Do you need after-school or school-break care for your child with disabilities or special health care needs? Arizona offers several programs that can help families find safe, supportive care.
Day Treatment and Training (DTT) Programs
Families whose children receive services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and the Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) can request Day Treatment and Training (DTT) hours to help provide care.
DTT programs are structured after-school or daytime programs—usually for children and youth ages 7 to 17—that help young people build skills and connect with others.
DTT programs often include:
- Educational activities
- Social and recreational opportunities
- Life-skills training in small group settings
Each child’s goals are created with input from parents or caregivers and their DDD support coordinator. These goals usually align with the child’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
Most programs offer about four hours of care per day. Some centers also provide respite hours to help cover longer days.
If you’re interested in a DTT program for your child, talk to their DDD support coordinator, who can share a list of available programs. You can also search for DTT providers on the Arizona DES website.
Child Care Options for All Families
Families can also look for child care centers using the Arizona Child Care Resource and Referral website.
This site helps parents and caregivers find programs in their area, including those that accept state assistance or serve children with diverse needs.
If you’re unsure whether a program can meet your child’s needs—especially if your child has behavioral challenges—there are supports available for you and for child care staff.
Help With Challenging Behaviors: AZ STEPS
The Arizona Statewide Training and Technical Assistance for Expulsion and Prevention (AZ STEPS) program helps child care centers and preschools manage and prevent challenging behaviors.
AZ STEPS offers free training, consultation, and on-site coaching on topics such as behavior management and child development for children from birth through age 12.
Coordinated by Southwest Human Development, this program works in partnership with the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to help early childhood providers serve children with behavioral needs.
Services are provided at no cost to DES-contracted child care providers, their staff, and the families they serve.
Parents, guardians, or child care centers can request AZ STEPS support online.
This support can help your child stay in a program that understands their needs.
Choosing Quality Child Care
First Things First, Arizona’s early childhood agency, also supports families and child care providers through the Quality First initiative.
Families can use the Quality First checklist for choosing child care to find programs that focus on safety, trained staff, and engaging learning environments.
Child care centers that participate in Quality First receive additional resources, including support from child development specialists who can observe classrooms and coach staff on behavior management and inclusion.
Encircle Families Is Here to Help
If you have questions or need help finding a program that fits your child, contact Encircle Families by email at info@encirclefamilies.org or by phone at 602-242-4366. Our team can help you explore DTT programs, child care options, and behavior-support resources so you can feel confident about your child’s care.
