How to start a home daycare in Arkansas.

Arkansas Department of Education oversees home daycares in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas allows

Starting a home daycare in Arkansas, step by step

  1. Call Child Care Licensing

    Call the Child Care Licensing main office to start.

    Source: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Child Care License

  2. Take the pre-licensing class

    Licensing staff connect you with your area specialist. They explain how to schedule the required class.

    Source: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Child Care License

  3. Have a pre-approval meeting

    Every license applicant has a consultation meeting before the application is approved.

    Source: Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes

  4. Draw a diagram of your home

    Your application includes a diagram of your home.

    Source: Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes

  5. Start background checks

    Start criminal record and child maltreatment registry checks. Your application shows they have begun.

    Source: Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes

  6. Get liability insurance

    Get child care liability insurance. You need proof before you care for children.

    Source: Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes

  7. Apply online

    Send a complete, signed application online once you are within 60 days of opening.

    Source: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Child Care License

  8. Pass the home inspection

    Your licensing specialist inspects your home and makes a recommendation on your license.

    Source: Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes

At a glance

Who oversees home daycares
Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Its Licensing Unit enforces the Child Care Licensing Act for homes and centers.Source: Child Care Licensing
Fire and health approvals
Needed for 11 or more childrenSource: Child Care Licensing
Zoning
City zoning approval where it appliesSource: Child Care Licensing
Your own children
Your own preschool children count toward the totalSource: Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes
Primary caregiver
Present whenever children are in care, with no other job thenSource: Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes
License length
Stays in effect while you keep meeting the rulesSource: Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes

Good to know

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Questions, answered

How do I start a home daycare in Arkansas?

The first step: Call Child Care Licensing. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.

Who oversees home daycares in Arkansas?

Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Its Licensing Unit enforces the Child Care Licensing Act for homes and centers.

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

Registered child care family home: Up to 5 children. Licensed child care family home: 6 to 16 children.

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.

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