child care workforce; scholarship program

HB 2626 creates a state-funded scholarship program for child care workers in Arizona earning below 85% of the state median income. It directly affects teachers, educators, and support staff at department-contracted child care providers, preschools, kindergartens, and K-12 schools. The program provides $200 million in state funding for fiscal year 2026-2027, with scholarship money paid directly to child care providers (not individual workers) on a first-come, first-served basis. This aims to support workforce retention by covering costs for eligible providers.