If you’re a caregiver or educator with experience in early childhood development and education, you might’ve considered starting your own daycare. With the increase of working families, the need for child care has also increased. These families are looking for childcare providers who are caring, experienced, and prepared to help their children learn the skills they need to be successful.

Opening a daycare is a fulfilling task, and this article is a great tool to bring you one step closer. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can start a daycare in Arkansas, what you need to apply for a childcare license, and how to remain compliant with licensing requirements.

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Do I need a childcare license in Arkansas?

The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) is the administrative agency in Arkansas responsible for administering the Child Care Facility Licensing Act. The act authorizes the DCCECE to establish the rules that govern the granting, revocation, denial, and suspension of licenses for childcare facilities and the operations of childcare facilities in the state.

The division has created parameters that decide which childcare facilities are subject to minimum licensing requirements in the Child Care Facility Licensing Act. Any facility that is open more than five hours during any 24-hour period or more than 10 hours during a seven-day period is required to get licensing or registration. Facilities that meet this guideline but operate no more than three weeks per calendar year, such as summer bible schools and camps, are not required to comply with licensing requirements. Additionally, part-time programs are exempt from licensing as long as they operate no more than 10 hours per week.

Below are the types of early childhood childcare facilities and programs that the division oversees: 

• Licensed childcare centers: Facilities that care for six or more children from more than one family. 
• Licensed childcare family homes: Facilities where care is provided for six to 16 children in a provider’s home. If the care in a licensed home is provided to 11 or more children, it is subject to health and fire department approvals.
• Registered childcare family homes: Facilities where care is provided for fewer than five children in a provider’s home.

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Childcare licensing requirements in Arkansas

One of the first steps to starting a daycare center is to obtain the appropriate license. Childcare centers in Arkansas must always maintain compliance with the licensing requirements that govern their facility. This is to ensure that they meet all essential standards necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the children attending. Childcare centers are also required to report on suspected child maltreatment and maintain a minimum amount of childcare liability insurance based on the licensed capacity of the center.

The Child Care Licensing Act has over a dozen categories for the licensing requirements it has created for licensed childcare centers, licensed childcare family homes, and registered childcare family homes.

Below you’ll find examples of some of the licensing requirements each facility is required to comply with.

Licensed childcare centers

Personnel requirements

Licensed childcare centers in Arkansas must meet staff-to-child ratio requirements, caregiver qualifications, and professional development requirements.

Licensed childcare center staff must maintain the following staff-to-child ratios:

• Under 18 months: One staff member for every five children (1:5)
• 18 months to 36 months: One staff member for every eight children (1:8)
• 36 months to three years: One staff member for every 12 children (1:12)
• Four years: One staff member for every 15 children (1:15)
• Five years: One staff member for every 18 children (1:18)

Licensed childcare center directors must be at least 21 years old and have a degree in a childcare-related field.

A director, assistant director, or site supervisor who meets the qualifications of a director must be present for at least half of each day that the childcare center is operational.

All new directors, assistant directors, and site supervisors must attend staff training in the Arkansas Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) within six months of employment.

Directors, assistant directors, and site supervisors must obtain 15 clock hours of training in early childhood education each year. Training is registered with Arkansas's Professional Development Registry or the Department of Education, or approved by the Department of Higher Education.

Program requirements

Licensed childcare centers in Arkansas must have the necessary supplies, resources, and indoor and outdoor equipment to care for children and provide various activities throughout the day.

Each classroom must have a posted schedule that includes developmentally appropriate activities and has alternating periods for active play and quiet activities throughout the day.

Childcare staff must provide children with experiences that meet their needs and satisfy Arkansas’s learning standards for physical, social, emotional, creative, aesthetic, cognitive, intellectual, and language development.

Building requirements

Licensed childcare centers need to have a minimum of 35 square feet of usable floor space per child for indoor activities, not including bathrooms, kitchens, or hallways.

Licensed childcare centers in Arkansas must comply with the minimum requirements of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and maintain written verification of annual approval. They must also comply with the Arkansas State Department and Arkansas Department of Labor Boiler Inspection Division’s requirements.

Safety requirements

Licensed childcare center directors must file a copy of the center’s floor plan with the local Office of Emergency Management within 30 days of any modification of the floor plan. Childcare centers also need to coordinate with local emergency management officials to plan for emergencies. A current copy of the Arkansas Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan must also be maintained at the childcare center and reviewed by the childcare center’s director.

A licensed childcare center needs to have a disaster evacuation plan that details its emergency procedures. The center must also conduct and keep records of monthly fire and tornado drills.

General health requirements

Licensed childcare centers cannot admit children or staff members who have contagious or infectious diseases. A child’s family member should be notified as soon as possible if a child displays any symptoms that require them to be removed from the facility.

Medications need to be kept out of reach of children. Children need permission from a family member before they can be given medication. The signed permission should include information about the type of medication, the appropriate dosage, and the amount of time to give the medication. Medications should be returned to the child’s family member or disposed of when they are out of date, or the child withdraws from the program.

Within 15 days of enrollment, a childcare facility must verify that a child has been immunized as required by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), or the child cannot remain in care.

Playground and outdoor learning equipment

Licensed childcare centers are required to meet safety standards for playground and outdoor learning equipment, such as sandboxes and slides, on facility grounds.

A diagram of the playground shall be submitted, clearly identifying the perimeter of the playground, with measurements, and identifying each piece of equipment used by the children enrolled at the licensed facility.

The play area or outdoor learning area shall be fenced or otherwise enclosed and provide at least 75 square feet per child present on the playground at any time.

Licensed childcare family homes

Personnel requirements

A licensed childcare family home in Arkansas must meet standards for personnel which cover requirements for staff-to-child ratios, caregiver qualifications, and professional development.

Licensed childcare family homes must maintain the following staff-to-child ratios.

One adult caregiver:

• 0-up (no more than three children under 2 years): One adult for 3-6 children (1:3-6)
• 0-up (no more than two children under 2 years): One adult for 7 children (1:7)
• 0-up (no more than one child under 2 years): One adult for 8 children (1:8)
• 2-up (no more than three children between 2 and 3 years): One adult for 9 children (1:9)
• 3-up: One adult for 10 children (1:10)

Two adult caregivers:

• 0-up: Two adults for 3-6 children (2:3-6)
• 0-up (no more than four children under 2 years): Two adults for 7 children (2:7)
• 0-up (no more than four children under 2 years): Two adults for 8 children (2:8)
• 0-up (no more than four children under 2 years): Two adults for 9 children (2:9)
• 0-up (no more than four children under 2 years): Two adults for 10-14 children (2:10-14)
• 0-up (no more than two children under 2 years): Two adults for 15-16 children (2:15-16)

Homes specializing in infant care must maintain a ratio of one adult for three children (1:3).

The primary caregiver must be at least 21 years old. A secondary caregiver must be at least 18 years old. Primary and secondary caregivers must have a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED).

All caregivers who work directly with children must register with the Arkansas Professional Development Registry and obtain at least 15 hours of training, including child development training each year.

All caregivers, including volunteers who are counted in the ratios, must receive orientation within three months of employment (and every three years). Caregivers cannot be left alone with children until the orientation has been completed.

Program requirements

A licensed childcare family home must have a posted schedule that includes age-appropriate activities and has alternating periods for active play and quiet activities throughout the day.

Children must have a supervised rest period of one to two hours. Children who don’t fall asleep during this period should be allowed to participate in a quiet, supervised activity.

Children should be given at least one hour of outdoor play each day if weather permits.

Building requirements

Licensed childcare family homes need to have a minimum of 35 square feet of usable floor space per child for indoor activities. This does not include bathrooms, kitchens, closets, or hallways.

Licensed childcare family homes in Arkansas must comply with the Arkansas Department of Labor Boiler Inspection Division’s requirements.

If natural gas or propane is used, the childcare family home’s heating system should be inspected and cleaned by a qualified heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician before each heating season.

Carbon monoxide detectors must be placed in licensed childcare family homes as required by state or local law or if the home is heated by wood, propane, natural gas, or any other products that can produce carbon monoxide indoors or in an attached garage.

Safety requirements

Licensed childcare family homes must file a copy of the home’s floor plan with the local Office of Emergency Management within 30 days of any modification of the floor plan.

A licensed childcare family home needs to have a disaster evacuation plan that details its emergency procedures. Licensed childcare family home providers must immediately notify their local licensing unit of any damage to the building or facility grounds.

General health requirements

All garbage, soiled diapers, and trash must be removed from the childcare family home daily and removed from the grounds at least once a week. Licensed childcare family homes must have a first aid kit at the facility. The first aid kit must be kept out of reach of children.

Licensed childcare family home staff who have direct contact with children must receive immunizations or provide evidence of immunity. Staff members must follow any health or medical care plans or medical documentation provided by a child’s physician or family member.

Playground and outdoor learning equipment

A satellite photo or diagram of the home’s playground that clearly identifies the perimeter of the playground, with measurements, and identifies each piece of equipment must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.

Registered childcare family homes

Personnel requirements

A registered childcare family home in Arkansas must meet standards for personnel which cover requirements for caregiver qualifications and responsibilities and training.

The primary caregiver at a registered childcare family home must be at least 18 years old. The primary and secondary caregivers must have a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED).

Newly registered childcare family home providers must attend family child care provider training within the first six months of registration and at least 15 hours of annual training, including child development training, through the Arkansas Professional Development Registry.

Program requirements

A registered childcare family home must have a posted schedule that includes age-appropriate activities and has alternating periods for active play and quiet activities throughout the day.

Building requirements

Registered childcare centers must comply with the Arkansas State Department and Arkansas Department of Labor Boiler Inspection Division’s requirements.

Carbon monoxide detectors must be placed in registered childcare family homes as required by state or local law or if the home is heated by wood, propane, natural gas, or any other products that can produce carbon monoxide indoors or in an attached garage.

Safety requirements

Registered childcare family homes must file a copy of the home’s floor plan with the local Office of Emergency Management within 30 days of any modification of the floor plan.

A registered childcare family home needs to have a disaster evacuation plan that details its emergency procedures. The childcare family home must also conduct and keep records of monthly fire and tornado drills. Registered childcare family home providers must immediately notify their local licensing unit of any damage to the building or facility grounds.

General health requirements

Registered childcare family homes must adhere to extensive guidelines on hand washing, drinking facilities, diaper changing, and toileting.

The registered childcare family home must have an adequate supply of water that meets the standards for drinking water of the Arkansas Health Department.

Playground and outdoor learning equipment

A satellite photo or diagram of the home’s playground that clearly identifies the perimeter of the playground, with measurements, and identifies each piece of equipment must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.

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Childcare license application in Arkansas

Whether you are looking to operate a childcare center, licensed childcare family home, or registered childcare family home in Arkansas, the steps to apply for the appropriate license are the same. Below are the steps to follow in the application process.

Step 1: Contact the childcare licensing staff

Contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. You will be given the contact information for the childcare licensing specialist in your area. They will also provide information on how to schedule the required pre-application orientation class.

Step 2: Attend the pre-licensing class

Here you will receive information on the steps involved in getting a childcare license in Arkansas including the applicable licensing requirements, required background checks, financial considerations and business liability, fire and health department approval, zoning requirements, and how to access state and federally funded programs.

Step 3: Review your documentation with a childcare licensing specialist

Contact the childcare licensing specialist in your area. They will discuss your plans and whether you’re ready to apply. Note: The specialist will offer technical assistance before and during the application process. They will also offer to review plans and blueprints, visit proposed site locations, and provide zoning information.

Step 4: Submit a completed and signed application form

When you are within 60 days of the anticipated opening date of your daycare, submit your application to your licensing specialist by mail or by using the Arkansas Department of Human Services eLicensing platform. A completed application should have:

• A signed application form with a designated person who assumes legal responsibility for the facility
• A named director and their qualifications
• Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the Board of Directors, if applicable
• Clear written guidelines of responsibility for the Board of Directors, if applicable
• The building or facility diagram
• Description of the provided services to the children
• Criminal background check results on all owners, operators, and staff of the facility
• Boiler inspection or verification that inspection has been scheduled
• Approval from the Fire Department
• Approval from the Health Department
• Zoning approval
• Proof of childcare liability insurance
• A reasonable plan with a proposed budget that covers costs of staffing, building rent and repairs, utilities, equipment, safety, and nutrition

Step 5: Pay the license fee

You will receive a license fee notice in the mail that provides information on the fee amount and where it should be mailed to. 

Step 6: Wait for your licensing specialist to contact you

Within two business days of your application submission, your assigned specialist will contact you to discuss your plans and offer technical assistance. They have 60 days to submit a recommendation to the DCCECE.

The business surrounding opening your childcare facility doesn’t end once your license has been granted. After you’ve received a license, you should decide on a name for your facility and develop your business plan and marketing strategies. A tool like brightwheel's center management feature can help you save time and stay organized as you prepare your facility for opening day. 

How to stay compliant with a daycare license in Arkansas

Once you’ve received your license, your childcare licensing specialist will recommend a new provisional license for a newly opened facility. This license is also given when an existing facility has been acquired by new owners whose compliance history has yet to be determined. New provisional licenses don’t exceed 12 months. At the end of the period and based on compliance, the DCCECE will decide to issue a regular license, revoke the license, suspend the license, or issue another provisional license.

Regular licenses are given when a facility has demonstrated substantial compliance with the minimum licensing requirements set by the division. It is also given if a licensed owner with a regular license relocates their facility and has demonstrated substantial compliance in the past.

Once you receive your daycare license in Arkansas, you can stay compliant by:

• Paying the annual license fee
• Cooperating with the childcare licensing specialists
• Adhering to the minimum licensing requirements

Start a daycare in Arkansas

Most daycare facilities and programs in Arkansas require a daycare license to operate. Whether your goal is to operate a center-based or home-based center, there are important requirements you must meet to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all the children in your care. With this guide, you’re well on your way to securing a childcare license in Arkansas.