Supporting the heroes
who fight every day.

Making family-provided care more sustainable.

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.

Recognizing the Care You Already Provide

Recognizing the Care You Already Provide

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.

Little girl in a wheel chair.
A young girl smiles while lying in bed with a teddy bear as a healthcare professional uses a stethoscope.

A Program Built
Around Your Child

A Program Built
Around Your Child

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.

DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities)

DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities)

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.

A woman and a boy sitting on the floor of a room with wood paneling, the woman holding a small blue object.

ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System)

ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System)

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.

What the Program Provides

What the Program Provides

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

1

Eligibility Review

We begin by learning about your child's care needs and determining whether DDD, ALTCS, or other funding sources may apply.

1

Eligibility Review

We begin by learning about your child's care needs and determining whether DDD, ALTCS, or other funding sources may apply.

2

Training and Credentialing

If eligible, we guide you through required training, certifications, and onboarding steps, including the LHA program when applicable.

2

Training and Credentialing

If eligible, we guide you through required training, certifications, and onboarding steps, including the LHA program when applicable.

3

Care Begins at Home

You provide approved caregiving services in the home, based on your child's authorized care plan.

3

Care Begins at Home

You provide approved caregiving services in the home, based on your child's authorized care plan.

4

We Support the Ongoing Process

We manage compliance, payroll, documentation, and continued support so the program stays stable over time.

4

We Support the Ongoing Process

We manage compliance, payroll, documentation, and continued support so the program stays stable over time.

Woman and child on a bike path in a park. The woman stands beside a child on a bike, smiling and pointing. The child wears a green helmet and beige jacket.
A young girl in a brown dress and pink glasses uses a walker.

A Clear Path Forward for Extraordinary Families

A Clear Path Forward for Extraordinary Families

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.

Explore Our Other Programs

Explore Our Other Programs

Learn more about the programs available in Phoenix

We help families understand their options and build in-home care that fits real needs, from childhood through later life.

Learn more about the programs available in Phoenix

A young girl smiles while lying in bed with a teddy bear as a healthcare professional uses a stethoscope.

Veterans First

Specialized support for veterans, including VA-authorized care.

Two women sitting on a couch, one in a white shirt and the other in blue scrubs with a stethoscope around her neck, holding hands and smiling.

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.

Let's talk about making your care sustainable

If you are navigating the complexities of pediatric home care, you don't have to do it alone. Our team is here to explain how DDD, ALTCS, and the Licensed Health Aide program work and help you determine the best path forward for your family.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Let's talk about making your care sustainable

If you are navigating the complexities of pediatric home care, you don't have to do it alone. Our team is here to explain how DDD, ALTCS, and the Licensed Health Aide program work and help you determine the best path forward for your family.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Let's talk about making your care sustainable

If you are navigating the complexities of pediatric home care, you don't have to do it alone. Our team is here to explain how DDD, ALTCS, and the Licensed Health Aide program work and help you determine the best path forward for your family.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Let's talk about making your care sustainable

If you are navigating the complexities of pediatric home care, you don't have to do it alone. Our team is here to explain how DDD, ALTCS, and the Licensed Health Aide program work and help you determine the best path forward for your family.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Let's talk about making your care sustainable

If you are navigating the complexities of pediatric home care, you don't have to do it alone. Our team is here to explain how DDD, ALTCS, and the Licensed Health Aide program work and help you determine the best path forward for your family.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Trusted by Families, Every Day

Care that puts
people first

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes FirstALTCS Paid Parent Caregiver in Phoenix | Little Heroes First

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

The kinds of support we provide

From daily routines to specialized needs, care is shaped around what’s required at home.

Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight