Arizona Childcare Licensing
Arizona Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)
Arizona childcare licensing is administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care. A licensed Arizona center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual; unannounced visits; complaint investigations
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamArizona Licensing Requirements: The Specifics
Arizona childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501.
Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501
Arizona childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7517.
Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7517
Arizona childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7518(D).
Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7518(D)
Arizona childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7519.
Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7519
Arizona childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7523.
Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7523
Arizona childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(C).
Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(C)
Arizona Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Hours of Operation | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501 |
|---|---|
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7517 |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7518(D) |
| Medication Administration Policy | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7519 |
| Emergency Procedures | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7523 |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(C) |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7520 |
| Parent Communication Policy | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(A) |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(B) |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3620; AAC R6-5-7516 |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(D) |
| Health and Safety Policies | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7518 |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Arizona Civil Rights Act ARS §41-1463; AAC R6-5-7401 |
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Arizona Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Arizona?
Childcare licensing in Arizona is regulated by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care. Official licensing information is published at https://des.az.gov/services/child-and-family/childcare/childcare-licensing.
How many handbook policy sections does Arizona require?
Arizona requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.
How often does Arizona inspect licensed childcare centers?
Annual; unannounced visits; complaint investigations
What happens if a Arizona center is out of compliance?
Fines; corrective action; license revocation under ARS §36-897.01
Arizona childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Arizona administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.