Overview
This unit is responsible for the enforcement of the Child Care Licensing Act for registered child care family homes, licensed homes, licensed child care centers in Arkansas.
Support and Information
Click the title for a link to the section or website.
Types of Child Care Facilities and Programs
Registered Child Care Family Homes
These homes are regulated by the “Registered Child Care Family Homes”. These homes are registered to care for 5 or fewer children. These homes receive periodic unannounced monitors. Incentives: These homes are eligible to participate in state and federally funded programs.
Licensed Homes
These homes are regulated by the “Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes”. The Child Care Licensing Act requires a license for any home situation, arrangement, or agreement by which one (1) or more persons care for six (6) or more children from more than one (1) family at a time (this includes the caregivers own preschool children). A caregiver may choose keep up to 16 children, depending on the ages of children in care and the number of caregivers present. Health and fire department approvals are required if care is provided to 11 or more children. City zoning approval is required were applicable. Licensed home care may be provided in the licensee’s own home or another home like setting. Licensed homes receive periodic unannounced monitor visits. Incentives: These homes are eligible to participate in many of the state and federally funded programs.
Licensed Child Care Centers
These facilities are regulated by the “Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers”. The Child Care Licensing Act requires that facilities providing care to 6 or more children from more than one (1) family obtain a license (programs operating less than ten (10) hours a week are exempt). These facilities require health and fire department approval and are subject to city zoning. Incentives: These homes are eligible to participate in many of the state and federally funded programs.
Child Care Facility Licensing Forms and Support Materials
The following documents are available in Adobe PDF format.
Who to Contact
The following documents provide contact information for licensing assistance.