The Erik Hite Foundation First Responders Childcare Program

The Erik Hite Foundation, a nonprofit, provides a dedicated childcare center for the families of the Tucson police and firefighters at significantly discounted rates. The initiative was founded in 2011 by Nohemy Hite to honor Sgt. Erik Hite, a Tucson police officer killed in the line of duty in 2008.

First responders work around the clock, making traditional daycare hours impractical. This was the case in Tucson, Arizona, where childcare costs on average were $9,500-$10,000 per year per child, consuming a considerable amount of a first responder’s income.

In 2021, the Erik Hite Foundation introduced a childcare center for the families of first responders—including law enforcement, the fire service, border patrol, and military personnel. The operating hours are flexible and aligned to shift schedules. The center offers up to 40% tuition discounts for first responders’ families. The center honors Erik Hite’s legacy, a former Tucson policy officer, by alleviating a key stressor for his colleagues—improving their quality of life and strengthening public safety through better recruitment and retention. The foundation’s 501(c)(3) status enables community-based funding to sustain the effort.

• Location strategy: Co-locate childcare centers near police/fire stations to provide ease of access, minimize commute times, and quickly respond to emergencies.
• Tailor childcare offerings to the specific needs of first responders.
• Leverage local government networks: To understand the intricacies of different first responders served.