare.  

Here’s how they can get involved:  

• First Things First: Businesses Take Action Page  

• First Things First: Advocate for Early Childhood Page  

• Attend and promote FTF workshops and events  

• Sponsor or co-host community forums and task forces  

• Adopt family-friendly workplace policies  

• Advocate for early childhood as a policy priority with chambers, professional development groups, and workforce boards  

• Connect FTF to passionate local leaders about supporting young children and working families. Businesses can help create practical, sustainable solutions that benefit their employees and Arizona’s economy by engaging in these efforts. 

Amplifying these community investment efforts is one example of how the Education Partnerships Committee strengthens its Member programs through participation.  

Some of the ways the Committee has already worked to lower barriers to collaboration include connecting schools with industry professionals to raise awareness of career pathways (Educator Pro Connect) and improving the Million Dollar Teacher Project’s signature Take a Teacher to Lunch initiative.  

If you’re a current or potential Member, our Advocacy Committees are passionate about increasing Member participation. To learn which Advocacy Committee is right for you, contact our Membership Services Coordinator, Alex Molina, at amolina@dtphx.org.