Child Care Provider Requirements in Arkansas

Interested in becoming a child care provider in Arkansas? Child care professionals must meet state requirements designed to support children’s health, safety, and development.

Basic Requirements for Arkansas Child Care Providers

Child care providers in Arkansas may need to:

✔ Meet state minimum age requirements
✔ Complete required background checks
✔ Follow Arkansas health and safety regulations
✔ Complete required preservice and ongoing training
✔ Meet licensing requirements based on the type of program

Preservice Training Requirements

Arkansas requires child care professionals to complete training in key health and safety areas. ChildCareEd offers training aligned with Arkansas requirements, including:

• Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases 
• Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Use of Safe Sleep Practices
• Administration of Medicine 
• Prevention of and response to allergic reactions 
• Building and Physical Premises Safety 
• Shaken Baby Syndrome 
• Responding to Emergencies 
• Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials
• Appropriate Precautions in Transportation of Children
• Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Reporting

Annual Training Requirements

Arkansas requires 15 hours of annual professional development training for child care professionals. ChildCareEd makes compliance easy with flexible online training for:

⭐ Infant & Toddler Programs
⭐ Preschool Settings
⭐ School-Age Care Programs

Advance Your Career with CDA Training 

Take your professional development further with ChildCareEd’s flexible CDA programs, including:

• Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Infant/Toddler Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Home Visitor Credential Birth to 5
• CDA Infant/Toddler Renewal
• CDA Preschool Renewal
• CDA Family Child Care Renewal

Opening a Daycare in Arkansas

Thinking about opening your own daycare in Arkansas? Starting a licensed home daycare requires planning, training, and meeting state licensing standards.

Step 1: Determine Your Capacity

Decide how many children you plan to care for. Your enrollment size will determine whether you need to register or obtain a childcare license.

Step 2: Complete Required Training

Arkansas requires childcare providers to complete required training, including:

✔ Child Care Orientation Training — Offered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services
✔ Pediatric First Aid & CPR Certification — Must be current and maintained

Strengthen your qualifications with ChildCareEd training options:

⭐ CDA Family Child Care Credential — Ideal for home-based providers
⭐ CDA Infant/Toddler Credential — Focused on infant and toddler care
⭐ CDA Preschool Credential — Designed for preschool-age care and learning

Step 3: Prepare Your Home

Your home daycare must meet state safety and health standards, including:

✔ Safe indoor and outdoor play areas
✔ Emergency preparedness plans and posted contact information
✔ Cleanliness, sanitation, and healthy practices

Step 4: Submit Your Application & Documentation

Apply for a childcare license through the Arkansas Department of Human Services, including:

✔ Completed application form
✔ Background checks for household members 18+
✔ Health and safety inspections (if caring for 11 or more children)

Step 5: Inspection & Approval

A licensing specialist will complete an on-site inspection to confirm compliance with Arkansas regulations. After approval, you’ll receive your childcare license and can begin operating your daycare.

Start Strong with ChildCareEd

Whether you’re entering the field or launching your own program, ChildCareEd provides flexible online training and CDA programs to support your success in Arkansas child care.

Licensing Contact Information

Training requirements can change, so it’s always wise to confirm your current standards directly with your local licensing office:

Arkansas Department of Human Services – Division of Child Care & Early Childhood Education (DCCECE)
Phone: (501) 682-8590 or (800) 445-3316

Website: https://portal.arkansas.gov/state_agencies/department-of-human-services-dhs/division-of-child-care-and-early-childhood-education/