Childcare Licensing Requirements in Phoenix, Arizona
If you are opening or operating a childcare center in Phoenix, Arizona, you must comply with Arizona's licensing requirements administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care. As Arizona's largest city with a population of 1.6 million, Phoenix has a substantial childcare market with many families relying on licensed centers.
Arizona childcare centers in Phoenix must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501.
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See complete Arizona licensing requirements →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections for Phoenix Childcare Centers
The following sections must appear in every Arizona childcare parent handbook. These requirements apply to all licensed centers in Phoenix.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501 | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7517 | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7518(D) | Required |
| Medication Administration Policy | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7519 | Required |
| Emergency Procedures | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7523 | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(C) | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7520 | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(A) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(B) | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3620; AAC R6-5-7516 | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7501(D) | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7518 | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | Arizona Civil Rights Act ARS §41-1463; AAC R6-5-7401 | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7524 | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | Arizona Administrative Code R6-5-7525 | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios in Phoenix
Arizona mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group. Every licensed childcare center in Phoenix must meet these minimums at all times.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:5 |
| Toddler (12-24 months) | 1:6 |
| Toddler (24-36 months) | 1:8 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:13 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:15 |
Immunization Requirements
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hib
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
Background Check Requirements
- Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance card
- Central Registry check
- Sex offender registry check
Inspection Frequency
Annual; unannounced visits; complaint investigations
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines; corrective action; license revocation under ARS §36-897.01
Local Childcare Resources in Phoenix
In addition to state licensing requirements, Phoenix childcare operators can access support through local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies. Contact your local CCR&R for Phoenix-specific assistance with licensing applications, training, and family subsidy programs. The Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care also maintains regional offices that serve the Phoenix area.
For official Arizona licensing information visit: https://des.az.gov/services/child-and-family/childcare/childcare-licensing
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What are the childcare licensing requirements in Phoenix?
Childcare centers in Phoenix must comply with Arizona state licensing requirements enforced by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care. This includes maintaining a compliant parent handbook with 13 required sections, meeting staff-to-child ratios by age group, ensuring all enrolled children have up-to-date immunizations, and completing background checks for all staff and volunteers.
How many staff do I need for a daycare in Phoenix?
In Phoenix, Arizona mandates specific staff-to-child ratios by age group: Infant (0-12 months) requires a ratio of 1:5; Toddler (12-24 months) requires a ratio of 1:6; Toddler (24-36 months) requires a ratio of 1:8; Preschool (3 years) requires a ratio of 1:13; Preschool (4-5 years) requires a ratio of 1:15. These ratios are set by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care and apply to all licensed childcare centers in Phoenix.
What immunizations are required for childcare in Phoenix?
Children enrolled in Phoenix childcare centers must have documentation of the following immunizations per Arizona state requirements: DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hib, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A. These records must be on file at the childcare facility.