Arkansas Childcare Licensing

Arkansas Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)

Before you can legally care for children for pay in Arkansas, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. In Arkansas a person may care for fewer than six (6) children from more than one (1) family at the same time without a child care license; once six (6) or more children from more than one family are in care, a license is required, and a maximum of sixteen (16) children may be cared for under a Child Care Family Home license (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-202(2)(D)(v); DCCECE Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes, Section 102.4). A day care family home not required to be licensed (fewer than six children) may voluntarily register on the Division's voluntary registry (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-221).

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 License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics

In Arkansas a person may care for fewer than six (6) children from more than one (1) family at the same time without a child care license

1

once six (6) or more children from more than one family are in care, a license is required, and a maximum of sixteen (16) children may be cared for under a Child Care Family Home license (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-202(2)(D)(v)

Ark. Code Ann. § 2

DCCECE Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes, Section 102.4).

Ark

A day care family home not required to be licensed (fewer than six children) may voluntarily register on the Division's voluntary registry (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-221).

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A Licensed Child Care Family Home serves six (6) to sixteen (16) children (Family Home MLR 102.4).

Family Home MLR 102.4

With one (1) caregiver the home may care for up to 10 children (e.g., up to 8 with no more than 1 under age 2

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up to 10 if all are age 3 and up)

DCCECE Family Home MLR 301.1, 301.2, 302.1

with two (2) caregivers up to 14 children (no more than 4 under age 2), rising to 15-16 only when no more than 2 children are under age 2

no more than 4 under age 2

homes specializing in infant care must maintain a 1:3 ratio (DCCECE Family Home MLR 301.1, 301.2, 302.1).

DCCECE Family Home MLR 301.1, 301.2, 302.1

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Arkansas License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions

How many children can I care for in Arkansas without a license?

In Arkansas a person may care for fewer than six (6) children from more than one (1) family at the same time without a child care license; once six (6) or more children from more than one family are in care, a license is required, and a maximum of sixteen (16) children may be cared for under a Child Care Family Home license (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-202(2)(D)(v); DCCECE Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Family Homes, Section 102.4). A day care family home not required to be licensed (fewer than six children) may voluntarily register on the Division's voluntary registry (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-78-221).

What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Arkansas?

Operating above the Arkansas exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact 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) about the correct credential before you begin.

Does Arkansas offer a voluntary registration for small providers?

Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Arkansas offers a voluntary registry 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).

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.