What is Southwest Human Development and what programs and services does it offer?
 
Southwest Human Development is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a positive future for young children. Southwest currently operates more than 40 public and private programs in four primary areas: child health and welfare, disabilities, training and education and Head Start.

Additionally, Southwest provides training and consultation services to a wide variety of non-profit organizations and professionals, allowing the agency to significantly impact the capacity and quality of early childhood expertise in Arizona.

With a staff of over 550 child development professionals, Southwest is one of the largest agencies in Arizona, serving more than 50,000 children and their families. Southwest primarily serves Maricopa County, however some programs are available statewide and training is available nationally.

Most recently, Southwest formed the Arizona Institute for Early Childhood Development, which is dedicated to expanding researched-based early childhood development programs. By sharing best practices with the community, the Institute can positively impact thousands of high-risk children. The Institute focuses on three core areas: child abuse prevention, early literacy and infant mental health.

How long has the agency been operating?
 
Southwest Human Development was founded in 1981, and the organization created the Institute in 2004.

View Our History

How many children are served?
 
As the state’s largest community-based organization of its type, Southwest Human Development’s staff serves more than 50,000 children and families each year.

How is Southwest Human Development funded?
 
Federal, state and local governments, as well as corporations, foundations and individual donations, provide funding for Southwest Human Development. Specifically, Southwest is looking to increase funding from individual and corporate donations to continue the Institute’s efforts to improve early childhood development.

What percent of the budget goes to overhead/administration?
 
Thirteen percent of Southwest Human Development’s budget goes to the organization’s administrative staff and services.

How many staff/employees does the agency have?
 
Southwest Human Development currently has over 550 highly trained and dedicated professionals. To view current job openings, please see the Job Listings page.

How is Southwest Human Development different from other non-profit child welfare organizations?
 
Southwest Human Development is unique in its focus on promoting the healthy development of children in their earliest years – from newborn to six years old. The organization works to help strengthen families and prevent problems before they begin, or to intervene as early and effectively as possible where problems already exist. Southwest is dedicated to helping families find solutions to problems and gain access to community resources that address their needs.

How can someone receive more information?
 
Eligibility requirements depend on the individual program. For the following programs, please contact:

Head Start: (602) 468-3431

Assistive Technology:
Phone: (602) 266-5976 ext. 4120
TTY: (602) 468-3424


Healthy Families: (602) 266-5976 ext. 5150

Good Fit Counseling Center: (602) 200-0434

Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute: (602) 200-0434

For all other programs, call Southwest Human Development’s main line: (602) 266-5976

Are there fees for the services?
 
Many of the agency’s programs are offered at no cost to families. Programs that do charge for services offer a sliding fee scale.

How can someone contribute to Southwest Human Development?
 
Financial contributions and in-kind donations are always greatly appreciated, as it’s an opportunity to invest in the community and improve childhood development. Southwest Human Development is also in need of volunteers. If you are interested becoming a volunteer, or for information on how to donate, please visit the How You Can Help page.

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