Arkansas Childcare Licensing

Arkansas Childcare Immunization Requirements (2026)

Children enrolled in a licensed Arkansas childcare center must show proof of age-appropriate immunization. Arkansas requires documentation for 9 vaccine series, with limited medical and legally permitted exemptions.

Licensing Agency

Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Child Care Licensing Unit (functions formerly administered by the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education / DCCECE) →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Arkansas Immunization Requirements: The Specifics

Arkansas childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Children must have an authorized record of up-to-date immunizations per the current Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) immunization schedule (MLR Section 604, item h); documentation of a religious or medical exemption is accepted in lieu of records. immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Arkansas childcare licensing requires age-appropriate DTaP/DTP/DT (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) — per ADH schedule by age immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Arkansas childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Polio (IPV) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Arkansas childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Arkansas childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Hepatitis B immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Arkansas childcare licensing requires age-appropriate MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Arkansas childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Varicella (chickenpox) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Arkansas childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Pneumococcal (PCV) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Arkansas childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Note: the specific antigen list and schedule are set by ADH (Arkansas Department of Health) rules, not by the MLR; the MLR only requires an 'authorized record of up-to-date immunizations.' Treat the antigen list as the ADH schedule, not as an MLR enumeration. immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Arkansas Immunization Requirements Checklist

  • Children must have an authorized record of up-to-date immunizations per the current Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) immunization schedule (MLR Section 604, item h); documentation of a religious or medical exemption is accepted in lieu of records.
  • DTaP/DTP/DT (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) — per ADH schedule by age
  • Polio (IPV)
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
  • Hepatitis B
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Pneumococcal (PCV)
  • Note: the specific antigen list and schedule are set by ADH (Arkansas Department of Health) rules, not by the MLR; the MLR only requires an 'authorized record of up-to-date immunizations.' Treat the antigen list as the ADH schedule, not as an MLR enumeration.

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Arkansas Immunization Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Which vaccines does Arkansas require for childcare enrollment?

Arkansas requires age-appropriate immunization records for: Children must have an authorized record of up-to-date immunizations per the current Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) immunization schedule (MLR Section 604, item h); documentation of a religious or medical exemption is accepted in lieu of records., DTaP/DTP/DT (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) — per ADH schedule by age, Polio (IPV), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), Hepatitis B, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), Pneumococcal (PCV), Note: the specific antigen list and schedule are set by ADH (Arkansas Department of Health) rules, not by the MLR; the MLR only requires an 'authorized record of up-to-date immunizations.' Treat the antigen list as the ADH schedule, not as an MLR enumeration..

Are immunization exemptions allowed in Arkansas?

Arkansas permits documented medical exemptions and, where state law allows, certain non-medical exemptions. Confirm the current exemption rules with the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Child Care Licensing Unit (functions formerly administered by the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education / DCCECE).

When must immunization records be on file in Arkansas?

Arkansas requires up-to-date immunization documentation at enrollment, with records kept current in each child's file thereafter.

Arkansas childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Arkansas administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Child Care Licensing Unit (functions formerly administered by the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education / DCCECE) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.