| License type | Small family child care home |
| Regulating agency | Arkansas Department of Human Services — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) |
| Regulatory code | Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules |
| Typical maximum capacity | Up to 6–8 children (verify with AR DHS) |
| Provider credential | No Director Permit required in most states; background check + pre-licensing orientation required |
| CPR/First Aid | Required — must be current before license issued |
| Annual training | Continuing education required (hours vary by state) |
| Setting | Provider’s own private residence |
Arkansas small family child care home: Capacity rules
Small family child care homes in Arkansas use a capacity model rather than a traditional staff-to-child ratio. The licensed capacity is set under Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules and depends on the ages of children and whether the provider is alone or has an assistant present.
Small family child care homes operate on a capacity model, not a staff-to-child ratio model. The provider is the caregiver — no assistant is required. For programs caring for a larger group, see the Arkansas large family child care home requirements.
| Capacity scenario | Staffing required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 children | Provider alone | Typical base capacity; verify with AR DHS for infant limits |
| 7–8 children | Provider alone (if criteria met) | Additional criteria may apply (age mix, infant limits); verify with Arkansas Department of Human Services |
| Provider’s own children | Counted in total | Own children under specified age who are home during care hours typically count toward capacity |
Arkansas small family child care home: Credential & training requirements
Provider / Licensee requirements
To operate a small family child care home in Arkansas, the provider must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting), and complete a pre-licensing health and safety orientation approved by Arkansas Department of Human Services. A formal ECE degree or director permit is generally not required for small family homes in most states.
CPR and first aid
Current CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required before the license is issued and must be kept current throughout the licensing period. Some states require household members or substitutes to also hold CPR certification.
Annual training requirements
After licensure, providers in Arkansas must complete continuing education hours annually as required by Arkansas Department of Human Services. Training topics typically include child development, health and safety, and first aid. Contact AR DHS for the current annual training requirement.
Arkansas small family child care home: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to small family child care homes in Arkansas under Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules.
| Setting | Must be the provider’s primary residence; not a commercial building |
| Home inspection | AR DHS licensing analyst inspects the home before license issuance — checks for safety hazards, fencing, safe sleeping areas, and emergency exits |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; equipment must be age-appropriate and in good repair |
| Sleeping arrangements | Safe sleep practices required; appropriate sleep surfaces for infants; no shared sleep surfaces |
| Zoning | Check with your local city/county — some jurisdictions require a home business permit or conditional use permit for a family child care home |
How to get a small family child care home license in Arkansas
The small family child care home licensing process in Arkansas is administered by Arkansas Department of Human Services. Follow these general steps:
- Contact Arkansas Department of Human Services — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) to request a small family child care home application packet.
- Complete the application forms including disclosure of all adults (18+) residing in the home, who must submit fingerprints for background checks.
- Complete the required pre-licensing health and safety orientation.
- Obtain current CPR and pediatric first aid certification for the provider.
- Schedule and pass the pre-licensing home inspection by a AR DHS licensing analyst.
- Obtain any required local permits (zoning, fire, or home business permit) from your city or county.
- Receive your small family child care home license from Arkansas Department of Human Services.
Licensing contact: Arkansas Department of Human Services — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE).
Official resource: https://dhs.arkansas.gov
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Frequently asked questions: Arkansas small family child care home licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Arkansas Department of Human Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Arkansas Department of Human Services — family child care home licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Arkansas
Also in this guide: Arkansas Childcare Center Requirements, Arkansas Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Arkansas Preschool Requirements