| License type | Childcare center |
| 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 |
| Infant ratio | 1:6 (max group: 12) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:12 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:24 (max group: —) |
Arkansas licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers in Arkansas must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Arkansas Department of Human Services under Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules.
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:6 | 12 | Birth–12 months |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:12 | — | 12–36 months |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:24 | — | 4-year-olds; verify 3yr ratio |
Source: Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules, Arkansas Department of Human Services. Always verify current ratios directly with AR DHS.
Arkansas licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Arkansas childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by Arkansas Department of Human Services under Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules. Most states require directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact Arkansas Department of Human Services for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Arkansas licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Arkansas Department of Human Services. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in Arkansas are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Arkansas Department of Human Services. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Arkansas Department of Human Services for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Arkansas licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Arkansas under Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules.
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with AR DHS for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in Arkansas
The childcare center licensing process in Arkansas is administered by Arkansas Department of Human Services. The general steps are:
- Contact Arkansas Department of Human Services — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a AR DHS licensing analyst verifying compliance with Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Arkansas Department of Human Services. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: Arkansas Department of Human Services — Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE).
Official resource: https://dhs.arkansas.gov
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Arkansas classroom approaches ratio limits required under Ark. Code Ann. §20-78-201 et seq.; AR DHS Child Care Center Licensing Rules.
Frequently asked questions: Arkansas childcare center 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 — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Arkansas
Also in this guide: Arkansas Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Arkansas Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Arkansas Preschool Requirements