How to start a daycare in Arizona.
Arizona Department of Health Services licenses child care centers in Arizona. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
Opening a child care center in Arizona, step by step
Check zoning for your site
Ask the local zoning office if you need a permit. A license is tied to one address.
Source: Starting a Child Care Center: Child Care Center Licensing Process InformationCheck for nearby open land
Is vacant or farm land within a quarter mile of your site? You have extra steps before you apply.
Source: Starting a Child Care Center: Child Care Center Licensing Process InformationAsk for a kitchen plan review
Will you make and serve food in your own kitchen? Ask your county health department for a kitchen plan review.
Source: Starting a Child Care Center: Child Care Center Licensing Process InformationGet a fingerprint clearance card
Each person who signs the application needs a valid level one fingerprint clearance card.
Source: Starting a Child Care Center: Child Care Center Licensing Process InformationGather your documents
Gather proof of citizenship or legal status, a copy of your clearance card and a Centralized Background Check.
Source: Starting a Child Care Center: Child Care Center Licensing Process InformationReview the New Owner Orientation
The state recommends its New Owner Orientation Training for anyone applying for a first center license.
Source: New Owner OrientationApply in the licensing portal
Fill out your application in the ADHS Child Care Facility Licensing Portal.
Source: Providers - ApplicationsGet ready for your first inspection
Your Compliance Officer sets up your first inspection after the Bureau approves your application.
Source: Providers - Applications
At a glance
- Who licenses centers
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Child Care Licensing (BCCL). Licenses child care facilities that care for 5 or more children in Arizona.Source: Starting a Child Care Center: Child Care Center Licensing Process Information
- License needed for
- 5 or more children cared for on a regular basis for paySource: Starting a Child Care Center: Child Care Center Licensing Process Information
- First license
- Issued once the state finds you meet the rulesSource: Providers - Applications
- Inspections
- At least one unannounced visit each yearSource: Starting a Child Care Center: Child Care Center Licensing Process Information
Good to know
- The licensing period is now one year. Watch the expiration date on your license or certificate.Source: Providers - Home
- Every first-time application needs an Arizona Statement of Citizenship and Alien Status.Source: Providers - Applications
- Each person asks for their own background check in the state portal. An employer cannot ask for them.Source: Providers - Centralized Background Check
- A center or group home needs a DHS license first to serve families on DES child care assistance.Source: Become a Child Care Provider
Run a program in Arizona? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Plan your program
- How to start a home daycare in Arizona
The kinds of home daycare the state allows, and the steps.
- Arizona licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
- Daycare startup costs in Arizona
Revenue, staff pay and rent from your own numbers.
- Daycare business plan
How to write a plan for funding and licensing.
- Tuition calculator
Typical rates by state and age group.
- Ratio calculator
Staff needed for each age group, by state.
Questions, answered
How do I start a daycare in Arizona?
The first step: Check zoning for your site. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.
Who licenses child care centers in Arizona?
Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Child Care Licensing (BCCL). Licenses child care facilities that care for 5 or more children in Arizona.
About this page
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.
Questions about childcare in Arizona?
Tell us what you run or plan to open. A person on our team answers.