Tucson Newcomers Guide: All You Need to Know for Parents: Daycare, Child Care, After-School Programs

Check with the Southern Arizona branch of the Department of Health Services, Child Care Facilities at 400 W. Congress St., Ste. 100 (628-6540), before selecting a daycare center or preschool for your child. Every center or preschool in Arizona serving five or more children is required to be licensed and regulated by the state, and you can check the files for any you might be interested in. The files contain records on inspections that have taken place within the past three years and on any complaints that have been made.
Child and Family Resources, 2800 E. Broadway Blvd., 85716 (881-8940). Specific services include: Childcare Resource and Referral, Kidline, Child and Adult Food Program, Early Intervention for Preschool, “Happy Hours” after-school program, Center for Adolescent Parents, and the Sick Child Home Health Care program. www.childfamilyresources.org
Many public schools provide after-school supervision for children of working parents, so check with your child's school first. Numerous private day-care facilities offer late-afternoon care for elementaryage youngsters, and you can also check with your local YMCA.
The YMCA and Tucson Parks and Recreation Department both offer a variety of all-day summer programs.