As businesses reopen across the Phoenix area following the end of Gov. Doug Ducey’s stay-at-home order, child care facilities are struggling with the aftermath of the two-month closure.
There are more than 2,500 licensed child care centers in Arizona, yet only 800 have returned to operation.
The demand for child care is low despite the reopening of non-essential businesses, and dozens of facilities are at risk of closing permanently.
Ducey has ordered the Arizona Department of Economic Security to provide reimbursements to certain care centers, even if they’re still closed.
Since classrooms are limited to no more than 10 people, including teachers, most facilities have seen a drop in attendance, making program directors fear for additional closures.
