The Little Heroes First Program helps Phoenix parents become trained, paid caregivers for their children through Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and other qualifying Medicaid programs. We provide the professional training and structure needed to make your care sustainable.
When a child faces a serious medical condition or disability, families often step into the caregiver role without hesitation. Parents learn routines, manage appointments, handle daily support needs, and provide constant supervision, all while trying to keep life as normal as possible.
The Little Heroes First Program was created for families already carrying that responsibility. Our goal is to provide structure, training, and professional support so that the care happening at home can become sustainable for the long term.


The hero in this story is your child. They are the one fighting through challenges most people will never fully understand, and they deserve consistent care from someone who knows them best.
Arizona offers several pathways that may allow a parent or family member to serve as a paid caregiver. The right path depends on your child's diagnosis, needs, and eligibility.
For children with developmental disabilities, DDD is the primary pathway. Through DDD, parents may be eligible to become Licensed Health Aides (LHAs), allowing them to provide approved care at home and receive compensation. Our Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program page explains the full process, eligibility requirements, and training details.


Some children with significant medical needs may qualify under ALTCS, Arizona's Medicaid long-term care program administered by AHCCCS. When eligible, ALTCS can fund in-home care services and may allow family members to serve as paid caregivers.
If you are caring for an adult family member, visit our Family First page to learn about paid caregiver programs for seniors and adults with disabilities through ALTCS.
The Little Heroes First Program provides structured guidance so families can move from informal caregiving to a supported, professional role when eligible programs allow.
Eligibility Review and Program Navigation
We help determine whether your child may qualify through DDD, ALTCS, or other Medicaid-funded programs and guide you through the required steps.
Training and Credentialing
We provide required caregiver training, certification support, and assistance with background checks and onboarding documentation. For families pursuing the LHA pathway, we manage the full training and certification process.
Employment and Administrative Support
We employ you as your child's caregiver when eligible and manage payroll, compliance requirements, and ongoing documentation so the process remains organized and stable.
Pay and Benefits Support
For families who qualify, compensation is based on authorized care hours and may include access to health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave options, and other employee benefits depending on eligibility and employment status.
How It Works


Parents of medically complex children do not need more paperwork, confusion, or uncertainty. They need a stable system that supports what they are already doing every day.
The Little Heroes First Program exists to strengthen the family caregiver role and make it possible for parents to continue caring for their child without sacrificing financial stability or professional support.


Family First
Specialized IHSS programs that train and pay family members to serve as caregivers.

LHA Program
Become your child's Licensed Health Aide with training and full benefits included.
The kinds of support we provide
From daily routines to specialized needs, care is shaped around what’s required at home.