New child care center opens on W. Eighth Street in Yuma

Gabby's Family Child Care LLC celebrated a grand opening the weekend of Jan. 11, adding a new childcare option on W. Eighth Street for toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children up to 12 years old. The center is authorized by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, meaning families who receive DES child care assistance can use those benefits at the facility. Enrollment is currently open.

The opening was coordinated with Arizona Western College's Small Business Development Center, which supported the owner through the business start-up process. That local partnership underscores a practical pipeline in Yuma County between entrepreneurship support and services that expand community capacity. By bringing a DES-authorized site online, Gabby's reduces a common barrier for families who rely on state assistance to afford work-based child care.

Childcare availability is more than a family matter; it affects Yuma County's labor market and local employers. Access to reliable, licensed care for infants, toddlers and school-age children helps parents maintain steady employment, supports shift and seasonal workers, and reduces the economic friction that occurs when families lose hours or exit the labor force to cover caregiving needs. A new center on W. Eighth Street therefore contributes to both household economic stability and workforce resilience in the region.

The center's mix of toddler and preschool programming addresses early childhood development as well as immediate care needs. DES authorization for care through age 12 also helps families bridge gaps caused by inconsistent school schedules, after-school hours and seasonal work demands. For families seeking slots, enrollment is open now; parents should verify hours, capacity and DES enrollment procedures directly with the center to confirm availability and eligibility.

Local resources for prospective childcare providers and workers include Arizona Western College's Small Business Development Center, which helped coordinate the opening, and state systems administered through DES that handle certification and subsidy enrollment. These resources are useful for neighbors considering opening care sites, expanding capacity, or seeking early childhood training that improves quality and compliance.

The arrival of Gabby's Family Child Care is a practical boost to families and employers who have long navigated tight childcare options in Yuma County. The takeaway? If you need care, check enrollment and DES eligibility now; if you employ parents, factor this new site into staffing plans; and if you’re thinking of starting your own program, reach out to the Small Business Development Center for help getting started. Our two cents? Simple investments in local care make it easier for Yuma families to work, learn and stay connected to the community.