Arizona childcare licensing is administered by the Bureau of Child Care Licensing within the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). All facilities providing care for 5 or more unrelated children must be licensed. Arizona uses a capacity-based system where indoor space requirements (35 square feet per child) drive maximum enrollment rather than fixed group size limits.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year | 1:5 | — |
| 1 year | 1:6 | — |
| 2 years | 1:8 | — |
| 3 years | 1:13 | — |
| 4 years | 1:15 | — |
| 5 years | 1:20 | — |
| School age | 1:20 | — |
No mandated group size limits. Maximum enrollment limited by 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child.
Emergency/Information/Immunization Record
Combined state form capturing emergency contacts, authorized pickup persons, and immunization status.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records required on file before first day of attendance.
Proof of Age (Birth Certificate)
Birth certificate or other proof of age required for enrollment.
Medication ConsentConditional
Individual written consent required for each medication to be administered.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Enrollment/Admission Agreement
Signed agreement between parent and facility covering policies and services.
Exemption Policy
Medical and personal belief/religious exemptions are permitted. Personal belief exemptions require a state form signed by the parent or guardian. Contact the Arizona Department of Health Services for current exemption forms.
Minimum Age
18 years for teacher-caregivers. 16 years for assistant positions.
Background Check
Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Fingerprint Clearance Card required for all staff. Card must be in possession of employee, not just on file at facility.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent ECE coursework required for lead positions. Contact ADHS for specific credit requirements.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Must work under supervision of qualified lead teacher.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
18 hours of continuing education annually required for all teaching staff.
Director Qualifications
Must be 21 years of age or older. Requires relevant ECE credits, specific administrative training, and documented experience working in licensed child care.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually. Additional inspections based on complaints or compliance history.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact the ADHS Bureau of Child Care Licensing. Includes orientation, application submission, Fingerprint Clearance Cards for all staff, facility inspection, and documentation review.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact the ADHS for current fee schedule.
Daycare Enrollment Forms Checklist: Every Document You Need Per Child
The complete list of documents required per child, with state-specific variations.
How to Prepare for a Daycare Licensing Inspection
Step-by-step checklist covering child files, staff records, ratios, and facility safety.
Staff-to-Child Ratios by State: The Complete Comparison
Compare infant, toddler, and preschool ratio requirements across all 50 states.
Daycare Immunization Requirements by State
Required vaccines and exemption policies — medical only, religious, or philosophical.
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