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In the Spring of 2021, the Pima County Board of Supervisors took bold action to create Pima Early Education Program scholarships (PEEPs). PEEPs is designed to assist up to 1,200 children from income eligible families to attend high quality preschool at 170 locations across Pima County. By actively collaborating with existing state and federal programs, the target is to assist all income eligible families who want to send their children to high quality preschool in Pima County.
A wealth of data shows that investing in high-quality preschool provides short-term and lasting benefits to children, families, schools, taxpayers and the community.
For Families
There are three components to the PEEPs program including the free school district preschool classes, Quality First scholarships, and extended day Head Start programing.
While income limits vary, many scholarships are now available to families with 3- or 4-year-old children (and 5-year-olds not in kindergarten) with incomes up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, that is $83,250 for a family of four.
If your household income is below the amount shown below, you may qualify
| Annual income |
$54,930 |
$69,090 |
$83,250 |
$97,410 |
$111,570 |
$125,730 |
$139,890
|
If a family is interested in scholarships, they should contact their local school district or childcare provider, or they should contact Child Care Resource & Referral’s (CCR&R) at www.azccrr.com or 1-800-308-9000
CCR&R staff are warm and hospitable over the phone and will help the families identify which providers might have scholarships and whether the family might qualify or not. Families complete the scholarship application through the provider.
Childcare Checklist
Ready to return to work? We have a
checklist to help you ensure that steps are in place to keep your child safe while you are on the job, training or pursuing an education.
More about PEEPs
Pima County recently hired Nicole Scott as Program Manager to administer the
program as part of the Pima County Community and Workforce Development Department. Ms. Scott has 15 years of early childhood education experience, starting as an educator at a national accredited preschool.
Funding for PEEPs is provided by Pima County’s share of Federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, the City of Tucson, Towns of Marana and Oro Valley, and participating school districts. Donations to the United Way of Tucson & Southern Arizona from individuals, businesses, and non-profits complement the program.
Nicole Scott | Program Manager
Pima County PEEPs Program
Office: 520-724-2696 | Nicole.Scott@pima.gov
PEEP framework and guiding principles.
PEEPs FAQ for Providers
PEEPs FAQ for Providers Spanish
FY22Q1 PEEPs Quarterly Report
United Way Accelerate Quality
FY22Q2 PEEPs Quarterly Report
FY22Q3 PEEPs Quarterly Report
FY22 PEEPs Year End Report
FY23Q2 PEEPs Quarterly Report