How to start a home daycare in Arizona.

Arizona Department of Health Services oversees home daycares in Arizona. These are the kinds it allows and the steps, each with the state's own page.

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.

The kinds of home daycare Arizona allows

Child care group home
5 to 10 children
Care is given in a home for pay, for less than 24 hours a day.
Source: 36-897. Definitions
DES certified family child care provider
Up to 4 children
The Department of Economic Security certifies these providers to care for children in their own home.
Source: Become a DES Certified Family Child Care Provider

Learn your local rules
Find out your city, county and homeowners association rules before you begin. You must meet them.
Source: Starting a Child Care Group Home: Child Care Group Home Certification Process Information
Check for nearby open land
Is vacant or farm land within a quarter mile of your home? You have extra steps before you apply.
Source: Starting a Child Care Group Home: Child Care Group Home Certification Process Information
Get fingerprint clearance cards
All staff and household members 18 or older need a level one fingerprint clearance card.
Source: Starting a Child Care Group Home: Child Care Group Home Certification Process Information
Complete the New Owner Orientation for Homes
Home applicants must complete the New Owner Orientation Training for Homes.
Source: New Owner Orientation
Apply in the licensing portal
Fill out your application in the ADHS Child Care Facility Licensing Portal.
Source: Starting a Child Care Group Home: Child Care Group Home Certification Process Information
Get ready for your home inspection
You and your State Compliance Officer pick a date for your home inspection.
Source: Starting a Child Care Group Home: Child Care Group Home Certification Process Information

Who oversees home daycares: Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Child Care Licensing (BCCL). Certifies child care group homes and licenses child care facilities.Source: Starting a Child Care Group Home: Child Care Group Home Certification Process Information
Certificate needed for: 5 or more children in your home for paySource: Starting a Child Care Group Home: Child Care Group Home Certification Process Information
No state certificate needed: Up to 4 children for pay, plus your own childrenSource: Starting a Child Care Group Home: Child Care Group Home Certification Process Information
Staff in a group home: 1 staff member for 1 to 5 children, 2 for 6 to 10, not counting your ownSource: Starting a Child Care Group Home: Child Care Group Home Certification Process Information
Inspections: At least two unannounced visits each yearSource: Starting a Child Care Group Home: Child Care Group Home Certification Process Information

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
To become a DES certified provider, watch the DES video and fill out its pre-application.Source: Become a DES Certified Family Child Care Provider
A DES certified provider needs three references from people they have known for at least one year.Source: Become a DES Certified Family Child Care Provider

Run a program in Arizona? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works

How to start a daycare in Arizona
Opening a child care center: the steps and the agency.
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.

How do I start a home daycare in Arizona?

The first step: Learn your local rules. All 6 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.

Who oversees home daycares in Arizona?

Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Child Care Licensing (BCCL). Certifies child care group homes and licenses child care facilities.

How many children can a home daycare in Arizona care for?

Child care group home: 5 to 10 children. DES certified family child care provider: Up to 4 children.

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.