| License type | Large 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 12–14 children with assistant (verify with AR DHS) |
| Assistant required | Yes — when group exceeds small home limit (typically 8+ children) |
| Provider credential | No Director Permit required; background check + pre-licensing orientation |
| Annual training | Both provider and assistant required (hours vary by state) |
| Setting | Provider’s own private residence |
Arkansas large family child care home: Capacity rules
Large family child care homes in Arkansas use a capacity model with staffing tiers. Capacity depends on whether an assistant provider is present and the ages of children in care, under Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules.
Large family child care homes require a licensed assistant provider when the group exceeds the single-provider limit. For programs serving fewer children, see the Arkansas small family child care home page.
| Capacity scenario | Staffing required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 children | Provider alone | Small family home rules typically apply; verify with AR DHS |
| 9–12 children | Provider + assistant provider | Assistant must be approved by AR DHS; infant limits apply |
| 13–14 children | Provider + assistant provider | Additional capacity criteria may apply; verify with Arkansas Department of Human Services |
| Own children | Counted in total | Both provider’s and assistant’s own children under specified age count toward capacity |
Arkansas large family child care home: Credential & training requirements
Provider / Operator requirements
The licensed provider of a large family child care home in Arkansas must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting), and complete a pre-licensing health and safety orientation. No Director Permit is typically required. The provider must hold current CPR and pediatric first aid certification.
Assistant provider requirements
The assistant provider must also be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete CPR and first aid training. In most states, the assistant must be specifically identified and approved by the licensing agency as part of the license. An unapproved adult cannot fill the assistant role when the group exceeds the single-provider limit.
Annual training requirements
Both the provider and assistant provider must each complete continuing education hours annually as required by Arkansas Department of Human Services. Contact AR DHS for the current training hour requirement and approved topics.
Arkansas large family child care home: Facility requirements
The physical environment standards for large family child care homes in Arkansas are similar to small homes but must accommodate a larger group, under Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules.
| Setting | Provider’s primary residence — same requirement as small family child care home |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area; must safely accommodate the larger licensed group |
| Space assessment | AR DHS will assess whether the home can safely accommodate the licensed capacity during the pre-licensing inspection |
| Sleeping arrangements | Appropriate sleep surfaces for all infants in care; safe sleep environment required |
| Assistant living arrangements | The assistant provider does not need to reside at the home but must be present whenever the group exceeds the single-provider limit |
How to get a large family child care home license in Arkansas
The large family child care home licensing process in Arkansas is administered by Arkansas Department of Human Services. Follow these general steps:
- If expanding from a small family child care home, notify AR DHS of your intent — you must apply for a new or modified large family home license.
- Identify your assistant provider and submit their information to Arkansas Department of Human Services — the assistant must complete background checks and CPR/first aid.
- Complete the AR DHS application for a large family child care home license including all required disclosure forms.
- Schedule and pass an updated home inspection that evaluates the home’s capacity for the larger group.
- Obtain any updated local zoning or fire permits if your jurisdiction requires them for the expanded capacity.
- Receive your large family child care home license from Arkansas Department of Human Services specifying the approved capacity and the named assistant provider.
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 large 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 Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Arkansas Preschool Requirements