Child Care Assistance Program

What is the Child Care Assistance Award Program?

The Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) child care assistance award program is a program designed to supplement the costs of childcare for students attending Estrella Mountain. Students must use a third-party child care provider that is licensed/certified by the Department of Economic Security or the Arizona Department of Health Services. The Award will supplement the cost of child care for children from birth – 6 years of age. The child care assistance award program is only a supplement and does not pay for child care costs in its entirety. Students are responsible for selecting and paying their licensed provider. EMCC does not endorse any child care providers and does not assume liability for any actions of the providers. You can apply for the child care assistance award program here.

Who can apply for the Child Care Assistance Award Program?

• Supplemental child care costs are for children from birth to 6 years of age.
• You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and attendance levels throughout the semester.
• Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours at Estrella Mountain Community College and demonstrate a financial need.
• Students must use a third-party child care provider licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services or the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
• 5 hours of Community service will be required 

How do payments work?

• Amount awarded is based on the number of credit hours for which students are enrolled in throughout the semester. 
• Awards are received through the Financial Aid Office via Citibank and you will be notified through your Student Services email.
• First payment will be after the second month of classes and the second payment will be issued towards the end of the semester after all receipts and volunteer hours have been submitted and verified.
• Students may use the award program in conjunction with other forms of child care assistance such as DES. However, the award amount that a student may receive will be decreased. 

How do I apply for the program?

• A new application must be submitted each semester. 
• Complete the child care assistance form. 
• The Maricopa Community Colleges Student Declaration of Citizenship or Status form (HB2008) must be completed and submitted to Enrollment Services before the application will be accepted. 
• Applications will only be accepted 14 days prior to the start of the semester 
• Applications will be reviewed 2 weeks after the start of the semester.
• All applications must be submitted by the 45 calendar day after the start of each semester.
• Upon completion, a member of the Student Life staff will contact you for additional documentation, including a copy of the birth certificate of all eligible children and verification of income.

What documents do I need?

• Birth Certificate(s) for all eligible children in child care for whom you receive the award
• Proof of any additional funds received for child care assistance
• Name, address, and proof of certification of a licensed child care provider
• Proof of income (Income Tax Forms, W-2, pay stubs, etc.)

For questions or to schedule an appointment for assistance, please contact Samantha Dean at [email protected].

View additional non-EMCC child care assistance programs here.